Synopsis: Our “thirty-is-the-new-twenty” culture tells us the twentysomething years don’t matter. Some say they are a second adolescence. Others call them an emerging adulthood. Dr. Meg Jay, a clinical psychologist, argues that twentysomethings have been caught in a swirl of hype and misinformation, much of which has trivialized what is actually the most defining decade of adulthood. Drawing from a decade of work with hundreds of twentysomething clients and students, The Defining Decade weaves the latest science of the twentysomething years with behind-closed-doors stories from twentysomethings themselves. The result is a provocative read that provides the tools necessary to make the most of your twenties, and shows us how work, relationships, personality, social networks, identity, and even the brain can change more during this decade than at any other time in adulthood-if we use the time wisely.
My thoughts in a nutshell: 3 Stars out of 5 Stars – Although Dr. Meg Jay did bring up some good points, I did find a number of flaws in her argument. In my opinion, this book only applies to a small number of twenty-somethings – those who have access to a number of resources and opportunities, therefore limiting itself to the middle and upper classes. I know young people who can’t take internships because they need to work in the summers in order to pay for their college education, while I know others who have graduated and are currently working as tour guides for American abroad students in Europe in an effort to delay “the real world.” In essence, it’s an interesting read for all young people but her suggestions should be taken with a grain of salt and it should be considered in what situations her recommendations apply.
My review – Not quite the defining decade for everyone – What is great about this book is how Dr. Jay includes tidbits and stories from her own patients that are incredibly relatable to almost every young adult – such as one 23-year-old saying that they’re in the middle of the ocean and can swim any which way, but they don’t know which way land is so they’d just rather tread water until a sign comes. Generally, this is very relatable to navigating life post-graduation for many. The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter–And How to Make the Most of Them Now makes you not feel alone in navigating the post-grad world, and provides some helpful advice relating to love, life, your career, and health. The writing is clear, concise, and the book is rather an easy read -I got through two-thirds of it in less than a day.
The Hungry Bibliophile 