twentysomething: Surviving and Thriving in the Real World

by Margaret Feinberg

You are twentysomething and in the prime of your life. You are current, capable, cosmopolitan, and completely confused. Thrust out of the comfortable existence of a college student and into the cold, hard reality of life in the "real world", you face a whole new array of responsibilities. You have to find a job, possibly relocate to a new city, find a place to live, figure out how to pay the bills with the entry-level salary you land, make new friends, and find a church (just to name a few)! The good news is that you're not alone. Margaret Feinberg-twentysomething herself-wants you to know that there are tens of thousands of others facing these same challenges. "Our twenties really can be some of the best years of our lives, no matter what our landlords, bosses, parents, or anyone else says," encourages Feinberg. Offering Scriptural insights, encouragement, humor, and practical wisdom, twentysomething confronts this "crisis" and shows you how to survive without losing your patience or your passion for life. twentysomething will inspire you to hold onto your dreams and to embark fearlessly on the journey God has for you.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Self Help, Christian Living

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2004

About the author

A self-described "hot mess," Margaret Feinberg is a popular Bible teacher and speaker at churches and leading conferences such as Catalyst, Thrive, and Women of Joy. Her books, including The Organic God, The Sacred Echo, Scouting the Divine, and Wonderstruck and their corresponding Bible studies, have sold nearly one million copies and received critical acclaim and extensive national media coverage from CNN, the Associated Press, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and more.

She was recently named one of 50 women most shaping culture and the church today by Christianity Today, one of the 30 Voices who will help lead the church in the next decade by Charisma magazine and one of the ’40 Under 40’ who will shape Christian publishing by Christian Retailing magazine. Margaret lives in Morrison, Colorado, with her husband, Leif, and their superpup, Hershey. She believes some of the best days are spent in jammies, laughing, and being silly.

Reviews

[Nicole Magolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was published in 2004 and it shows 😂 still, much of it remains relevant to life in your twenties and I found it a comforting read.

[Diana Nagy]

Are you 20? 30? Even 40? This book is a great book for any age. It IS for 20 year olds but its even more for every single person who wants to learn more about who they really are and what they are meant to do. It includes talk regarding your purpose in life, work related tips, being married in a relationship or choosing to live alone, it talks about being out on your own for the first time. I think this can be relevant to many newly divorced women who married early in life and are now single and alone with the kids and starting over. This book will help you and it will help the happily married lot of you as well. Just try this book out. What makes it even better is the scripture intricately woven throughout the text. Its a very enjoyable read.

[Courtney Mosier Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book because the author is incredibly talented, but it was a hard one for me to enjoy. Perhaps it is because even though I am 23 I am in a very unique stage of my life that I had a hard time getting a lot out of it. Also there are a lot of opinions from 20 somethings in the book that are distracting. I love when the author just talks and doesn't feel the need to insert a bunch of quotes from people I don't know. The quality of writing is good as always but the content is average.

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't say this book was helpful in my context as I deemed it more suitable for people living in America.

At the turn from my never reversible teenage years, I was given this book as a birthday gift. As a Singaporean, I suppose it is not highly likely that I will choose to stay on my own (before I have a few years of working experience) as I am tied down by the monetary issues of being able to purchase a flat on my own or for the matter rent it at my own cost.

There were certain parts which were more practical to my context though. Like it is the period one hopes to settle down and build a family.

Other pointers about finance was also pretty awakening as it's a time to learn to be more financially independent.

Overall, I wouldn't say it's a must read.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book a few times through and resonate strongly with its message of struggling to find my place in the real world as a young adult. I'm a big fan of Feinberg's works; but this book is the one I can personally relate to the most of her's. If you're struggling to find a job your love, find the "one", or make your mark in this world as a young adult in your twenties or even early thirties---I strongly recommend reading this book! 5/5 Stars

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for all TWENTYSOMEHTHING.Through her encouraging and realistic sharing of her experience, you will not only may similar struggles to relate but also tips on the few focuses of life that only in our twentysomething that we are able to experience and essential to get through our life journeys. Do not miss it!

[Marika · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it seems like you're the only one with your life a wreck, this book was a helpful reminder that no one really "has it all together" and that its ok to not have your whole life figured out in your 20's. While I couldn't relate to every scenario, it was still an uplifting and encouraging book that helped me put life into a healthier perspective.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received as a gift when I graduated college. Short, simple, etc. Was good to read b/c it made me feel like I wasn't alone struggling with, for lack of a better term, qlc issues. I suspect it's one of a million very similar books on the topic. I regifted my copy to another grad.

[Manda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book about three years ago. This book alleviated some anxieties and explained some internal struggles I hadn't quite found the words for yet. It left me feeling relieved with the knowledge that maybe I was a little more normal than I thought.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is less a 'here's how to change your tire' book and more a 'how to deal with life, family, and community' book. The best part about it: she was in her twenties when she wrote it, I believe, and she is not preachy in any way. She writes as she would speak to a friend.

[Kaylyn R. Wiggenhauser · Rating 4 out of 5]

It gave me some great insight into why I feel the way I do and what choices I should be making. Living my life to the fullest is very important to me and this book really highlighted some things I need to shift around in my life.
Great book for people in their twenties wondering what the heck!?

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author! She is so honest & has a beautiful perspective on the world. She truly appreciates others & the wonders of nature -- which comes clear from her writing!

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good eye opener and insights into things that we wont think abt much

[L · Rating 2 out of 5]

did not realize it was explicitly Christian until 1/3 through - was caught off guard.

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read. Didn't present too many new ideas, just all of the things I've been thinking about for the past few years written down in one place. Nice to know I'm not alone!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this before I hit my twenties and I've picked it up a couple times since. It's fun and lighthearted while tying in scriptural advice in a subtle, practical way.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

An early look into the phenomenon of the emerging adult.