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Is this it? The Difference Jesus Makes to that ‘Where-is-my-life-going-I-hate-my-job-I-have-no-real-friends-Is-God-even-here-Will-I-end-up-alone-I-wish-I-was-back-at-school-Will-this-ever-feel-like-home-Am-I-failing-at-life’ Feeling
This book is for you if:
• You dread family occasions because relatives will ask you what you’re doing with your life
• Social media leaves you with the miserable suspicion that most of your friends have more fun/a better relationship/more money/a better house/more friends than you do
• Watching sitcoms from your adolescence on Netflix makes everything feel better
• You’ve ended up in a job that has absolutely nothing to do with what you dreamed of doing when you were six (or eleven, or sixteen)
• You still keep loads of stuff at your parent’s house
Sooner or later, most of us find that adult life is not all it’s cracked up to be. At some point most of us take a look at where we’ve got to and wonder: “Is this it? Why did no one warn me that adult life was going to be this… difficult?”
Rachel Jones is 20-something, trying to keep it together, and ready to say what we’re all thinking. Whether you’re just feeling a bit lost or having a full “quarter life crisis”, this funny, honest, hopeful book reveals the difference Jesus makes to the angst of adulting.
• You dread family occasions because relatives will ask you what you’re doing with your life
• Social media leaves you with the miserable suspicion that most of your friends have more fun/a better relationship/more money/a better house/more friends than you do
• Watching sitcoms from your adolescence on Netflix makes everything feel better
• You’ve ended up in a job that has absolutely nothing to do with what you dreamed of doing when you were six (or eleven, or sixteen)
• You still keep loads of stuff at your parent’s house
Sooner or later, most of us find that adult life is not all it’s cracked up to be. At some point most of us take a look at where we’ve got to and wonder: “Is this it? Why did no one warn me that adult life was going to be this… difficult?”
Rachel Jones is 20-something, trying to keep it together, and ready to say what we’re all thinking. Whether you’re just feeling a bit lost or having a full “quarter life crisis”, this funny, honest, hopeful book reveals the difference Jesus makes to the angst of adulting.
208 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2019
70 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Jones
8 books22 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Rachel Jones studied History at Manchester University and is now part of the editorial team at The Good Book Company.
Rachel Jones studied History at Manchester University and is now part of the editorial team at The Good Book Company.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 19, 2019
This was a complete impulse buy on Kindle and I have zero regrets. The avocado on the outside got me but the words on the inside got me more.
February 9, 2020
This book is amazing! As I come to graduation and entering the adult world, I wonder will it live up to my expectations. This book is so real, it feels like Rachel is your friend and you’re having coffee and a conversation with her. While the book covers many subjects, it gives enough detail on each one. The book gives very good biblical wisdom on each of the topic and regularly encourages the reader to reflect. I highly recommend this book.
August 19, 2020
This book should be read by everyone in their 20s/30s struggling to make sense of new life chapters, transitioning from university, beginning jobs and everything that comes with being an adult! Rachel is a very relatable writer and it was encouraging reading a book which touched on some on some of my own reflections as I begin my job. Encouraged by her perspective and honest advice.
May 25, 2025
I thought this was well done! Very timely and relatable for me. She does a good job of calling out the navel gazing of people’s 20s.
“Once you’ve reminded yourself of all that, it’s time to stop looking in the mirror and start doing something with your day.”
“Once you’ve reminded yourself of all that, it’s time to stop looking in the mirror and start doing something with your day.”
February 9, 2023
Really liked this; it felt like sitting down with an older sister and chatting through big things in life. She points us clearly to Scripture, and how, ultimately, the root of all our satisfaction is found in knowing God and being kept for His new creation. This shapes how we approach all of those quarter-life crisis questions ('What am I doing with my life? Why am I still single? Why is adulting so hard?'), and is incredibly freeing. Short chapters with good, biblical advice; I think I'll be dipping back into this, both for myself and for others.
August 30, 2025
Well this was about as relatable as a book ever has been to me. Very practical and immensely encouraging
November 16, 2019
This is a fantastic book. It is full of hope, full of truth and practical. It points your gaze upwards, and forward. There are thoughts and feelings spoken of honestly and openly I thought I was the only one thinking and feeling. Not just for 20-somethings. The chapters on decisions and loneliness are particularly fantastic. Rachel has insight and wisdom beyond her years. “My problem is I don’t pray and my solution is I should pray.”
