Grow the F*ck Up: How to Be an Adult and Get Treated Like One

by Sarah Knight

A no-bullsh*t bible for the modern adult—the newest “No F*cks Given Guide” in the New York Times bestselling self-help series 

Whether you’re freshly of-age or you’ve been at this adulting gig for a while and haven’t quite gotten the hang of it, this collection of practical, no-nonsense advice from  New York Times  bestselling author Sarah Knight will help you achieve your ideal grown-up form—and reap the rewards. 
 
Putting her sweary, hilarious twist on classic parental decrees like “Stop whining” and “Go clean up that mess!,” Sarah teaches you essential life skills—like effectively communicating your needs and taking accountability for your actions—and then how to  use  those skills to turn grown-up responsibilities into daily opportunities for increased happiness, satisfaction, and success.
 
Packed with tips, strategies, and hundreds of real-life examples of adulting wisely and well,  Grow the F*ck Up  is the perfect read for anyone—at any age—looking to become more independent, resourceful, and self-sufficient, and have lots of fun along the way.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Humor, Personal Growth, Audiobook, Productivity

304 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2023

Reviews

[Kate Henderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why do I keep buying these Sarah Knight books?! I never seem to enjoy them. This was another waste of time.
The premise is decent but the execution is just pure common sense and waffle!!

[Gigi Ropp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sarah Knight and this book is a good representation of her incredible work, but it just wasn’t for me. I would recommend it for a new graduate or young adult, but I’m grateful most of the skills taught her no longer apply to me in my thirties!

[Lauren pavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this is the first time I have ever read a Sarah Knight book, and before you say it I know, I know, I’m late to the party!

Grow the F*ck Up: How to Be an Adult and Get Treated Like One by Sarah Knight is a no-nonsense guide to adulthood. Knight, the author of the New York Times bestseller The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck, takes a humorous approach to helping readers take control of their lives in a way that we don’t feel like we are being talked down to and lectured!


The author challenges readers to stop making excuses and start taking responsibility for their own lives. She argues that whining is a way of avoiding responsibility and that it's time to grow up and start taking action.

She also offers practical advice on how to set goals, make decisions, and deal with setbacks.

I loved the section on how to say no, how to ask for help, and how to forgive ourselves.
I always struggle to say no which in term leads me to over commit and be up half the night panicking about how to not let anyone down.

Grow the F*ck Up is a funny, empowering, and practical guide to adulthood.
The only downside for me is I felt that there were too many occasions where it was repetitive.

Overall though it is a book that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a practical guide to adulthood!

Thank you to Quercus books and of course the author Sarah Knight for my promotional copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to take a quick break while reading, and pretty much forgot everything I had read. It was at a point where I didn't immediately realize that I was rereading a whole chapter. I'm a big fan of the advice Sarah Knight offers in her other books, and seeing as how she even admits that she repeats a lot of that in this book one would think I'd like this as a refresher course; but it didn't really feel that way.
From what I remember most of it is good advice: accountability, responsibility, definitely things a lot of people need to hear, but it just felt all over the place.

[Madison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good starter book for someone who may not have any life experience because there is a few good pieces of advice. However, those pieces of advice are something most of us figure out if we have gone through anything in our adult lives. These books have good marketing and a good premise but fall short with writing and content.
To like this book better, I would want to see less repetitive writing and some more organization of ideas. It felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again which made me just want to be done with the book.
The other thing I recommend is for the author to share personal experiences in more detail. She mentioned experiences in a general sense but it didn’t help us connect with her. I would say all these self help books are the same but what makes them different is the author’s personal detailed take on life which is a hard dimension to break through in. I know I personally hate sharing what has made me grow as a person but that’s what makes advice more meaningful.

[Angi Recato · Rating 2 out of 5]

perhaps this was made for teens but i also hate this millennial “don’t gaf” tone of voice in self help books like we dont need to know that you’re a quirky 42-year-old it’s distracting

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I still like Sarah Knight, but this didn't interest me as much as some of her other books. As some other reviewers have mentioned, the advice does seem to be more for a younger audience (high school graduates-early college.) Other books have more broadly applicable tips.

Maybe I'm more of a Total Fucking Grownup than I feel like I am.

[Jaime D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to this as an audiobook… seemed like a lot of common sense advice for a woman in her 40s but may be engaging for a younger audience. I didn’t finish listening to this one as another self help audio book caught my eye (ear?). I don’t think I’ll return to it either as there are so many other self help options out there for me.

[Rob · Rating 1 out of 5]

Weirdly condescending. It feels like the author curses, makes up acronyms, and throws in pop culture references constantly to keep your engagement, but honestly just doesn’t come across as ow in a dash of unashamed celebrity worship as a garnish.

[Alicia Daughtrey · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a waste of 2 hours of my time! Most is common sense! And the language!!!…I can tolerate an occasional f bomb but every sentence!?!? Had to stop and return the book early. In the 2 hours I listened to the audiobook, she didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know.

