The Twentysomething Handbook

December 21, 2020
Youth counselor Bradbury-Haehl (The Freshman Survival Guide) provides reassurance for readers adjusting to adulthood in this pragmatic handbook for building a successful life. One’s 20s are a strange time full of transitions and life lessons, Bradbury-Haehl writes, reminding readers, “If you are still feeling a little in-between, that’s to be expected.” She addresses big life transitions, such as attaining financial independence and making changes in living arrangements, encouraging those leaving home to develop a plan with their parents and to ask for help when necessary to “prevent finances from becoming a battleground.” For the newly employed, Bradbury-Haehl identifies difficult coworker types to look out for (the crab, bully, and gossip) and warns to “be polite, but don’t get too cozy” with one’s colleagues. A chapter on grief—both processing it and offering support to others—provides invaluable guidance on funeral etiquette and what to do when people say the wrong thing (such as saying “thank you for being here” or pivoting to an innocuous topic). The final section focuses on the importance of forgiveness and the benefits of diversity. For an age group overwhelmed with information, Bradbury-Haehl finds a way to make it all manageable.