February 5, 2019
Such a great book - so timely, honest and refreshing. I wish it had come out sooner so I could have benefited from it earlier! I would highly recommend it to anyone (millennial or not) who is discontent with life or aspects of their life, and wants to hear God speak into the situation.
April 21, 2023
Honest, wise and very helpful!
July 23, 2024
4.5 stars! I really enjoyed this one, Rachel Jones takes the basic truths of the gospels but applies them to all of our quarter life crisis experiences in a way that often made me think “now why hadn’t I realized this before?” I felt like the chapters on rootedness, self-doubt, and a meaningful life were the most helpful for me, but they all held some good advice. Ultimately this book reminded me that so many of my quarter life stressors are because I’m making myself the center of the story, when in reality it’s about Jesus, and that’s so much better than me or anything I could accomplish on my own!
April 12, 2019
What an amazing book! To everyone in their twenties and early thirties who just feels lost and hopeless and like they are losing in the adulting world, please read this book because Rachel Jones wrote it for us.
She writes so directly, honestly, and with a gospel centered focus, but also with great understanding about everything that we are feeling since after all she is living it, too. Each chapter tackles a different issue or emotion that many young people are feeling, answering, acknowledging, and addressing many of the questions we have.
Again, please read this book. I was so encouraged and know many others will be, too.
I have noticed some critiques on this book. Ultimately it is praised for its gospel centeredness, but older Christians have said that Rachel Jones only relies on her experiences for content and that she is dramatizing what is now called the "Quarter Life Crises." To which my response is 1)She never claims it is not entirely based on experience. What else would it be based on? And she bases ever thought on what the Bible says. 2)If we can't have a Quarter Life Crises, then they can't have their Mid Life Crises. Seriously. Both stages of life are hard transitions. Both require Jesus. And sometimes, more than sometimes, a little bit of appropriate drama is okay and necessary.
Favorite quote: "And being a Christian ought to turn our expectations of adulting on their head. If we're following Christ, life's big adventure is not climbing the career ladder or meeting milestones- it's about becoming 'mature and complete' in our faith. So the measure of whether we're adulting right is not whether we've got our own place with a pet, but whether our character looks like Christ's. That's what 'maturity' means- becoming like Jesus, the most courageous, compassionate, convictional, kind grown-up of all time. How do we grow in that maturity? Through trials" (13).
She writes so directly, honestly, and with a gospel centered focus, but also with great understanding about everything that we are feeling since after all she is living it, too. Each chapter tackles a different issue or emotion that many young people are feeling, answering, acknowledging, and addressing many of the questions we have.
Again, please read this book. I was so encouraged and know many others will be, too.
I have noticed some critiques on this book. Ultimately it is praised for its gospel centeredness, but older Christians have said that Rachel Jones only relies on her experiences for content and that she is dramatizing what is now called the "Quarter Life Crises." To which my response is 1)She never claims it is not entirely based on experience. What else would it be based on? And she bases ever thought on what the Bible says. 2)If we can't have a Quarter Life Crises, then they can't have their Mid Life Crises. Seriously. Both stages of life are hard transitions. Both require Jesus. And sometimes, more than sometimes, a little bit of appropriate drama is okay and necessary.
Favorite quote: "And being a Christian ought to turn our expectations of adulting on their head. If we're following Christ, life's big adventure is not climbing the career ladder or meeting milestones- it's about becoming 'mature and complete' in our faith. So the measure of whether we're adulting right is not whether we've got our own place with a pet, but whether our character looks like Christ's. That's what 'maturity' means- becoming like Jesus, the most courageous, compassionate, convictional, kind grown-up of all time. How do we grow in that maturity? Through trials" (13).
August 22, 2019
Great book, easy to read and relatable. Full of great advice and encouragement. Great take away is to enjoy the life God has given you and live it for His glory rather than putting your expectations on the life you imagined.
September 6, 2019
I can sum this book up in one sentence. Everything will be brilliant when you're dead.
Rachel Jones is good on practical theology and how a millennial like herself can relate this to their own life and she sprinkles personal anecdotes and relevant experiences into the mix to good effect. As a Generation X, I can even relate to much of it myself. But I find a few contradictions.
