20-Something, 20-Everything: A Quarter-Life Woman's Guide to Balance and Direction

I don't write too many reviews on books, or anything for that matter...But I just finished this book after savoring it in a slow read for the last month and I have to say... It is one of the best books I have ever. I'm twenty-seven and this book is exactly what I needed when I needed it. I wish I would have read this book in my early twenties because I would be many years wiser back then if I would have really chewed on everything in this book. She is very wise and offers so much helpful advice, not too mention the stories of her life and others going through the same twenty something process is both refreshing and comforting knowing... I'm not the only one with these fears, struggles, confusions, and feelings of being lost. At the end she also gives awesome references for more books that will helps give direction and wisdom. I plan on reading those too. I know this book is a little older, and there might be newer resources on the subject but the information in no way is outdated and its wisdom for the years to come that I believe are timeless. I am very happy on this read... I took so much from it, it gave me a fresh perspective on myself and my own journey from past to present and future.

I was in the midst of what felt like a heavy fog of confusion, sorrow, guilt and pain in my early twenties. This book was like the beacon of light that I could follow. Not only did it identify my painful emotions and circumstances that caused those emotions, but it challenged me to change them. There are many exercises within the book that encourage self discipline, and self care and love. These exercises make you be involved in your own life, not just a passive bystander. It shows you that only you can create your own happiness, and that it is your job to ensure your own happiness as well. It also showed me that balance in my life takes constant work, but if you take it one step at a time, it won't be overwhelming, it will be the best thing that you have ever done for yourself. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has just graduated from college, or who is currently in college so they can get a headstart on adjusting to being thrust from the bubble of the college world and won't be so jilted by true reality. a must-read!

I purchased this book after I graduated college and was overwhelmed by my own quarter-life 'now what' crisis. I enjoyed reading it and working through the writing prompts, and took many notes and had some good insights. However, I did not feel represented in this book, as most of the 'real life' examples were women who were in very high profile profile or high paced white collar careers. What about the stay at home moms or non-profit workers or those working in blue or pink collar positions? I fit into the pink collar category and could not relate well to many of the stories, it just needed more variety. After I was done I gave the book to a friend who was going through her own quarter-life crisis and hopefully it was able to help her as well.

This is an amazing book. I am not the biggest book reader (not since college). I prefer articles on health & news. Anyways, I got this book because while I enjoy my life and I've done many things I'm proud of, I wanted to know what my next step was. My profession is great, but up until this point in my life I was always studying to get to a desired result, certification, or degree. I was and am used to studying something. But right now, I'm truly enjoying the fruits of my labor, taking time for me, & not studying anything. But I got to a point where I wanted more than just 'enjoying life' and want to work towards some type of goal whether it be career or persona-wise because there's always room for improvement. I just didn't know what that next step of progression in my career or sense of self should be. So I got this book because I wanted to delve into the reasons as to why I was feeling this way. This book has opened my eyes to my feelings and things/events in my past or in my family tree that contribute to my personality, work ethic, thinking patterns, etc. I definitely recommend this book to 20-something women whether they are self-proclaimed readers or not. This book makes you reflect on yourself and makes for amazing conversation with your friends, significant other, siblings, mentors, and parents.

This book is fine for people who really are struggling to find their purpose in life. It's very stereotypical to help women figure out what they want out of life. It's heteronormative which made it so about 40% of the book did not apply to me. This is a book for women who "watch Sex and the City and idolize Madonna" It's very cookie cutter and nothing you can't find in online support forums, or basically talking to a supportive friend. It's fine but not helpful.

My belief is Christine does not just give to the reader but simultaneously provides the space for individuals to truly process life in their 20s. Moreover, she allows those beyond their twenties the space to reflect, question and confront what was, in the hope of providing insight for individuals currently in their 20s that can be influenced. The book is not just an educational tool for outlining aspects of the process of living in your 20s. It is a literary mastery that allows any reader regardless of gender the opportunity to explore, experience, personalize, and actualize their own lives while striving to live optimally. Furthermore, the strongest component aside from the aforementioned is it allowed me the chance to think about affects that I never provided the space or time for in an experiential manner. I feel that Christine has a succinct and effective writing style. She has this inimitable ability to convey a direct message that explicates understanding of living in the uncertain 20's during the 21st century. Lastly, the abundance of exercises throughout allows for preparing and normalzing the individual experience in a candid way. Thank you. Jay M. Greenfeld, M.A. PhD Program, Counseling Psychology

This is perhaps the hardest book I've ever read, and I havent' even finished it. I'm accustomed to books giving you the answers as you lazily read along. This one is completely different. This is a guided workbook into your soul. It tackles your childhood, where you got your expectations from, who you have been at different times and in different circumstances of your life, what you want, what you think you want, why you think you want what you think you want... This book has some reading, but it's mainly guided exercises. I would highly recommend having a specific notebook for "20 Something" and all the activities. The results are amazing and far reaching and requires complete honesty and unveiling. It clarifies who you are and what you want for all aspects of your life: career, family and personal relationships. This is a great read for all young women, but this is not by any means a "beach book". This requires concentration and dedication.

This book is really good. If you are 20-something straight out of college or after this book will help you reflect on yourself and your potential. For me my whole life I went to school and did extra clubs and sports so I could go to college. For this piece of paper that would validate me. That was the goal, but what do you do with all that after? The after is such an uncharted territory with no real right answer. Sometimes things just don't turn out how you thought. Tools and ideas in this book help put things into perspective and help you think about your skills/qualities and how to further use(spin) them. Use what you got! It's a start!