[Madison Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This f*cking rocked

[Katia Shakkal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and palatable

[Amraj · Rating 2 out of 5]

Promises wit and wisdom, yet often serves up stale, basic advice pitched to a younger audience.

[Odeta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh what a waste of time this book was. It has nothing to grab on to. Empty. I used to love Sarahs books, but I think she is running out of ways to use the word f*ck. Very disappointed

[Cameron · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not what I thought it was when I first picked it up. I guess I'm not the target audience for this book, and that makes sense. I'm in my early 20s and at first felt a bit optimistic that maybe this book could cover something that I hadn't learned yet. Not really.

Her writing style is kind of tough to read through. I suppose that's the point. It's meant to be a book for people who struggle to read books, and in a way her language and the way she writes/speaks in this book can make it more accessible to an audience that wouldn't of picked up this book otherwise. But I just couldn't do it. The "How do you do, fellow kids?" vibes were off of the charts in a way that made me shiver a bit with cringe. I did read the other reviews while writing this one, and can see this writing style DOES bring comfort to a lot of readers. I just couldn't come to terms with
'this is how most of the book is going to be...'

This book is written for people who are (most likely) leaving their parent's home, but the reality of it is, I would only really suggest it to a 16 year old who WANTS to leave their parent's home when they're old enough. However, I wouldn't suggest it to a 16 year old who has done any work, earns any type of money, or drives a car. If you have any "real" adult life experience, a lot of this book could probably be nullified. While books like this should exist for the percentage who really do struggle, or to people who might be too shy to talk to other adults and get life advice, I don't feel like I could suggest it to the average young adult.

The fact that about 83% of the reviews are 3+ stars, I guess that's a testimony that the book accomplished what it wanted to accomplished. I left it feeling "It was an OK book, but that's about it", and that's OK. I'm glad this book exists and I think it deserves a space on a lot of young people's shelves.

[Shan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this as an ARC... I have read all of her other No Fucks Given Guides so I was super jazzed for this one.

I found this one to be geared toward college and fresh out of college peeps. Maybe high school seniors. Definitely not for this 50 year old babe. It was a fast read and much like her others it's like she is just a mate talking to you about life.

It should be recommended for the above referenced age groups... It's got helpful shit. It would be a great graduation gift, just sayin.

I highly recommend all her other NFGG to everyone who will listen to me. They have seriously helped me in life and an added element of humor in learning (which always helps; why shit gotta be so serious, seriously!).

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Knight always gives sound advice with a fun spin! If you’ve read any of her other books you’ll recognize the writing style with helpful graphics and lists. While some may find the language harsh, I don’t and I loved this one as much as the rest. Not your grandmas advice book but one that’s current. Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for review.

[Natasha M. Nurse, Esq. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Growing up is inevitable, why not read how to do it well ✅

[✨anastasia✨ · Rating 1 out of 5]

if you lack common sense, perhaps you should read this. if you have at least two functioning brain cells, do yourself a favour and save yourself from this shit fest!

[Geekfork · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only of Ms. Knight's books - so far - that I didn't excitedly want to finish in a day or two. It was still pretty funny, and had some useful advice, but I must be closer to a TFG than I thought, as much of this stuff seemed like common sense. I'd still heartily reccommend it to any Theoretical Grownups or Big Fucking Babies, though.

P.S.- I always find it hilarrrrrrrious when people who make a fairly good living doing stuff like, oh, I dunno, peddling foul-mouthed humorous life advice guides, decry Capitalism as the "scourge of the earth," even as a joke ("joke"). "Capitalism is THE WORST, amiright? Anyway, buy my book." ;)

[Becky Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

First posted on: Uptown Oracle

Grow the F*ck Up caught my attention with it’s title and it dragged me in as I started to read. It’s a super simple book of advice that you kind of wish you could tell some of the people in your live to take on. It is also good for yourself, as it simplifies concepts and gives tips on how to implement them into your life.

Knights tone is lighthearted and filled with humour, so you don’t feel like you’re reading something too heavy. I DO think that some people will not enjoy her style of writing as she is trying to be “cool aunt Sarah”, however other people will like this. Depending who you are as a person will definitely determine this. For me it wasn’t a huge issue, I was just enjoying the advice that was given.

Without giving too much away, Grow the F*ck Up uses many theories which can be linked back to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy when talking about habits, and just getting things done. But the book also explores so many topics such as critical thinking (constructively though!!), self-soothing and ensuring you’re regulating your own emotions, as well as owning up to shit and communicating well with others.

All of these topics are broken down into easy digestable segments, so reading a few pages a day is do-able. But it’s also easy enough to read in a few sittings which is what I did. Although I did take notes so that I’m dependable for myself at remembering the advice and take action.

