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Not Ready to Adult Yet: A Totally Ill-Informed Guide to Life
Comedian Iain Stirling is best known as the brilliantly funny voice of the BAFTA-award winning smash hit Love Island. Despite his many accolades, and his mum telling him he’s her ‘special little soldier’ every day, Iain still struggles with everyday adult life. What a textbook millennial.
Looking back at his journey to adulthood, Iain explores why millennials are the way they are – and whether that makes us self-obsessed, work-shy, mollycoddled, egomaniacs; or just a misunderstood generation with a crippling fear of failure.
Millennials have been celebrated and scorned; they’re the envy, fascination and disgrace of the world. But is there more to this #selfie and avocado-obsessed generation that can’t grow up than meets the eye?
Throughout life millennials have been taught that they are perfect and should live a perfect life. They’ve been told, whatever happens, don’t fuck up. And then they enter the real world. And failure quickly rears its ugly head. A head millennials weren’t warned about and definitely aren’t ready for.
Iain knows a lot about fucking up. And he’s ready to share.
Funny, provocative and full of his trademark razor-sharp wit, this is Iain’s guide to what life is really like for millennials and how they can navigate it better.
Looking back at his journey to adulthood, Iain explores why millennials are the way they are – and whether that makes us self-obsessed, work-shy, mollycoddled, egomaniacs; or just a misunderstood generation with a crippling fear of failure.
Millennials have been celebrated and scorned; they’re the envy, fascination and disgrace of the world. But is there more to this #selfie and avocado-obsessed generation that can’t grow up than meets the eye?
Throughout life millennials have been taught that they are perfect and should live a perfect life. They’ve been told, whatever happens, don’t fuck up. And then they enter the real world. And failure quickly rears its ugly head. A head millennials weren’t warned about and definitely aren’t ready for.
Iain knows a lot about fucking up. And he’s ready to share.
Funny, provocative and full of his trademark razor-sharp wit, this is Iain’s guide to what life is really like for millennials and how they can navigate it better.
264 pages, Hardcover
Published August 20, 2018
19 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 23, 2018
What can I say about this book. It seems to be a running gag to have a celebrity write a book that will offer some kind of meaning of life in a humorous style and show us his road to adulthood. Well, this is another one that tries to do this but leaves the reader cold with his self-proclamations in his millennial world.
The novel tries to be witty and although one very occasionally cracks a smile there really was a lack of talent. I am not saying that Ian Stirling is untalented but I am saying that his talent for writing a humorous book based on his growing up experiences, tends to be considerably lacking. The book meanders from point to point and with his sardonic views it seems that he wants you to either laugh at his inadept way in the world or we are laughing at him due to his inability to carry on with is version of life. Unfortunately, this book does not deliver on any of these platforms.
It seems that sometimes publishers are looking for the next celebrity to produce a novel to sell on the back of the brand name instead of the talent for writing a novel. I am not sure if Ian Stirling is a brand name at this point in his career but if people stay away from this book, he may be able to become a household name based on his other bodies of work.
Inept look on life from a person who identifies with a market that maybe the market that has been left behind in the book world. Of course, I may have suffered from the inability to self identify into this world but found myself frozen in a world that seems to lead itself in a self indulgent personality that puts himself above the environment that he inhabits.
The novel tries to be witty and although one very occasionally cracks a smile there really was a lack of talent. I am not saying that Ian Stirling is untalented but I am saying that his talent for writing a humorous book based on his growing up experiences, tends to be considerably lacking. The book meanders from point to point and with his sardonic views it seems that he wants you to either laugh at his inadept way in the world or we are laughing at him due to his inability to carry on with is version of life. Unfortunately, this book does not deliver on any of these platforms.
It seems that sometimes publishers are looking for the next celebrity to produce a novel to sell on the back of the brand name instead of the talent for writing a novel. I am not sure if Ian Stirling is a brand name at this point in his career but if people stay away from this book, he may be able to become a household name based on his other bodies of work.
