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20 Things We'd Tell Our Twentysomething Selves
How to Make the Most of Your 20s Despite what many think, your twenties aren’t that dead space between youth and real life. Life is now, and how you spend these years will shape your future for better or worse. In 20 Things We ’ d Tell Our Twentysomething Selves , professors Peter and Kelli Worrall help you spend them well. They look back on the good, bad, and miserable to share the best of what they’ve learned, like why you With warm, brilliant storytelling, the Worralls invite you into their life and home. They share about faith, marriage, drawn-out adoptions, dark nights of the soul, and the God who’s in it all. Wise, humble, caring, fun, they’re the kind of mentors everyone wants but few have. And now they're yours. 20 Things is more than good advice; it’s a book that can change your life. Let the trend of your twenties be sowing wisdom, and who knows what the rest of life will bring? Includes action steps, discussion questions, and ideas for further reading at the end of each chapter.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 2015
10 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Kelli Worrall
3 books9 followersKELLI WORRALL has been teaching in the Communications Department of Moody Bible Institute since 1998. She teaches both writing and public speaking courses. She has also directed many of the plays and advises several of the drama teams on campus.
Kelli studied communications at Cedarville University and spent the first part of her career writing church curriculum products for children and youth at Regular Baptist Press. Kelli studied religious education at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MRE) and creative writing at Roosevelt University (MFA).
Kelli enjoys speaking and writing. She authored the popular article "20 Things I Wish I Had Known in My Late 20s," published in Relevant Magazine. She enjoys speaking at women's events and retreats. She and husband, Peter, speak together at marriage, college, and young adult retreats, and Kelli blogs at www.thisoddhouse.org. They are parents of Daryl (6) and Amelia (3) through adoption. Kelli's hobbies include running, cooking, and decorating their Craftsman house.
Kelli studied communications at Cedarville University and spent the first part of her career writing church curriculum products for children and youth at Regular Baptist Press. Kelli studied religious education at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MRE) and creative writing at Roosevelt University (MFA).
Kelli enjoys speaking and writing. She authored the popular article "20 Things I Wish I Had Known in My Late 20s," published in Relevant Magazine. She enjoys speaking at women's events and retreats. She and husband, Peter, speak together at marriage, college, and young adult retreats, and Kelli blogs at www.thisoddhouse.org. They are parents of Daryl (6) and Amelia (3) through adoption. Kelli's hobbies include running, cooking, and decorating their Craftsman house.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 16, 2016
It's amazing, the roundabout ways God will take to send you exactly the book you need. My mom heard about 20 Things on a radio advertisement for Moody Radio, I thought I had heard of it before and looked it up on my book blogger program. It was available, so I requested it.
Little did I know just how amazing it was going to be.
I spent a Sunday afternoon at the beach learning--growing--resting--praying. I read a few sections, pondered a few minutes, wandered down the beach and read more--read it on a swing, on the sand, on a boardwalk bench, in the back of our van. I even underlined and marked in it, which is something rare for me.
Peter and Kelli taught me that it's OK to feel emotions, and how to process them. They taught me that sometimes emotions that you don't understand and don't expect come from trauma you haven't healed--and everyone needs to heal their trauma. They taught me that mentors may be many different people teaching us many different things. They taught me to feed my soul and learn to rest properly. They taught me how to plan good habits.
One morning the following week, I woke up amazed and delighted with the knowledge that I am loved--and let my mind linger over the Creator's love for me. That made such a better way to start the day than my normal worrying, wrestling, or busyness. That came from the section on "Living Loved". I've been lingering over and applying different sections of the book ever since I turned the last page.
Kelli and Peter are engaging authors. They have the gift of knowing and sympathizing with what life is like as a twenty-something. Each chapter is packed with advice, and while there were a few sections I struggled to understand and process correctly (Take Sin Seriously often turned into taking sin too seriously, and processing emotions can quickly get way too complicated for me) on the whole I was blessed. It felt like drinking a cold glass of water or having someone tell you to lie down and rest for a while.
It felt like they were taking care of me. Giving me answers I needed. Making sense of this twentysomething life in a compassionate and grace-filled way.