She tells us that if we "make ourselves mean something by building a career, having a family, or writing Christian books - we will have gained much but lost the one thing that matters". Having these things does not mean a Christian is not following Jesus. She also tells us to "stop trying to build life ourselves". Being a Christian is not about sitting doing nothing until we are inspired. We have to get on with life. On forgiveness, Rachel advocates that when our close friends annoy us, we shouldn't complain to anyone else but "cover over" the offence. However there are times we do need advice and there are times when it is necessary to forgive AND also move on. I also disagree with the notion that it is impossible to be a Christian and be successful and that being so is somehow too worldly.
This is very easy to read, to relate to and contains a massive amount of Christian common sense. I feel mean giving it only three stars, because it is authentic, relevant, readable and practical. The advice for singletons is particularly good. And for those who follow Christ, being dead will be cool. But not just yet, please, and that doesn't make me a rubbish Christian.
Rachel Jones is good on practical theology and how a millennial like herself can relate this to their own life and she sprinkles personal anecdotes and relevant experiences into the mix to good effect. As a Generation X, I can even relate to much of it myself. But I find a few contradictions.
She tells us that if we "make ourselves mean something by building a career, having a family, or writing Christian books - we will have gained much but lost the one thing that matters". Having these things does not mean a Christian is not following Jesus. She also tells us to "stop trying to build life ourselves". Being a Christian is not about sitting doing nothing until we are inspired. We have to get on with life. On forgiveness, Rachel advocates that when our close friends annoy us, we shouldn't complain to anyone else but "cover over" the offence. However there are times we do need advice and there are times when it is necessary to forgive AND also move on. I also disagree with the notion that it is impossible to be a Christian and be successful and that being so is somehow too worldly.
This is very easy to read, to relate to and contains a massive amount of Christian common sense. I feel mean giving it only three stars, because it is authentic, relevant, readable and practical. The advice for singletons is particularly good. And for those who follow Christ, being dead will be cool. But not just yet, please, and that doesn't make me a rubbish Christian.
December 10, 2023
Relatable and well-written! Helpful and encouraging.
There is one thing I wish she addressed. In her chapter of self-doubt, she talks about dying to self and doing things that the world may not see as “successful”. The emphasis of dying to self, something I strongly agree with, made me ask the question, “but is it wrong to do things that the world does see as successful?” I think if I were to ask her this, she would say no. But I wish she would’ve addressed this because there is much written about self-denial, so much that if feels wrong to enjoy something that may feel good (buying a new car if reasonable, enjoying a tv show, or doing anything that doesn’t outwardly show affection or service toward God). Maybe my heart’s in the wrong place, but then I want to read about it. Overall great book and would highly recommend!
There is one thing I wish she addressed. In her chapter of self-doubt, she talks about dying to self and doing things that the world may not see as “successful”. The emphasis of dying to self, something I strongly agree with, made me ask the question, “but is it wrong to do things that the world does see as successful?” I think if I were to ask her this, she would say no. But I wish she would’ve addressed this because there is much written about self-denial, so much that if feels wrong to enjoy something that may feel good (buying a new car if reasonable, enjoying a tv show, or doing anything that doesn’t outwardly show affection or service toward God). Maybe my heart’s in the wrong place, but then I want to read about it. Overall great book and would highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2020
This book was kind of an impulse read after I saw a great review of it on The Gospel Coalition website. I'm glad I read it. It is definitely directed at readers out of college, but it was still helpful to think about that impending season, as well as to be reminded of how Jesus meets us in it. This book is soaked in Scripture and flooded with reminders of the Gospel. Just a sweet book to be reminded how the Gospel informs every aspect of our lives, and how it brings steadfast certainty to an uncertain life.
April 17, 2021
I found this a really good read and very encouraging. There was so much that I resonated with it as a Christian in their mid-twenties, and I think anyone else who reads it will find the same- however successful or far along in their 20s/30s. The author picks up on some topics that sometimes aren't talked about in church or in Christian friendships, and these are things we can all relate to as we are starting early adult life. This book gives helpful suggestions and a good way of opening up these topics to help you realise that you aren't alone in the way you are feeling, as well as how to tackle starting adulting, and life in general, as a Christian.