Inept look on life from a person who identifies with a market that maybe the market that has been left behind in the book world. Of course, I may have suffered from the inability to self identify into this world but found myself frozen in a world that seems to lead itself in a self indulgent personality that puts himself above the environment that he inhabits.
February 20, 2019
Another book that has been waiting to be read on my Kindle since July 2018.
I requested it as I wanted to read something different. I was looking for a light and funny read this book didn’t fail. The book had everything I was looking for. It was funny, bizarre and had truthful points that I could relate to in some places.
I really enjoyed reading about Iain’s family life while growing up. I also loved hearing about the good and bad as well as the bizarre and funny situations Iain got into
I found the book was very well written, and from the language used you can definitely tell it’s been written by a comedian.
Overall a funny, light read that I enjoyed very much. I highly recommend especially if you’re into comedy/humorous reads and looking for something different.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher HarperCollins UK for my review in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I requested it as I wanted to read something different. I was looking for a light and funny read this book didn’t fail. The book had everything I was looking for. It was funny, bizarre and had truthful points that I could relate to in some places.
I really enjoyed reading about Iain’s family life while growing up. I also loved hearing about the good and bad as well as the bizarre and funny situations Iain got into
I found the book was very well written, and from the language used you can definitely tell it’s been written by a comedian.
Overall a funny, light read that I enjoyed very much. I highly recommend especially if you’re into comedy/humorous reads and looking for something different.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher HarperCollins UK for my review in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t sure what to expect. But it’s very funny and as a millennial I can certainly relate to a lot of points raised in this book.
January 27, 2021
An easy read with some funny moments but nothing amazing.
May 17, 2024
Read this entire book in Iain's voice. Was a cheery and easy read, nothing earth shattering but still very enjoyable.
November 11, 2022
Always leave them wanting more! Well, this certainly seemed to be the theme of this book. It definitely had its funny moments but didn’t delve far enough into the meatier topics that would’ve given it the gravitas needed to contrast these, with a greater level of skill.
October 9, 2020
Such an enjoyable book. I highly recommend the audiobook, read by Iain himself. I found myself laughing out loud so many times. So many relatable moments and a funny outlook into adulthood and it's expectations nowadays.
July 30, 2018
I am already a huge fan of Iain Sterling, I went to see his stand up show "You Ok Hun" in Plymouth a couple of months ago and I can honestly say I have never laughed so much in my life in just under 2 hours, I can't say I peed my pants but I was almost embarrassingly close to. I then found out this hilarious man is also the narrator of Love Island. I have never watched Love Island before as I am not into reality TV but knowing Iain was making hilarious little comments about these beefed up, tanned "in love" Z-list celebrities, A-lister Instagram stars I was 100% in and I am addicted! Now I've had the amazing pleasure of reading his new book before it is even on the shelves, and it didn't disappoint (obviously) in fact it was better than I expected and I shall tell you why.
Most comedians books I have read are about their lives, a life story of funny moments and why they got into comedy, their highs and lows in life etc etc. This is what I expected from Iain's book, but this is not what I got. Not only did Iain have me muffling some giggles whilst I read this at work but it was also eye-opening and poignant... he made me think... how dare he?!! But joking aside he wrote about 'millennials'. Which I am one of, and before this book I didn't know a lot about... being an ignorant Millennial why should I even know what a Millennial is I am far too busy checking my Instagram likes and taking filtered selfies DUH. Iain explores why we are so scared to fail, how we are addicted to social media and our mobile phones and how this is effecting our communication, patience and self worth. We are in a world where we constantly want to be 'liked', have constant attention and show off our "perfect" life on tiny little squares. He discusses how our parents molly-coddled us into being we could be ANYTHING we want to be and now in our 20's or 30's with university degrees but mediocre jobs and still living at home we all feel like we have failed.
