Essential 20s: 20 Essential Items for Every Room in a 20-Something's First Place

by Lizzy Stewart

From the medicine cabinet to the closet, Essential 20s is an illustrated guidebook for the 20 basic items every young adult needs in each nook and cranny of their first place. Topics include the closet (basic and seasonal clothes for both men and women), pantry, refrigerator, medicine cabinet, toolbox, all major rooms, and more. With charming illustrations and foil on the cover, this giftable package is essential reading for anyone getting ready to move into their first home away from home.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Fashion

104 pages, Hardcover

First published March 27, 2018

About the author

Lizzy Stewart is a British illustrator and author currently based in London. She has written and illustrated various books for children and adults. Her debut full-length illustrated novel Alison was published in 2022. She teaches illustration at Goldsmiths University and has also taught courses on behalf of the National Portrait Gallery.

Reviews

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should I mark this down as a picture book? 🤔😀
My daughter used it as she filled out her wedding registry.
Read in a few minutes.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I haven't been in my 20's for quite some time and even though I've lived on my own without the guidance of a tome like this, it was encouraging to see how many things I had gotten right way back when despite its absence. Looking at these illustrations and suggestions made for a very charming, quick "read" and I imagine it'll be a helpful volume to refer to for anyone embarking on the adventure of moving out for the first time.

[Lindsey Lawntea · Rating 2 out of 5]

These are little doodle lists which are cute but I disagree with the logic. Liquor is mentioned twice but there is no mention of nail clippers, flashlight, safe sex supplies like birth control and condoms, etc. it’s cute but I don’t think it’s necessary reading for a 20 something.

[Dewi · Rating 4 out of 5]

err.... kayanya kalau di sini umur 20an belum sampai level seperti ini. Akhir 20an mungkin atau awal 30.

satu hal yang mengganjal : ada oven mitt tapi tidak ada oven haha.

[Fi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is totally adorable. I love books with little illustrations and labeled items and that's exactly what this is. It took me like 5 minutes to "read" but I loved looking through it. It's adorable and probably useful too! A really cute take on the "what should I get for my first apartment" dilemma and would probably be a really great gift for someone in their '20s about to get their first apartment (like me).

[Shweta · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know why it was made into a book. It could have been very well formed into a blog or multiple social media posts - the illustrations are cute, and the list helps. But the list is not definitive by any means, and there's not much meat to the book.

It's an easy flip-through, but I don't really see the point of this being published as a book.

[Hali Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As it's meant to be, it's meh: useful for those who might forget which tools they'll need or what medicine/first aid equipment to keep about the house. I gave it four stars because this would be a terrific book for an ESL learner travelling around.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are nice, and it's a fun little thing to read. However, most blog posts or googles would probably cover everything in this book, and there's not really any anecdotes or other notes —just illustrations.

[Rona · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thought it would be a cozy small read, turned out to be useless. Could see this helpful when used as a picture dictionary.

[Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

love love love this

[Edith Naava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book
I read this book in one sitting after work and I have to admit. I love it .All the things it presents are everything we need for a home 20 something or beyond. Thank you for this book.

[Fajar · Rating 2 out of 5]

the illustration is really amazing though

[pea. · Rating 5 out of 5]

purchased this as a gift, but I just HAD to look at every drawing before I shipped it off.
FABULOUS in artwork AND content.

[catalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

muy bonito. amo los libros de ilustraciones

[Janine Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite simply - An excellent and well-illustrated guide to useful items for young adults

[dyingfishes · Rating 3 out of 5]

its a good initial list i guess...

[Shirley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book served no purpose at all 😅.

[mm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lizzy Stewart's list for a 20-something new homeowner/renter.
Many essential items missing, like nail clippers, flashlights, etc. but still a good starter.
& as always the illustrations of Stewart. That's always good.

Read as an NLB e-book.