Adulthood for Beginners by Andy BoyleISBN: 9780143130512
Publication Date: 2017-05-02
Reviewer: Cristine Mitchamore, Adult Services Librarian
“I believe that everyone else my age is an adult whereas I am merely in disguise.” ~ Margaret Atwood
I'm always looking for advice on being an adult, so I picked up Boyle's book. The writing style is accessible and generally lighthearted. As for the advice itself. . . Some of the advice I couldn't believe *needed* to be said, mostly because I couldn't believe people actually did that sort of thing. Other advice was simply excellent. (I'd love to just copy the sections on networking, resumes, cover letters and interviewing and give them to everyone I meet looking for a job. The advice is clear and articulate, specific and good.) I also like the straightforward way Boyle approached the dating chapter which included advice on sex, consent, sexting and breakups. He came right out and said that someone who is drunk can't consent to sex, that no one owes you sex regardless of the times you've gone out, sharing an intimate photo of an ex to shame them after the relationship is over is being an asshole, etc. I really appreciated that Boyle was clear and articulate about these issues. Basically, he gave advice for being a good adult. Overall, I think Adulthood for beginners provides a lot of good advice that's presented in a clear, friendly way that's specific enough to help shape readers' expectations of 'adult' behavior.