In-between Iain's thoughts on what it's like to be a millennial he also has these short interviews with his mum and social media stars like Casper ..... which break up the book and give others the chance to share their opinions. He also has short embarrassing and funny stories throughout, some of which are said in his show but I still laughed at them especially when he walks in on a man having a shit and tells and 8 year old to go fuck himself and working with the crazy weirdos that are Jedward. I still can't get over that they share a phone... freaks!
I absolutely loved Iain's book he is very down to earth, hilarious, honest and made me understand why I am the way I am. Thank you for making me realise I am not a giant failure and I need to get off my phone and go outdoors and do other things... Like climb a tree or tell 8 year olds to go fuck themselves I don't know but after reading this I feel like the world is my oyster and its not my fault my parents lied to me as a child.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a laugh, or any millennial who wants a bit of guidance on being an adult. You can pre-order Not Ready to Adult on Amazon.
Most comedians books I have read are about their lives, a life story of funny moments and why they got into comedy, their highs and lows in life etc etc. This is what I expected from Iain's book, but this is not what I got. Not only did Iain have me muffling some giggles whilst I read this at work but it was also eye-opening and poignant... he made me think... how dare he?!! But joking aside he wrote about 'millennials'. Which I am one of, and before this book I didn't know a lot about... being an ignorant Millennial why should I even know what a Millennial is I am far too busy checking my Instagram likes and taking filtered selfies DUH. Iain explores why we are so scared to fail, how we are addicted to social media and our mobile phones and how this is effecting our communication, patience and self worth. We are in a world where we constantly want to be 'liked', have constant attention and show off our "perfect" life on tiny little squares. He discusses how our parents molly-coddled us into being we could be ANYTHING we want to be and now in our 20's or 30's with university degrees but mediocre jobs and still living at home we all feel like we have failed.
In-between Iain's thoughts on what it's like to be a millennial he also has these short interviews with his mum and social media stars like Casper ..... which break up the book and give others the chance to share their opinions. He also has short embarrassing and funny stories throughout, some of which are said in his show but I still laughed at them especially when he walks in on a man having a shit and tells and 8 year old to go fuck himself and working with the crazy weirdos that are Jedward. I still can't get over that they share a phone... freaks!
I absolutely loved Iain's book he is very down to earth, hilarious, honest and made me understand why I am the way I am. Thank you for making me realise I am not a giant failure and I need to get off my phone and go outdoors and do other things... Like climb a tree or tell 8 year olds to go fuck themselves I don't know but after reading this I feel like the world is my oyster and its not my fault my parents lied to me as a child.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a laugh, or any millennial who wants a bit of guidance on being an adult. You can pre-order Not Ready to Adult on Amazon.
April 2, 2024
Why hello there.
Do YOU want a humourus guide as to how to navigate adulthood? One that covers deep issues about human nature, yet will have you in tears, slapping the table with the ludacrisly fantabulous jokes and side achingly funny narrations?
Well this is perfect for you. No matter whom you may be, I am certain you will be able to relate to at least some of this book's content. And that's what makes it so great; down to earth means it's... well just reletable and funny 😭.
Pretty sure its directed audience is millennials.. welp if it was able to ensnare the attention of some gen Z kid, you should totally read it.
I promise, you will not regret it if you do choose to read it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Do YOU want a humourus guide as to how to navigate adulthood? One that covers deep issues about human nature, yet will have you in tears, slapping the table with the ludacrisly fantabulous jokes and side achingly funny narrations?
Well this is perfect for you. No matter whom you may be, I am certain you will be able to relate to at least some of this book's content. And that's what makes it so great; down to earth means it's... well just reletable and funny 😭.
Pretty sure its directed audience is millennials.. welp if it was able to ensnare the attention of some gen Z kid, you should totally read it.
I promise, you will not regret it if you do choose to read it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 1, 2019
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Tonightttttt........
Sorry, forgot for a second there that I'm not the Love Island voiceover man, Iain Stirling is! I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Iain in Glasgow last year to get my book signed, and I have to say that, after hearing his voice a lot without seeing him talk due to Love Island, his voice really doesn't match the person! For a time I genuinely thought that someone was dubbing his voice and that he was doing a Britney by lip-syncing speaking!