June 10, 2023
Firstly, this is not the usual type of book I would choose, but I received it as a free sample from the publisher as an inducement to sign up for newsletters. It is geared towards 20 - 30 year olds and certainly the first few chapters definitely are. By chapter 3 I was considering giving up but chapter 4 seemed more relevant so I persevered. If you’re in the target age range you may find it helpful and I may have rated it higher if I had read it 40 years ago. Probably worth reading especially if you are still young.
August 31, 2020
Excellent. I highly recommend. May I say it again? I highly recommend.
The targeted audience is for the twenty-somethings but I think it is inspirational for everyone. The main focus of the book is about contentment. That pertains to all ages and situations.
Not sure about the meaning of the avocado on the cover. Ha! Maybe I need to be 20-something to get it. 😂
The targeted audience is for the twenty-somethings but I think it is inspirational for everyone. The main focus of the book is about contentment. That pertains to all ages and situations.
Not sure about the meaning of the avocado on the cover. Ha! Maybe I need to be 20-something to get it. 😂
August 4, 2019
Extremely relevant to believers in their 20s. I found myself feeling heard through Rachel’s words. The truths were rooted in both scripture and personal experience which made the book both enjoyable and informative! Highly recommend!
January 31, 2021
Great book for people going through a quarter life crisis questioning every aspect/decision they’re making. Contains useful reminders that are so easy to forget
August 18, 2025
Some true nuggets of wisdom in this one! Here are two of my favorites:
“Our salvation does not depend on the strength of our faith or the complete absence of doubts. Despite my wobbly faith and my faltering feelings, Jesus has got me and will not let me go.” (p. 103)
“This is dying to self—and it hurts. It's biting your tongue when you'd rather criticise. It's opening your mouth when you'd rather stay quiet. It's opening up when you'd rather shut down. It's turning up when you'd rather stay home.” (p. 183)
“Our salvation does not depend on the strength of our faith or the complete absence of doubts. Despite my wobbly faith and my faltering feelings, Jesus has got me and will not let me go.” (p. 103)
“This is dying to self—and it hurts. It's biting your tongue when you'd rather criticise. It's opening your mouth when you'd rather stay quiet. It's opening up when you'd rather shut down. It's turning up when you'd rather stay home.” (p. 183)
September 16, 2025
Fantastic book, for anyone in their 20s and are beginning to realize that life isn’t all it seemed. Definitely worth a read.
July 12, 2019
Couldn't recommend it enough, whatever stage in life you're at. Brilliant!
February 10, 2021
A book that I definitely wish I had read in my late 20s (I am in my early 30s now). It has a lot of good, Biblical and wise advise on how to deal with the quarterlife crisis.
October 18, 2022
I just think this book absolutely nailed the big existential stuff going on in our 20’s (I’m thinking about a lot of these questions regularly). Great that it’s so realistic, but also so full of hope and joy in being firmly rooted in Christ as well as some super helpful tips. Amazing, too, as she demonstrates really logically, how all scripture attests to the reality that whatever we’re feeling, what God is like is unchanging, and we can cling to Him.
January 12, 2025
I was having a quarter-life crisis and this helped
November 27, 2024
Really excellent. I am in my 40s and read it in case it would be helpful to give to folks I know at church or my own kids someday, but I very much appreciated it for my own sake as well. Similarly, I also love another book that was not written for me (“The Life I Never Expected” by Andrew and Rachel Wilson) and I see that the underlying current in both is perspective and contentment, while not being dismissive of how we feel during hard seasons. Both are great. And both are really engaging reads.
April 1, 2019
In the best way possible, I don’t think the book contains anything new. There’s no revolutionary secret to escaping the quarter life crisis, no secret Biblical truth that’s never been heard before. She just takes the Bible and speaks into the situations 20-somethings face in a clear, truthful, humorous at times, and encouraging way. It was very much what I needed to read right now, and I’d recommend it to anyone in their 20s.
May 3, 2021
This book took me awhile to read because I usually don't like self help books. But this author is very humble when she gives advice and she doesn't have a 'I am holier than thou' attitude either, which made me more willing to receive her advice. This book was a good reminder that His mercies are new every morning and that I don't have to take the daunting task of improving myself alone, I have His Spirit.
July 6, 2019
I thought this book might try to cover too many topics and barely scratch the surface of each. But in reality each chapter resonates with the way your feeling and then provides biblical, helpful advice. Worth a read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews