The Young Adult Playbook: Living Like It Matters

by Anna B. Moreland, Thomas W. Smith

152 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2024

Reviews

[Keira Konson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for a retreat next weekend with the author who is one of the loveliest college professors I have ever met

[Alexander Fezza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent. Moreland and Smith accomplish something rare. They have their pulse on the unique tendencies and problems of Gen Z and respond to them with timeless advice. They don't preach at or condescend to young adults today; this book clearly arises out of the real experiences of their many students. It is filled with journal exercises that are both practical and deeply thought-provoking. There is something in this book for everyone.

[Kyra Koons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Moreland and Tom Smith have written an outstanding guide for young people. The Young Adult Playbook is rich with wisdom from ancient thinkers to modern psychologists, real stories from college students and their own keen insights from decades of accompanying young adults. It is brought together in a warm, very accessible read that beautifully empowers and gives hope. They talk about what matters—our work, our free time, our relationships—in a deeply good and impactful way that challenges the current narratives young people are fed while gently suggesting another way. I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially high schoolers preparing for the next step, college students in the midst of it, and post grads who might be stuck and questioning without anywhere to turn. This is also a worthwhile read for parents and mentors who want to better understand the unique struggles of young people today and receive language and a framework to move forward in a helpful manner. I have already shared this book with someone who works on a college campus and mentors students, as well as a 30-something who may benefit from pondering a different approach to finding love. It’s too good not to share!

[Mary Xu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this read. Very relatable for young adults touching on topics of relationships, friendships and career advice. One of my favorite parts is that we tend to fear failure which I can relate and that leads us to become reluctant to take risks in our professional and personal lives. Moreland and Smith's book offers advice that helps you overcome these fears. I have taken a new perspective on many aspects of life after reading this. One of my favorite parts are the journal exercises embedded in the book to help you reflect on your own life.