Ready or Not: Leaning into Life in Our Twenties

Moser and Fankhauser, academics who research the lives of college students, build on their professional experience in this readable, relevant book for new adults. They encourage 20-somethings to discover their vocations (expanded here beyond religious overtones to mean the meeting of the world’s needs and one’s passions) and live lives influenced by more meaningful concerns through asking serious questions of themselves. The authors exhibit a genuine understanding and concern for the turmoil of the first decade of adulthood as they cover topics including embarking on careers, finding places in church, making sense of childhood experiences, and growing into new family roles. The authors also take fresh approaches to conventional self-help notions, such as encouraging self-improvement through the development of strengths rather than the reduction of faults. Each chapter ends with thoughtful exercises for readers to apply to their lives. Though the tone is light throughout, Moser and Fankhauser provide many jumping-off points for deep contemplation about a wide range of fraught areas for those starting adulthood. Christian readers setting out into the wilds of adulthood will find this a helpful guide. (Apr.)