I jest.
Or do I?
Iain Stirling is known for several things; his comedy, his Love Island voiceover....and the dodgy pictures on Google from his time as a CBBC presenter. Honestly, google it if you don't believe me!
I was really looking forward to reading 'Not Ready To Adult Yet' because of how relatable the title was. How many of us wake up in the morning and are all like, 'F off, I don't want to be an adult, not today, not ever'? It happens, we're human. This book is incredibly relatable, and incredibly funny. If you wanted a recap of life in the early nineties when Saturday morning T.V. was the absolute BOMB, or if you wanted to get into the mindset of a millennial, you would be in your element with this read, that's for sure.
Not only that, HE EVEN GETS HIS MUM INVOLVED!! I thought his conversation with Mummy Stirling was so bloomin' funny! So down to earth and it was clear to see where he got that side of his personality from. Even though this book does talk a lot about the dark side of social media, peer pressure, and the impending doom of adulthood itself, Iain also delves into his own personal life as he looks back on the challenges he faced whilst growing up, as well as the hurdles he had to jump when first starting out as a comedian. Eye-opening for sure, especially when you learn that he told an 8 year old where to go! It makes my sticking my middle finger up at a kid, extremely tame!
I'm not a politics person. I don't understand it, even though it is incredibly important. So, I will hold my hands up and say that I found the parts regarding politics incredibly sluggish and I felt that they didn't really belong alongside the hilarity of Stirling's life. Just my opinion, obviously.
All in all, 'Not Ready To Adult Yet' is a honest, eye-opening, and snort inducing read about the things nobody else dares to talk about. The honesty of Iain Stirling is both commendable and 'HE SAID WHAT?!' - a brilliant combination from such a down to Earth man. Seriously, you get what it says on the tin with him!
Tonightttttt........
Sorry, forgot for a second there that I'm not the Love Island voiceover man, Iain Stirling is! I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Iain in Glasgow last year to get my book signed, and I have to say that, after hearing his voice a lot without seeing him talk due to Love Island, his voice really doesn't match the person! For a time I genuinely thought that someone was dubbing his voice and that he was doing a Britney by lip-syncing speaking!
I jest.
Or do I?
Iain Stirling is known for several things; his comedy, his Love Island voiceover....and the dodgy pictures on Google from his time as a CBBC presenter. Honestly, google it if you don't believe me!
I was really looking forward to reading 'Not Ready To Adult Yet' because of how relatable the title was. How many of us wake up in the morning and are all like, 'F off, I don't want to be an adult, not today, not ever'? It happens, we're human. This book is incredibly relatable, and incredibly funny. If you wanted a recap of life in the early nineties when Saturday morning T.V. was the absolute BOMB, or if you wanted to get into the mindset of a millennial, you would be in your element with this read, that's for sure.
Not only that, HE EVEN GETS HIS MUM INVOLVED!! I thought his conversation with Mummy Stirling was so bloomin' funny! So down to earth and it was clear to see where he got that side of his personality from. Even though this book does talk a lot about the dark side of social media, peer pressure, and the impending doom of adulthood itself, Iain also delves into his own personal life as he looks back on the challenges he faced whilst growing up, as well as the hurdles he had to jump when first starting out as a comedian. Eye-opening for sure, especially when you learn that he told an 8 year old where to go! It makes my sticking my middle finger up at a kid, extremely tame!
I'm not a politics person. I don't understand it, even though it is incredibly important. So, I will hold my hands up and say that I found the parts regarding politics incredibly sluggish and I felt that they didn't really belong alongside the hilarity of Stirling's life. Just my opinion, obviously.
All in all, 'Not Ready To Adult Yet' is a honest, eye-opening, and snort inducing read about the things nobody else dares to talk about. The honesty of Iain Stirling is both commendable and 'HE SAID WHAT?!' - a brilliant combination from such a down to Earth man. Seriously, you get what it says on the tin with him!