While I did not have time to go through all the journaling questions due to the book deadline, they are a rich resource for examination and prayer, and I would like to go back through them. I think they would maximize the impact of the book even further, as amazing as it was just reading it.
I highly recommend purchasing this and soaking in its truth and grace. It's one I definitely want to read again.
And if you have a twentysomething in your life, consider giving it to them. It would be a gift that blesses them in a lot of ways.
This book was given me by Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Little did I know just how amazing it was going to be.
I spent a Sunday afternoon at the beach learning--growing--resting--praying. I read a few sections, pondered a few minutes, wandered down the beach and read more--read it on a swing, on the sand, on a boardwalk bench, in the back of our van. I even underlined and marked in it, which is something rare for me.
Peter and Kelli taught me that it's OK to feel emotions, and how to process them. They taught me that sometimes emotions that you don't understand and don't expect come from trauma you haven't healed--and everyone needs to heal their trauma. They taught me that mentors may be many different people teaching us many different things. They taught me to feed my soul and learn to rest properly. They taught me how to plan good habits.
One morning the following week, I woke up amazed and delighted with the knowledge that I am loved--and let my mind linger over the Creator's love for me. That made such a better way to start the day than my normal worrying, wrestling, or busyness. That came from the section on "Living Loved". I've been lingering over and applying different sections of the book ever since I turned the last page.
Kelli and Peter are engaging authors. They have the gift of knowing and sympathizing with what life is like as a twenty-something. Each chapter is packed with advice, and while there were a few sections I struggled to understand and process correctly (Take Sin Seriously often turned into taking sin too seriously, and processing emotions can quickly get way too complicated for me) on the whole I was blessed. It felt like drinking a cold glass of water or having someone tell you to lie down and rest for a while.
It felt like they were taking care of me. Giving me answers I needed. Making sense of this twentysomething life in a compassionate and grace-filled way.
While I did not have time to go through all the journaling questions due to the book deadline, they are a rich resource for examination and prayer, and I would like to go back through them. I think they would maximize the impact of the book even further, as amazing as it was just reading it.
I highly recommend purchasing this and soaking in its truth and grace. It's one I definitely want to read again.
And if you have a twentysomething in your life, consider giving it to them. It would be a gift that blesses them in a lot of ways.
This book was given me by Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 4, 2023
A good book to go through with a small group. Lots of good questions to digest with a close community 🙂
August 9, 2023
A good book. The reading in the book itself is good, but a little lacking to be honest. Chapters in tis book are really stellar as a stand-alone. Parts, paragraphs, and pages in this book are great. The topics touched on are great. But what really makes this book are the discussion questions at the end of each chapter. In order to fully utilize them though, I would argue, that you need a small group to go though the questions together. In my experience, very little in the text itself will be referred to in the answers to the questions, but none of the book is bad.
May 10, 2016
Why I Choose this Book:
I'm in my twenties and I want to live each day of my life to the best of my ability. Enough said.
What I Thought About this Book:
Wow. I really liked this book. It was so chocked full of amazing advice given in a really loving, friendly, and easy to understand way. The book is written by a husband and wife team and I greatly enjoyed the way they pulled it off - I = have no clue how people can co-author a book like they did.
Each one of the points was so spot-on and helpful and Biblically based which was really refreshing. They told stories from their on lives, opening up to the hurt and problems they'd gone through and how they'd learned from their own issues and received healing, and how other people can, too.
I was reading several different books at once, but I can't remember anything inappropriate in this book, nor does anything come to mind that I disagreed with. (Surprise, surprise! I may have missed something though.)
Overall I'm very thankful I read this book and I really want to re-read it already. It's challenging and insightful and encouraging all at once. I'm also eager to look into the recommended reading that they had at the end of each chapter. Normally I don't like sections like that, but in this book I found them unique and interesting.
Conclusion:
In reality I think this book is one that very much transcends age. I would have found it extremely helpful in my teens and thing it would be quite beneficial to people older than their twenties, too.
