Generation WTF

November 8, 2010
In this guidebook, sociology professor Whelan provides frustrated 20-somethings a roadmap to success in harsh, postrecessionary reality, using her own WTF formulation: wisdom, tenacity, and fearlessness. Her hands-on self-help program, the result of a decade-long analysis of bestselling titles, from Scott Peck's legendary The Road Less Traveled to Suze Orman's Money Book, emphasizes the importance of determining (and remembering) values and purpose; she advises on everything from handling procrastination and stress to finding love and managing finances. Firsthand accounts of actual generation WTF-ers demonstrating the effectiveness of Whelan's techniques abound. Furthermore, the book involves a great deal of reader participation, making this solid book a tangible experience as well as an informative and inspirational one. Whelan's intent is pragmatic and meaningful: to create a sense of clarity in a universe of tormenting uncertainty.

November 15, 2010

Whelan (sociology, Univ. of Pittsburgh; Marry Smart: The Intelligent Woman's Guide to True Love) gears this guidebook to 18- to 25-year-olds who feel like the rug has been pulled out from under them in terms of employment and finances. She empathetically acknowledges the problem but moves into a "What are we going to do about it?" mode. Through thought-provoking quizzes and questionnaires, Whelan helps readers look honestly at their goals, self-control issues, relationships, and money management skills. Unlike many books of this nature, the writing doesn't come across as condescending or too hip and provides a positive path to a productive life.

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