August 16, 2018
Iain is a former CBBC presenter and voice of Love Island currently but also a comedian, for those who don't know.
I thought I'd try his book after it's about us almost adults, those my age in our early twenties onwards whom some of us still live at home and some have moved out, if you can afford it that is as Iain rightly points out at one point!
The book was funny, it made me laugh a lot and had some bizzare and some truthful points in it too.
Hearing about Iain's family life growing up also makes me realize that each family has a struggle of one form or another too, in this case holiday destination, I remembered many points made from the Jedward in Bath CBBC show that aired ai watched years ago the joy of Nokia 3310 and how they've been relaunched now as well as they joy of dial up internet, Bebo and Panic! At The Disco whom are still going after never ending line up changes all these years on and their latest album was even in my local Tesco when before we'd have been lucky to find it in HMV. There's a Flower Pot Men reference, Pop Idol, Busted, disposable camera's and the awkward joy of getting films developed and printed by someone in a shop as well as an explanation of government simple enough for me to understand simply why houses here now cost the Earth, I will never be a homeowner yet thanks to Iain I see that years ago, things were easier to afford that way!
It was very well written and you can tell a comedian has written it as the style of language used makes you laugh deliberately at points made. I loved hearing about the good and bad as well as the down right hilarious bizzare situations he's found himself in at times and I would recommend it to anyone!
I thought I'd try his book after it's about us almost adults, those my age in our early twenties onwards whom some of us still live at home and some have moved out, if you can afford it that is as Iain rightly points out at one point!
The book was funny, it made me laugh a lot and had some bizzare and some truthful points in it too.
Hearing about Iain's family life growing up also makes me realize that each family has a struggle of one form or another too, in this case holiday destination, I remembered many points made from the Jedward in Bath CBBC show that aired ai watched years ago the joy of Nokia 3310 and how they've been relaunched now as well as they joy of dial up internet, Bebo and Panic! At The Disco whom are still going after never ending line up changes all these years on and their latest album was even in my local Tesco when before we'd have been lucky to find it in HMV. There's a Flower Pot Men reference, Pop Idol, Busted, disposable camera's and the awkward joy of getting films developed and printed by someone in a shop as well as an explanation of government simple enough for me to understand simply why houses here now cost the Earth, I will never be a homeowner yet thanks to Iain I see that years ago, things were easier to afford that way!
It was very well written and you can tell a comedian has written it as the style of language used makes you laugh deliberately at points made. I loved hearing about the good and bad as well as the down right hilarious bizzare situations he's found himself in at times and I would recommend it to anyone!
June 26, 2019
With an edgy title (a swear!) and a slim profile, my expectations for this were slightly exceeded, although I felt it could have explored the millennial topic a bit further. This was nowhere near a guide to life, but it was amusing and had some serious points as well as silliness.
Ostensibly, this was a book about growing up, but like most comedian-explores-a-topic books I've read, this was a starting point for funny anecdotes rather than a thorough look at the topic. The comedy aspect was good, no telegraphed puns and Stirling can clearly write as well as perform. While much of his analysis was considered, it did seem to touch on modern life and stay vague rather than exploring it in detail, and on the serious notes, I did wonder whether there was anything new explored here.
That said, Stirling did interview a few prominent influencers, but again these passages were quite short and I don't know why an editor didn't get rid of the occasions when Stirling just said "yeah" as Spencer Owen or Olivia Buckland answered his question. Rather than building on the interviews, he tended to move on quite quickly too - throughout this book, you got the impression the tone was 'let's attract the youth, but don't scare them off with too much text!', an approach that doesn't seem to have worked based on the number of reviews on this site so far.
In many ways this was a shame for the writing was good and easy to read, but I rarely felt that a topic had been covered to saturation and it was a bit like reading an Economist article in that if you're aware of the subject you won't learn too much new stuff. Unlike the Economist though, at least this raised a few smiles.
Ostensibly, this was a book about growing up, but like most comedian-explores-a-topic books I've read, this was a starting point for funny anecdotes rather than a thorough look at the topic. The comedy aspect was good, no telegraphed puns and Stirling can clearly write as well as perform. While much of his analysis was considered, it did seem to touch on modern life and stay vague rather than exploring it in detail, and on the serious notes, I did wonder whether there was anything new explored here.
That said, Stirling did interview a few prominent influencers, but again these passages were quite short and I don't know why an editor didn't get rid of the occasions when Stirling just said "yeah" as Spencer Owen or Olivia Buckland answered his question. Rather than building on the interviews, he tended to move on quite quickly too - throughout this book, you got the impression the tone was 'let's attract the youth, but don't scare them off with too much text!', an approach that doesn't seem to have worked based on the number of reviews on this site so far.
In many ways this was a shame for the writing was good and easy to read, but I rarely felt that a topic had been covered to saturation and it was a bit like reading an Economist article in that if you're aware of the subject you won't learn too much new stuff. Unlike the Economist though, at least this raised a few smiles.
October 5, 2019
I really wanted some levity to my reading so I thought I'd give this a go. There are a few funny bits, although overall it's a bit try hard. Jokejokejokejoke in that way comedians feel is necessary. There are a few really interesting bits, 30 second guides to things relevant to Millenials, like the housing crisis, parenting trends, the credit crunch. But it's all so simple and given so little time (because jokejokehjokelookatmejokejoke) that it only skims the surface and is very generic. Absolutely no view is considered outside of Iain's incredibly privileged life, and we are left with the advice that we should all just follow our dreams like he did (mere chapters after he said that's exactly what's wrong with Millenials...we were told to expect more from life than the shit show capitalism has to offer, while also being hit hardest BY the capitalist shit show in the form of zero hour contracts and million pound flat shares).
He whines on about such first world problems with little self awareness, and his anecdotes about his crazy life are just so tame AND split into three dry sections.
Maybe I'm being harsh. Maybe Sara Pascoe has set the bar way too high with her amazing comedian-cum-writer achievements.
He whines on about such first world problems with little self awareness, and his anecdotes about his crazy life are just so tame AND split into three dry sections.
Maybe I'm being harsh. Maybe Sara Pascoe has set the bar way too high with her amazing comedian-cum-writer achievements.
July 31, 2018
Many thanks to Iain Stirling, Harper Collins and NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Meet Iain Stirling, millennial, former children's television presenter, stand up comedian, voice of Love Island and now author. With this book he invites into his world, that of a millennial. He regales us with tales from his life whilst also managing to speak about the life of millennials in general, (a millennial is born mid 1980's to mid to late 1990's.) From parenting, education, work and politics, Iain manages to speak, with humour and authority on this life and not forgetting the time he told an 8 year old to .........!
The book mixes humour with an interesting outlook on life. As a generation X it was interesting and funny to read Iain's recollections. I do feel that this book may be better suited to a younger generation ( millennnial ), however it was still good to read with several laugh out loud moments.
Meet Iain Stirling, millennial, former children's television presenter, stand up comedian, voice of Love Island and now author. With this book he invites into his world, that of a millennial. He regales us with tales from his life whilst also managing to speak about the life of millennials in general, (a millennial is born mid 1980's to mid to late 1990's.) From parenting, education, work and politics, Iain manages to speak, with humour and authority on this life and not forgetting the time he told an 8 year old to .........!
The book mixes humour with an interesting outlook on life. As a generation X it was interesting and funny to read Iain's recollections. I do feel that this book may be better suited to a younger generation ( millennnial ), however it was still good to read with several laugh out loud moments.
April 15, 2021
Despite his many accolades, and his mum telling him he’s her special little soldier every day, Iain still struggles with everyday adult life. What a textbook millennial.
Looking back at his journey to adulthood, Iain explores why millennials are the way they are and whether that makes us self-obsessed, work-shy, mollycoddled, egomaniacs; or just a misunderstood generation with a crippling fear of failure.