Rating:
I'm giving 20 Things We'd Tell Our Twenty-Something Selves Five stars out of five, and ten out of ten. I highly recommend it to anyone thirteen and older.
*I received this book for free from Moody Press in exchange for an honest review*
I'm in my twenties and I want to live each day of my life to the best of my ability. Enough said.
What I Thought About this Book:
Wow. I really liked this book. It was so chocked full of amazing advice given in a really loving, friendly, and easy to understand way. The book is written by a husband and wife team and I greatly enjoyed the way they pulled it off - I = have no clue how people can co-author a book like they did.
Each one of the points was so spot-on and helpful and Biblically based which was really refreshing. They told stories from their on lives, opening up to the hurt and problems they'd gone through and how they'd learned from their own issues and received healing, and how other people can, too.
I was reading several different books at once, but I can't remember anything inappropriate in this book, nor does anything come to mind that I disagreed with. (Surprise, surprise! I may have missed something though.)
Overall I'm very thankful I read this book and I really want to re-read it already. It's challenging and insightful and encouraging all at once. I'm also eager to look into the recommended reading that they had at the end of each chapter. Normally I don't like sections like that, but in this book I found them unique and interesting.
Conclusion:
In reality I think this book is one that very much transcends age. I would have found it extremely helpful in my teens and thing it would be quite beneficial to people older than their twenties, too.
Rating:
I'm giving 20 Things We'd Tell Our Twenty-Something Selves Five stars out of five, and ten out of ten. I highly recommend it to anyone thirteen and older.
*I received this book for free from Moody Press in exchange for an honest review*
January 13, 2016
I got this book free through Goodreads giveaways.
I won this book not knowing that it was Christian themed. Being an agnostic Atheist, who's interests in religion revolves around Eastern religions (Buddhism, Islam as examples) you can imagine I didn't see much value in this book. That being said, I enjoyed the bits that weren't about God and Christianity. And maybe someday more of the words inside these pages will hold more value for me. Right now, they don't. Despite not being super interested in most of the content, it was well written and the personal stories were interesting and helped bring more out of the advice parts.
I won this book not knowing that it was Christian themed. Being an agnostic Atheist, who's interests in religion revolves around Eastern religions (Buddhism, Islam as examples) you can imagine I didn't see much value in this book. That being said, I enjoyed the bits that weren't about God and Christianity. And maybe someday more of the words inside these pages will hold more value for me. Right now, they don't. Despite not being super interested in most of the content, it was well written and the personal stories were interesting and helped bring more out of the advice parts.
March 13, 2020
Wonderful book! Insightful and gives you action steps after each chapter. 20 things, helpful for growth. Solid game plan.
December 11, 2023
I read this book for a guys' small group, and I enjoyed the conversations it initiated. The book is pretty practical and has application questions after each chapter. Because it covers a wide range of topics (20 topics) that relate to the lives of 20-something-year-olds, it does not have the depth of some other books like it. However, it introduces many helpful tools for directing one's thoughts, feelings, and actions toward Jesus. It emphasizes the impact thar our habits and past trauma have on our lives, what they result in if left unexamined, and how Jesus can transform them for eternal good.
The authors illustrate their points by vulnerably sharing their life stories and how the book grew out of them. Although being broad in its subject matter, the application questions spark deep discussions in groups, and it is worth reading for those discussions. I would recommend this book to any young Christian small groups or reading groups that are looking for advice on how to live for Jesus in their everyday lives.
The authors illustrate their points by vulnerably sharing their life stories and how the book grew out of them. Although being broad in its subject matter, the application questions spark deep discussions in groups, and it is worth reading for those discussions. I would recommend this book to any young Christian small groups or reading groups that are looking for advice on how to live for Jesus in their everyday lives.
December 30, 2018
As an atheist, I didn't get much out of this book. (Neither the summary on here, nor the one on Amazon, where I purchased it, gave any indication as to just how religious it would be.) 95% of the book is religious in nature, and not only is it written with a Christian audience in mind, but it is written with a *conservative* Christian audience in mind. I have several more politically progressive Christian friends, and I debated on whether to pass this one over to them, but couldn't see them gleaming much from the content of the book either. I read thoroughly to about page 70, skimmed the rest of the book, and decided to donate it.
