twenty something: the things you wish someone told you about your twenties, from one gal to another

by Cimber Cummings

Our twenties are a seemingly simple, yet daunting decade. It's a time that tends to be surprising, unsettling, freeing, yet so much fun. Twenty something begins by sharing the story of its end, as the author, Cimber Cummings, contemplates her inevitable and upcoming thirtieth birthday. As she reminisces on the past ten years, she remembers all that God has taught and revealed and changed in her since then. She thinks back to how beautiful and tragic, equally hopeful, and yet impossible those years were. And so to celebrate all that God has done, Cimber shares with her readers the journey of her twenties as short stories written by a friend. Whether through relationships failed, promotions given, or moves made across the country, she shares the gems of wisdom and truth God instilled in her through seasons of disappointment and delight. She knows she hasn't gleaned a lifetime's worth of knowledge about anything yet, but she learned some things about a few things that when added together, made up the deeply meaningful decade she came to love. As she journeys back and tries to make you laugh, she also doesn't apologize if she makes you cry a little too. Because we all need the realization that when navigating life as a twenty-something, we're not alone, or crazy, or at least not both at the same time.

Genres: Faith

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2020

About the author

People mispronounce Cimber Cummings' first name at least twice a day, but she doesn't mind, she knows it's unique. (If you're curious, it's "Kim-ber"). Equal parts girly-girl and tomboy, she owns enough heels to outfit an army, but usually rocks a sneaker. Although she divides her days between working with young women, she also spends unnecessary time dreaming up delectable desserts. For the last decade, Cimber has trained and spoken to thousands of twenty-somethings in both university and ministry settings, and most recently, through directing the college ministry of her East Texas church.

When she's not eating and traveling, you'll find her binge-watching shows about eating and traveling, or running (because of all the eating...). And because you're pretty much friends now, she'd love to have you follow her (in a non-creepy way, of course) at cimbercummings.com, or over on her social platforms @cimbercummings

Reviews

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not recommend this book enough. Cimber perfectly intertwines humor and seriousness, making you feel like you’re just having a conversation with your best friend over coffee. The truths of Christ in this book are clear, but not without addressing the hardships that come in our twenties.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. It felt like a hug the whole way through. I felt seen and understood and encouraged, and it felt like Cimber was just talking to me as if she was my mentor/friend. So good

[Liberty Egan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love LOVE this book and would recommend it to any female in their twenties. The writing is so free that it’s like you’re having a conversation with the author, and her advice and stories are absolutely wonderful.

[Lauren Danforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now 100% one of my favorite books ever. Cimber’s writing is so honest, relatable, and encouraging. Each chapter is a call to have abundant joy in this life and, most importantly, a call to grow in trusting and loving the Lord. Every twenty-something needs to read this!

[Jordyn Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good. I feel it is more insightful for those entering their twenties rather than me (someone whose twenties are fading away). I feel like if anything it made me grieve some of the decisions I didn’t make due to both internal and external factors. Anyways, don’t live out of fear ✌️

[Máire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot. I read books of a large variety. But I've never read a book quite like this.

Cimber writes like she's giving a younger sister the wisest counsel she can muster from her experiences as a twenty-something. She's fun, witty, well written. Ever chapter starts off in some unexpected place, and leads you straight to the Gospel. God is everywhere, He is teaching us through everything and anything He can, in life. Cimber Cummings' ability to see this and pass it on is admirable and I for one am grateful to read the fruits of her thoughts on such subjects.

The chapters and short and easy to read. If you're bringing it on a holiday, bring a backup book, as you'll fly through this one in no time! It reads like a friendly conversation, so much so that I read the first half in 2 days (and the second in 4 just for lack of time, not interest), that will leave you excited to see what she comes up with next. If you're that kind of reader, grab a pencil; you're gonna be underlining and noting and marking a ton.

#thirtysomethingbook please Cimber? :)

[Jasmine Cauthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book as someone who was in her early twenties and just reread it as someone who is now in her mid-twenties. I loved this book the second time just as much as the first! It is applicable and full of simple truths. I’m thankful for Cimber’s wisdom and honesty about life as a twenty something and her ability to always point back to Jesus!

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for every twenty-something woman. No, seriously. If you know and love someone in this age group, get this book for them. Ms. Cummings is "The Mom Message" minus "The Mom Voice," and I only have one question...

Where was Cimber Cummings when I was twenty?

[Lindsay Blackmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book full of quick-witted humor, practical advice, and great spiritual wisdom. While the target audience is 20-somethings, as a 32 year old, I gained incredible knowledge and encouragement from this book. I believe it’s a book every woman should read.

[K. Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're twenty-something or now someone who is, get this book!

[Olivia Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gals in their 20s.... read this book!!! Its fun and light hearted and real, but it does not skimp on truth either!!! Loved it.

[Ariail Lankford]

If you’re a twenty something, this is a must read. If you’re a twenty something that is also an enneagram 7, this is a must MUST read. Each chapter hit exactly when it was supposed to.

[Lindsey McAlister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, I cried. Cimber's words are raw, honest, and encouraging. Purchasing many copies!

[Emily Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like sitting on the couch with a friend, coffee in hand, sharing in the honest highs and lows of life as a twenty-something—all in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Every story “snippet” gives insight to a facet of this season of life—affirming that “the struggle is real” and that in the midst of this struggle, there is the great potential to find joy that surpasses the circumstances we find ourselves in.

I would recommend this to any twenty-something, soon to be twenty-something, or any recent twenty-something—to both affirm you in the struggle of this season and to encourage you in how to live in the full joy of this season.

[Courtney Carrico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and I wish I could buy one for every girl I know. Whether you’re in your 20’s or not - this book is a must read! Thank you, Cimber!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads light a light-hearted blog post with nuggets of gold in each chapter. Some places can get a little repetitive —but I believe that is because the themes of Cimber’s life or things she wants to stress can be good for all of our twenties. I enjoyed reading a chapter a day over lunch and found many things she said to be just what I needed to hear. Definitely would recommend to other Christian twenty-something’s.

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so relatable, refreshing, and encouraging! I love Cimber's lighthearted (and often funny) writing style. She often points back to the all-sufficiency of Jesus and about what really matters. I love how she writes about the deeper lessons she has learned, and shares about them with wisdom and hope. I also love how she includes practical things she has learned as a twenty-something.

[Kathryn McDaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5! A quick easy read! Super fun that the author is in my city! Great insight into what your 20’s could be if you walk with Jesus and desire to have fun! I liked the way Cimber is honest with how her 20’s went. No one has the perfect plan and not everyone has the same experience in their singleness- grateful that she was honest in her journey recollection.

[Katie Sypniewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read!!! I loved the lessons in it. So relatable but not too over the top. I just turned 25 and this was a perfect book to read right now.

[Ashley Upchurch · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy 24 hour weekend read that’s fun, light hearted and full of nuggets of truth and encouragement!

[AJ Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the cover says, it’s all the things I wish someone talked to me about sooner!! So stinking good!! Honest and necessary!!

[Lauren Biar · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this book!!!! cimber does such a good job of preaching the truth in such an easy to read and rentable way! I wish more books were like this and written for this age group!

[Lindsey Tarver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in 3 or 4 days. Literally SO. GOOD. It was great advice mixed with the comfort and laughter of a best friend talking to you. Reading the book felt like being wrapped up on a “non-crappy couch” in your favorite familiar cozy blanket. Also the book itself is freaking beautiful.