Millennials have been celebrated and scorned; they’re the envy, fascination and disgrace of the world. But is there more to this #selfie and avocado-obsessed generation that can’t grow up than meets the eye?
Throughout life millennials have been taught that they are perfect and should live a perfect life. They’ve been told, whatever happens, don’t mess up. And then they enter the real world. And failure quickly rears its ugly head. A head millennials weren’t warned about and definitely aren’t ready for.
Iain knows a lot about messing up. And he’s ready to share.
🟡
I really enjoyed listening to this book. For the fact that he is basically slagging off our generation for six hours, it was actually a hilarious book. Laughing out loud in places. Which, is fine... but when you’re in the back garden painting your fence, listening with headphones, and your neighbours can hear you laughing to apparently nothing, it’s a bit weird.
Anyway. I really did enjoy this book. Iain’s stories of growing up, his talking about an addiction to social media, just everything, made me laugh. I whizzed through listening to this!
Looking back at his journey to adulthood, Iain explores why millennials are the way they are and whether that makes us self-obsessed, work-shy, mollycoddled, egomaniacs; or just a misunderstood generation with a crippling fear of failure.
Millennials have been celebrated and scorned; they’re the envy, fascination and disgrace of the world. But is there more to this #selfie and avocado-obsessed generation that can’t grow up than meets the eye?
Throughout life millennials have been taught that they are perfect and should live a perfect life. They’ve been told, whatever happens, don’t mess up. And then they enter the real world. And failure quickly rears its ugly head. A head millennials weren’t warned about and definitely aren’t ready for.
Iain knows a lot about messing up. And he’s ready to share.
🟡
I really enjoyed listening to this book. For the fact that he is basically slagging off our generation for six hours, it was actually a hilarious book. Laughing out loud in places. Which, is fine... but when you’re in the back garden painting your fence, listening with headphones, and your neighbours can hear you laughing to apparently nothing, it’s a bit weird.
Anyway. I really did enjoy this book. Iain’s stories of growing up, his talking about an addiction to social media, just everything, made me laugh. I whizzed through listening to this!
September 11, 2022
Big fan of Iain Stirling on Love Island, but found him more annoying in this book to be honest 🫣
Started reading the hardback and was struggling as it’s written exactly how Iain would speak, with some interviews written down in print.
Switched to the audiobook which was much easier since Iain narrates it himself. However, by the 15th time he mentioned that he told an 8 yr old to go f*** himself, I was just about ready to give up altogether.
There were a few moments that made me laugh out loud including memories of disposable cameras on holiday and always using the last couple of pics on pets/family/garden just to not waste the remaining film, but on the whole I was rather disappointed to be honest.
Will stick to Love Island 😂
Started reading the hardback and was struggling as it’s written exactly how Iain would speak, with some interviews written down in print.
Switched to the audiobook which was much easier since Iain narrates it himself. However, by the 15th time he mentioned that he told an 8 yr old to go f*** himself, I was just about ready to give up altogether.
There were a few moments that made me laugh out loud including memories of disposable cameras on holiday and always using the last couple of pics on pets/family/garden just to not waste the remaining film, but on the whole I was rather disappointed to be honest.
Will stick to Love Island 😂
July 29, 2018
I am barely a millennial, but I definitely know exactly who Iain Stirling is. A definite comedic treasure, for sure. Although this book is probably not a good self-help guide (and I don't plan on following it), it provides an insight into the life of a British millennial, with the many fuck ups and problems along the way. It's even occasionally insightful and intelligent, which I honestly didn't fully expect. If you enjoy British comedy, or want to learn more about Iain, then I'd really recommend this, but also for anyone that wants to understand exactly why us millennials are just so useless at adult life.
September 4, 2018
I am embarrassed (I think) to say, I didn't get all of the social waypoints in this book - but I got most of them.
I liked it, in places it was actually quite deep and thought provoking - which you might not assume given Iain Stirling's day job.