March 21, 2021
Good read by professors from my alma mater. Nothing too new and crazy to me, but probably best for those in their early twenties. I would love to read many of the books they reference and suggest, but wouldn't reread this. Would suggest!
March 28, 2016
When I saw the title of this book, I just knew I had to read it! For one thing, I totally qualify because I am personally ''twenty-something''! It was refreshing and interesting to read a book directed specifically towards me and my peers! I want to begin with a large ''thank you'' to the authors for thinking of us and this crucial time in our lives.
I absolutely loved reading this book; it was the kind that you enjoy reading every week and really pondering each chapter. Some books I find a bore, and many I just whiz through but this one I really enjoyed taking my time over. Each chapter was different and full of important lessons and thoughts. I really hope to even go back and do a an even deeper study of the book, using the questions and discussion points at the end of each chapter as guidelines!
I was really able to relate to the authors, understanding their struggles and hopes and dreams. And I loved how they were open and humble and shared what God had done in each of their lives before and during marriage!
I was also pleased that although I might not agree doctrinally with everything this couple may believe in real life, in their book no specific doctrinal issues came up. The book was deep without being controversial. In short, this is a book for all 'twenty-something'' Christians no matter your denomination. Read it and be strengthened and encouraged!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
I absolutely loved reading this book; it was the kind that you enjoy reading every week and really pondering each chapter. Some books I find a bore, and many I just whiz through but this one I really enjoyed taking my time over. Each chapter was different and full of important lessons and thoughts. I really hope to even go back and do a an even deeper study of the book, using the questions and discussion points at the end of each chapter as guidelines!
I was really able to relate to the authors, understanding their struggles and hopes and dreams. And I loved how they were open and humble and shared what God had done in each of their lives before and during marriage!
I was also pleased that although I might not agree doctrinally with everything this couple may believe in real life, in their book no specific doctrinal issues came up. The book was deep without being controversial. In short, this is a book for all 'twenty-something'' Christians no matter your denomination. Read it and be strengthened and encouraged!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 25, 2018
Although I have finished reading this book, I’m certainly not done with it yet. I still want to sit down and reflect on the questions at the end of each chapter, jot down some of their suggested “actions to take” and work through them, and look up all of their biblical references to use this book as a kind of bible study.
So, as you may gather, this book was full of brilliant practical advice. It’s one of the best “self help” type books I’ve read and I already feel that it has changed my perspective on many aspects of life.
The reason I knocked off one star was the writing style. It’s written by a couple and they specified who was “talking” by putting their name in brackets, which just felt a bit jumbled at times.
So, as you may gather, this book was full of brilliant practical advice. It’s one of the best “self help” type books I’ve read and I already feel that it has changed my perspective on many aspects of life.
The reason I knocked off one star was the writing style. It’s written by a couple and they specified who was “talking” by putting their name in brackets, which just felt a bit jumbled at times.
June 26, 2017
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Moody Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Although I did not find this book to be perfect, overall I thought this was an excellent book by two people looking back on their early adulthood from the point of view of about ten years or so in the future and giving some thoughtful advice to younger people. Overall, this book comes with the approach of giving thoughtful advice on how those in and just leaving college can live godly lives [1]. Much of this advice hit home for me because it dealt with my own concerns, such as the risks of being known for reading unusual materials [2], and struggles with anxiety [3] and the search for mentors [4]. The best praise I can give this book is that while I would have used my own stories instead of the authors that if I had to tell my twenty-something self twenty things, I would include a lot of the things that the authors told, and I know of little better praise I can give to a book like this. Perhaps selfishly, I tend to think highly of those whose thinking process is at least mostly similar to my own.
