Do the Next New Thing - by Pamela Lamp (Paperback)

About the Book

"Many of us have been there. Because of life changes--kids are grown and gone, divorce, relocation, retirement, death, health issues--we ponder what's next and try to determine a direction for our lives. We're often stuck--wanting to do something but not knowing what that something is. And how do you figure it out? When she desired a purpose, a passion, friends, and a community, Pamela Lamp devised a project for herself. She took those first few steps--steps anyone can take--to find herself and begin the journey she wished to travel."--

Book Synopsis

Many of us have been there. Because of life changes-kids are grown and gone, divorce, relocation, retirement, death, health issues--we ponder what's next and try to determine a direction for our lives. We're often stuck--wanting to do something but not knowing what that something is.

And how do you figure it out?

When she desired a purpose, a passion, friends, and a community, Pamela Lamp devised a project for herself. She took those first few steps--steps anyone can take --to find herself and begin the journey she wished to travel.

Like a conversation with a good friend, this book is full of observations of what might just happen when you take a step back, embrace uncertainty, and let go of control.

Review Quotes

Pamela Lamp's suggestions and tips are practical and inclusive, encouraging readers to look for small opportunities to broaden their horizons. Though she is positive and upbeat, she is also honest about her experiences, acknowledging that not all of the new things she did had significant or lasting impacts. However, she emphasizes with inviting power the value of trying new things, no matter what their outcomes. Though readers of retirement age may benefit most from Lamp's reflections on her experiences, all readers can benefit from Lamp's gentle, supportive push to experience new things in order to grow. Fun, practical guide to expanding horizons and seizing possibilities.
- Publisher's Weekly - BookLife

I truly love this book and look forward to giving it as a gift!! Trying something new and stepping outside your comfort zone can be daunting, but as Pamela Lamp proves in her inspiring debut, Do the Next New Thing, it's well worth the effort.
Whether she's testing out a pasta machine, visiting a new museum, starting a podcast, or discovering a book club, Lamp greets each day like a bold adventure. Her warm and conversational tone makes this a quick and engaging read. If you, too, are looking to reignite your passion and purpose, pick up Do the Next New Thing. This is a book I'll look forward to returning to and sharing with friends!
-- Liz Alterman, author of "The Perfect Neighborhood" and "The House on Cold Creek Lane"

Pamela Lamp's Do the Next New Thing is an inspiring and soul-stirring guide to living a more joyful and purposeful life. I am not usually one to read motivational books, but Pamela's story resonated with me deeply. Like Shonda Rhimes in her memoir Year of Yes, Pamela takes us on a year-long journey of breaking out routines and standing up to fear. By pushing herself to attempt the unfamiliar, Pamela not only forges a more fulfilling relationship with her husband, but she finds real friendship and sincere purpose. Peppered with practical worksheets and quotes from the author's favorite writers, Do the Next New Thing is a moving and deeply accessible memoir that readers will find un-put-downable. I'm honestly planning on gifting this book to every woman I know!
-- Lynda Cohen Loigman, author of "The Matchmaker's Gift" and "The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern"

This is such a delightful, inspiring read! I couldn't put it down, and found so many profound nuggets inside. I know I'll be re-reading it again soon and trying out some of the suggestions. Pamela Lamp writes like she's talking to a friend, and pulls you right into her year-long quest to keep things fresh and fun, to make each day count. Five stars for sure!
-- Fiona Davis, New York Times best-selling author of "The Spectacular" and "The Lions of Fifth Avenue"

So many things about this book spoke to me. Early on, Lamp talks about having an empty nest after many years of being a stay-at-home mom, and her desire to find the "thing" that will excite and engage her in the new stage of her life. While I've worked throughout my kids' lives, I can relate to the uncertainty about the next chapter. This is a great, quick read for anyone looking for a little inspiration and the motivation to make a life change--from something as small as trying a new place for lunch to something much bigger!
-- Andrea J. Stein, author of "Dear Eliza" and "Typecast"

Do The Next New Thing manages to be both accessible and poignant. I devoured the ideas in this timely, thought-provoking book.
-- R. J. Jacobs, author of "Somewhere in the Dark" and "This is How We End Things"

Pamela Lamp gets to the heart of how doing '