I'd recommend it, ironically, Iain talks a fair bit about that dopamine hit you get when someone likes your tweet or your status update, or something you did on 'insta'... Well, you also get a dopamine hit when you're reading about something, and the writer is saying the same things you have running around in your own head.
I liked it, in places it was actually quite deep and thought provoking - which you might not assume given Iain Stirling's day job.
I'd recommend it, ironically, Iain talks a fair bit about that dopamine hit you get when someone likes your tweet or your status update, or something you did on 'insta'... Well, you also get a dopamine hit when you're reading about something, and the writer is saying the same things you have running around in your own head.
June 14, 2020
A light and easy read holiday read (based on my experience of reading it whole sitting in a at a plan tree shaded table, in a hotel garden by a Bulgarian beack).
Nothing overly funny or life changing, but has just enough personality and humour to keep you turning the pages (when combined with the peacefulnes, comfort and tranquility that characterised the most peaceful holiday I've ever had - in Bulgaria).
You know come to think of it, maybe it isn't the book I enjoyed...
Nothing overly funny or life changing, but has just enough personality and humour to keep you turning the pages (when combined with the peacefulnes, comfort and tranquility that characterised the most peaceful holiday I've ever had - in Bulgaria).
You know come to think of it, maybe it isn't the book I enjoyed...
July 29, 2018
This book has all the humour and warmth you expect from the host of love island as well as a no nonsense look at life through the eyes of a millennial. It felt like I was sat having a chat over coffee with a good friend which I think is a good thing in a biography. You can hear Iain speaking through the words in this book. Loved it.
September 14, 2018
4.5 Absolutely loved this! This year was my my first time watching Love Island and I fell head over heels in love with Iain Stirling! He made the show absolutely brilliant and the book did not disappoint either. It had me laughing out loud every chapter. This is one I will definitely be telling people about!
August 10, 2018
This was a rather odd book, although a good read that I kept to until the end. I did find that it went on a little, but there were plenty of hilariously funny moments that interluded well with the book as a whole. A good read, for everyone.
August 23, 2018
Insightful, frequently hilarious book about possible (and plausible) reasons why the Millennials are 'not ready to adult yet', and what 'adulting' really means.
I was given a copy of this book to read in exchange for a fair review.
I was given a copy of this book to read in exchange for a fair review.
September 19, 2018
I love Iain Stirling as a comedian, voice over on love island and fellow Scot however this book didn’t constantly have me in stitches of laughter like other comedy books I’ve read! I like that some jokes are carried out throughout the book and the bit about his parents playing along to the voice by sitting in office chairs staring at the wall but that was really the only bit of the book I remember making me laugh out loud. It was a good book but I don’t think without the audiobook I would have got through it... 🙈
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2020
Easy-to-read, written by a comedian book about how to embrace failures upon growing into an adult. Focusing on how millennials were promised the world by their parents, school and they society and then when faced with the harsh reality of work and life are lost.
April 4, 2021
X-ray about Millennials
Well explained the situations faced by millennials, especially pointing out the problems of social media.
Also a great short behind-the-stage story about a stand-up comedian.
Well explained the situations faced by millennials, especially pointing out the problems of social media.
Also a great short behind-the-stage story about a stand-up comedian.
September 1, 2023
Although I was unable to find the audiobook in the US, the narration in my head was very clearly in Iain's voice. As someone who spends an unhealthy amount of time listening to Stirling, I enjoyed his views on adulthood and his realistic outlook on what that means in the modern era.
September 11, 2024
The emergence of comedic biographys in the 2010's honestly needs to be studied. This one was definitely bottom shelf - it felt unfinished and he really tried to put a unique spin on what is just a run of the mill book about his life and millenialism
August 5, 2018
Loved it! Review to follow
August 9, 2018
So so funny. Just like watching him on TV his book is laugh out loud hilarious. His mum and dads antics had me in stitches and I have even started following his dad on twitter. Well worth a read.
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