The 250 or so pages of this book are largely filled with the writing of a husband and wife team who are providing the advice. Much of the advice is pretty straightforward, although that makes it no less necessary. Young people, and people in general, are prone to neglecting that which is obviously important--examining our spiritual foundation, remaining teachable, choosing our community carefully, feeding ourselves, fostering good habits, learning to rest, being patient, not worrying, adjusting our expectations, taking the right kind of risks, evaluating our emotions, pressing into pain (rather than running away with it), taking sin seriously, embracing grace, seeking healing, living loved, cultivating an eternal perspective, making God's glory our goal, and preparing to be amazed, among others. Some of these are likely to be frequent struggles for people long after their twenties are over--the authors freely admit that rest is a problem for them, and speaking for myself there are at least a few of these that I do not do particularly well in. Likely other readers, whether old or young, will feel the same. The authors write in a way that is mostly confessional but they avoid telling at least some painful details even if it is clear that they had a bumpy road to their current offices of honor and respect.
Although much of this book is somewhat heavy, the authors do include a humorous note in the afterword about not needing perms, which is a light touch that this book could have used more of. The authors show themselves in one of the chapters to be too enamored with Hellenistic philosophical thinking and too dismissive of the biblical Sabbath, but thankfully these moments of antinomian Hellenistic Christianity are few and far between. For the most part, this is a book of solid advice that is worthy of being taken seriously. As someone with at least a few regrets as to how my twenties turned out, much of which was spent in deep depression after the death of my father, and someone whose thirties are not proving to be a particularly glorious decade either, this book was a bittersweet and somewhat poignant look at time lost to the past, as well as a thoughtful reminder of what needs to be done in the time of my life that remains. Many readers will likely feel not so different from me in that regard.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
[2] https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
[3] https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
[4] https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
Although I did not find this book to be perfect, overall I thought this was an excellent book by two people looking back on their early adulthood from the point of view of about ten years or so in the future and giving some thoughtful advice to younger people. Overall, this book comes with the approach of giving thoughtful advice on how those in and just leaving college can live godly lives [1]. Much of this advice hit home for me because it dealt with my own concerns, such as the risks of being known for reading unusual materials [2], and struggles with anxiety [3] and the search for mentors [4]. The best praise I can give this book is that while I would have used my own stories instead of the authors that if I had to tell my twenty-something self twenty things, I would include a lot of the things that the authors told, and I know of little better praise I can give to a book like this. Perhaps selfishly, I tend to think highly of those whose thinking process is at least mostly similar to my own.
The 250 or so pages of this book are largely filled with the writing of a husband and wife team who are providing the advice. Much of the advice is pretty straightforward, although that makes it no less necessary. Young people, and people in general, are prone to neglecting that which is obviously important--examining our spiritual foundation, remaining teachable, choosing our community carefully, feeding ourselves, fostering good habits, learning to rest, being patient, not worrying, adjusting our expectations, taking the right kind of risks, evaluating our emotions, pressing into pain (rather than running away with it), taking sin seriously, embracing grace, seeking healing, living loved, cultivating an eternal perspective, making God's glory our goal, and preparing to be amazed, among others. Some of these are likely to be frequent struggles for people long after their twenties are over--the authors freely admit that rest is a problem for them, and speaking for myself there are at least a few of these that I do not do particularly well in. Likely other readers, whether old or young, will feel the same. The authors write in a way that is mostly confessional but they avoid telling at least some painful details even if it is clear that they had a bumpy road to their current offices of honor and respect.
Although much of this book is somewhat heavy, the authors do include a humorous note in the afterword about not needing perms, which is a light touch that this book could have used more of. The authors show themselves in one of the chapters to be too enamored with Hellenistic philosophical thinking and too dismissive of the biblical Sabbath, but thankfully these moments of antinomian Hellenistic Christianity are few and far between. For the most part, this is a book of solid advice that is worthy of being taken seriously. As someone with at least a few regrets as to how my twenties turned out, much of which was spent in deep depression after the death of my father, and someone whose thirties are not proving to be a particularly glorious decade either, this book was a bittersweet and somewhat poignant look at time lost to the past, as well as a thoughtful reminder of what needs to be done in the time of my life that remains. Many readers will likely feel not so different from me in that regard.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
[2] https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
[3] https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
[4] https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
January 13, 2021
FIVE STARS! A MUST READ!
There are so many great things about this book. The fact that it is written by a husband and wife team is the start. It is a great resource for both young men and women in both the real-life examples given and style of writing. The chapters are short and provide additional resources and questions at the end of each chapter as well. This book would be a logical selection for a youth group, home Bible study, or small group setting.
This book is well organized in the fact that a non-Christian could begin the book and not feel preached at. The early chapters are sprinkled with God but not blatant. As the book, progresses, the chapters get more "serious" and the need for God becomes more obvious to the reader.
I would highly recommend this book not only to 20 year-olds, but to anyone that has never healed or had any type of arrested development/trauma in their lives. We do not have to be stuck as-is. Freedom and healing are still available to each of us regardless of where we are. Don't give up on yourselves or the beautiful and full future God has for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review.
There are so many great things about this book. The fact that it is written by a husband and wife team is the start. It is a great resource for both young men and women in both the real-life examples given and style of writing. The chapters are short and provide additional resources and questions at the end of each chapter as well. This book would be a logical selection for a youth group, home Bible study, or small group setting.
This book is well organized in the fact that a non-Christian could begin the book and not feel preached at. The early chapters are sprinkled with God but not blatant. As the book, progresses, the chapters get more "serious" and the need for God becomes more obvious to the reader.
I would highly recommend this book not only to 20 year-olds, but to anyone that has never healed or had any type of arrested development/trauma in their lives. We do not have to be stuck as-is. Freedom and healing are still available to each of us regardless of where we are. Don't give up on yourselves or the beautiful and full future God has for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review.
July 7, 2019
As believers, we know that everything in our lives God works together for good in the end. We know that we go through experiences to learn pivotal lessons for our growth, to become sanctified, and to transform more into the image of Christ. But that doesn't mean that we can't soak up great advice in the process. That we can't take all the wisdom we can get BEFORE the storm in the valley and apply it so that we grow quicker and experience less heartache. That's what this book is all about. We gain real wisdom from those who have walked before us. This book brings to us real life application and reflection on where we are at this stage, our 20's. It questions everything and makes us really stop and think and examine ourselves. Our motives. Our choices. Our mindsets. I could not get enough of it. The lessons I took from this book will stick with me forever, and I know the friends I have been sharing it with will gain so much from it as well. Kelli and Peter write with honesty and grace and meet us right where we are and I am forever grateful. I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of this review.
September 16, 2025
I really loved this book (and no, it’s not because I know the Worralls personally). They both truly pour their heart out in this book and it is so beautiful. God has given them a unique story to tell filled with its own share of pain and joy. In reading this book, you are taken along their journey with them as they learn to listen to the voice of the Lord.
Notable Quotes:
“We long so much for a future ideal that we forget to value and fully engage with our present reality” (pg. 103).
Things to be aware of in “Twenty Things We’d Tell our Twentysomething Selves”
Language:
- 3 “stupid” (one of which was from a quote)
- 1 “da*ned” (in a theological sense)
Violence:
- Abuse is mentioned.
Romantic Content:
- Sex is brought up a few times.
Additional Notes:
- A mention of “hitting the clubs”
- Heroine is mentioned
Read my full review here: https://kbook-reviews.blogspot.com/20...
Notable Quotes:
“We long so much for a future ideal that we forget to value and fully engage with our present reality” (pg. 103).
Things to be aware of in “Twenty Things We’d Tell our Twentysomething Selves”
Language:
- 3 “stupid” (one of which was from a quote)
- 1 “da*ned” (in a theological sense)
Violence:
- Abuse is mentioned.
Romantic Content:
- Sex is brought up a few times.
Additional Notes:
- A mention of “hitting the clubs”
- Heroine is mentioned
Read my full review here: https://kbook-reviews.blogspot.com/20...
October 11, 2018
20 Things We’d Tell Our Twenty-something Selves by both Kelli and Peter Worrall, I learned a lot of things I did wish I could tell my twenty-something self. I am in my last year of my twenties. This book held so many things I could have put to use. Knowledge I wish I had incorporated years ago. Like adjusting my expectations...sometimes, I set my expectations too high and either I, myself, or others will fail those expectations. This self-help journey was an eye opener. I can definitely say that I will be referring back to these pages throughout my lifetime. The great thing about it, was that it can be used and applied towards any adult. Our twenty-something selves is the main area in which we all, including myself, wish we knew the things we did, today. Overall, it was well-organized and well-written.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
September 23, 2017
I found this book chock full of excellent advice for any of us. Possibly, even those who are looking back and wondering what has happened to all your hopes and dreams. It’s never too late to take a turn for the better. And this book can help you do it, so purchase this book today. Dog-ear the pages that are important to you and start taking stock in your life. Store this book on a convenient shelf so that you can go back and read it next year, and the next year, and the next. You will find ways to improve your life every time.
June 4, 2023
This book is really great! It’s a lot to digest so I would recommend taking it one chapter at a time. There are questions, actions steps, and other material to read at the end of each chapter. A great book for young adults who are looking to live out their faith well. The authors stories and walk with God through the years is so cool to read about as well.
November 28, 2016
Wow! this was such a great book to read I really learned a lot of things that I need to apply to my own life. I really recommend this book for anybody in there twenty looking for encouragement. Thanks Kiera for letting me borrow this book I really enjoyed it.
October 16, 2015
When I was ten years old, I wanted to be a vet. Five years later, I still wanted to be one. My first two and a half years of college, my major was pre-vet. And then something happened. I realized I wasn’t cut out for a career in veterinary medicine. And I’m sure I’m not the first person whose life plans were completely changed in my early twenties. In a decade where many people find themselves searching for their identity, it’s comforting to know you’re not alone.
In “20 Things We’d Tell our Twentysomething Selves,” husband-and-wife team Peter and Kelli Worrell share their personal struggles and the things they see in their students with readers. Twenty chapters with personal examples, insights, and Biblical scriptures to back them up. From remaining teachable to adjusting expectation to pressing into pain, the Worrells share that life isn’t easy, everything doesn’t fall into place when you leave home and strike out on your own. As a matter of fact, life just might get harder.
At the end of each chapter, readers are given question for reflection and discussion or actions to tasks (actions) to help them explore the concept further. In addition, this couple offers additional resources such as books they’ve referenced, more scripture and even websites.
I read this book a chapter at a time, taking the time to reflect on what I’d just read. While I’m well past my twenties (try double that), several of these chapters were great reminders for me that the outcome of my effort is in God’s hands, that I should be patient, and prepare to be amazed. A great gift for anyone you know who might be graduating high school soon.
***Moody Publishers provided me with a complimentary digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.
In “20 Things We’d Tell our Twentysomething Selves,” husband-and-wife team Peter and Kelli Worrell share their personal struggles and the things they see in their students with readers. Twenty chapters with personal examples, insights, and Biblical scriptures to back them up. From remaining teachable to adjusting expectation to pressing into pain, the Worrells share that life isn’t easy, everything doesn’t fall into place when you leave home and strike out on your own. As a matter of fact, life just might get harder.
At the end of each chapter, readers are given question for reflection and discussion or actions to tasks (actions) to help them explore the concept further. In addition, this couple offers additional resources such as books they’ve referenced, more scripture and even websites.
I read this book a chapter at a time, taking the time to reflect on what I’d just read. While I’m well past my twenties (try double that), several of these chapters were great reminders for me that the outcome of my effort is in God’s hands, that I should be patient, and prepare to be amazed. A great gift for anyone you know who might be graduating high school soon.
***Moody Publishers provided me with a complimentary digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 25, 2016
Maybe the book would appeal to their students, or to those people who are under their ministry, but I as a person who have not heard of who the authors were, found their illustrations and anecdotes from their lives not too captivating or engaging. After the 10th or so "thing," it took great amounts of determination to continue reading. Most books I rate at 5 stars would either be breathtakingly theological or passionately practical. This book suffers from not focusing on either.
This book was a challenge to read. I felt that the two authors could put in more effort into co-writing, rather than trying to mesh two separate scripts together. Because the book is based on the superstructure or foundation of their personal lives, many stories were repeated and after a while I was irritated as to how did the authors and the editors kept harping on those same illustrations. Well, I guess perhaps issues like these are bound to occur in a book's first edition, and could be weeded out in subsequent revisions. For an example of a book that had content woven seamlessly by two authors, check out Longman III and Allender's Breaking the Idols of Your Heart (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...)
One good idea that I took away from the book was the extra reading suggestion feature at the end of every chapter, where the authors suggest other books or bible passages for further reading.
I received this book from the Moody Publishers Newroom program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.
This book was a challenge to read. I felt that the two authors could put in more effort into co-writing, rather than trying to mesh two separate scripts together. Because the book is based on the superstructure or foundation of their personal lives, many stories were repeated and after a while I was irritated as to how did the authors and the editors kept harping on those same illustrations. Well, I guess perhaps issues like these are bound to occur in a book's first edition, and could be weeded out in subsequent revisions. For an example of a book that had content woven seamlessly by two authors, check out Longman III and Allender's Breaking the Idols of Your Heart (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...)
One good idea that I took away from the book was the extra reading suggestion feature at the end of every chapter, where the authors suggest other books or bible passages for further reading.
I received this book from the Moody Publishers Newroom program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.
June 3, 2016
The things listed here are good and worth doing at any age. Indeed this list of 20 things is wrought from many times sitting with college age students and giving advice. I would recommend this book to anyone just starting out in their twenties and who are in process of building a firm foundation. Having said that, my urge would be to go further. This book serves as an introduction not a definitive work. The practices are good but the explanations are brief and could be mined for so much more. The authors are personable and relate heart wrenching stories but it seems that they had to condense this book to gain a broader audience. In doing so, I wonder if some of the potential of the book has been lost.
January 20, 2016
In "20 Things We'd Tell Our Twentysomething Selves" Peter and Kelli Worrall explore various themes. They share the struggles they had in their twenties and the stories of their students. Each chapter has interesting insights, Biblical scriptures and other references from studies, books and websites. At the end of each chapter there are reflection question and challenges. I can say that many of the themes are relevant for twentysomethings, being a twentysomthing myself. But I also think that if you're past this age, you can definitely learn a thing or two from this book. It's well written and to the point.
Thanks to Moody Publishers for providing a free copy via Netgalley
Thanks to Moody Publishers for providing a free copy via Netgalley
August 22, 2015
Read my full review and others at:
http://eyesandbooks.weebly.com/review...
Decent book - more for a church Bible study. Writing style was very distracting.
http://eyesandbooks.weebly.com/review...
Decent book - more for a church Bible study. Writing style was very distracting.
November 5, 2015
Filled with some great nuggets. The illustrations can seem repetitive and too similar at times, but Godly reminders and encouragements abound.
December 24, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is packed with vital information for anyone in their twenties.
April 18, 2017
READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE: http://viabella-thebeautifullife.blog...
The expectation was to be humoured and laugh along with some truths. Some hard truths, some funny truths, some down-to-earth truths. Instead, I found this book to be more a catalyst for their own ministry. This means, that the title was very misleading.
Not only was the title misleading to my original thought of what the book was but when you read the list below, you are ready to read and learn. You are excited to see what the pages will say. However, some of the content seems to be more representative of a closed minded view of the world and faith that is called Christianity.
However, there was a lot of good things I learned and good food for thought for me. Yes, you can learn a lot from even books that don't jive with you. It's true. Promise.
READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE: http://viabella-thebeautifullife.blog...
The expectation was to be humoured and laugh along with some truths. Some hard truths, some funny truths, some down-to-earth truths. Instead, I found this book to be more a catalyst for their own ministry. This means, that the title was very misleading.
Not only was the title misleading to my original thought of what the book was but when you read the list below, you are ready to read and learn. You are excited to see what the pages will say. However, some of the content seems to be more representative of a closed minded view of the world and faith that is called Christianity.
However, there was a lot of good things I learned and good food for thought for me. Yes, you can learn a lot from even books that don't jive with you. It's true. Promise.
READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE: http://viabella-thebeautifullife.blog...
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