Overall, I loved Grow the F*ck Up and found it super helpful to just bring some of the ideas to the forefront of my brain when I’m going about my everday “adult” life. Whilst the book wasn’t mindblowing or life-changing for me, it defintiely helped me up my game especially with the communication and gaining respect from others, and these are things I’ve started actioning already.

Positives of Grow the F*ck Up
Easy advice, with tips on how to implement into your everyday life
Knights tone is lighthearted and filled with humour, so you don’t feel like you’re reading something too heavy
Negatives of Grow the F*ck Up
There’s a lot of story and prose around the advice
There’s a LOT of swearing, which is fine (preferred) for me but might not be everyone’s cup of tea 🍵

I received Grow the F*ck Up by Sarah Knight from the publisher, Quercus Books. This is an unbiased and honest review

[Dharma.Pinte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not gonna lie, I definitely bought this book because of the title 😂. It's just a great coincidence that I happen to be an 18 year old girl who loves reading self-help, amongst other books (I'm a psychology student, what do you expect 🤷🏻‍♀️).

Personally, I had a GREAT time reading this book. It felt like having a yap session with my favourite auntie while she's spilling all the tea on adulthood and how to absolutely slay it. Grow The F*ck Up is written in a way that made it easy to read and understand. The writing style felt like I was actually having a conversation instead of reading, which I love. The book is practical, in the sense that there is space for you to implement the things you just learned, and there are charts / mindmaps that help you to understand & implement the info and skills.

I will say that a lot of the info in the book is something most of us intuitively learn as we go about our lives. However, it was pretty helpful to be able to CONSCIOUSLY think about them. Because it's one thing to know these things in the back of your mind, but it's a whole other thing to actually CONSCIOUSLY spend time and energy on them.

I definitely feel more empowered after reading this book. I have noticed a change in the way I cary myself and the confidence I have in my ability to be an adult. I know this might not be a big deal for a lot of people, but.. Over the course of me reading Grow The F*ck Up, I have been able to set & stick to my boundaries better than I ever have before, I have been able to show up for myself and others AND hold myself accountable. I have been able to TRY things BY MYSELF with more confidence in my own ability to do things. And so much more 😁😎.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,75 /5

I recommend Grow The F*ck Up by Sarah Knight, and I look forward to reading more of her books 🤭.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. This was a DNF for me. I love the idea but she is trying so hard to be cool and it’s just cringey. There’s no way my grown kids would read this book. I couldn’t read this book. It’s utterly littered with cuss words for no other reason than to seem cool. I like words that start with F as much as the next person but there needs to be a reason for them. This book just goes on and on trying to be funny and still hadn’t shared a single bit of wisdom until 24% into the book when she gave several pages of advice on how to start brushing your teeth. I’m not saying that’s not important and that it’s not an issue for some people, but you don’t need several pages of more cutesy swearing and stories to tell people to either tie it to a habit (like brush them right after you pee for the first and last time of the day) or to an incentive (like do something you like on your phone only after you’ve brushed them for the morning). There’s just so much talking and swearing and trying to seem cool and fun, and so little substance.

I may try to pick this up again later but for now it was nearly physically painful to keep reading. I’m not sure but I think that means I’m not grown up enough to make myself finish it?

I read a digital copy of this book via NetGalley.

[Jens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of help books (refusing to call it self-help books after that Carlin bit) because of the Internet's opinion and I absorbed that take like a sheep. I got a hold of this book because of the title (sorry I judged a book by its cover). It just screamed at me saying "Hey mofo! Buy me! Yeah I know you want to you broke bitch." and I did and let me tell you, it was worth the 20$. The author really made me feel comfortable especially on segments that showed what she goes through and it is just relatable. There are some actually good pointers for life, specifically on how to navigate the treacherous waters of adulthood. If I have to nick-pick, I would say the humour is a hit or miss for me, but hey, at least she tries her hardest to make it entertaining and I appreciate her for it.

[Faye Pinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, it gavr me some really handy The author handles her advice with a lot of empathy but a lot of frankness which I really appreciated. I also loved her writing style, it was relevant, relatable and engaging. I had a few moments where I laughed out loud on the train, who knew being told the secrets of adulthood could be entertaining?

As soon as I started reading this book I did a whole bunch of stuff I’ve been avoiding. My only suggestion would be to actually buy the book because she has some really handy diagrams and tips in there that you might want to reference. I had a library book, so I took some sneaky photos of these pages, but it’s not the same.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a more like a 4.8 because as she said "there's always room for improvement" but I loved the book, contrary to what some people say I think it was the best 2 hours of my life.

No matter how "obvious" the book is, there's a lot of people out there that can't be accountable. If you are, well good for you, that was most certainly not addressed to you. Not because something might seem obvious everything knows it.

If you're past 30 the book can't do much for you, so why are you reading it? As for me, I'm starting to walk into the adulthood so, it was really helpful.

I love every Sarah's book, they're great.

[Maegan McFall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grow the f*ck up

I don’t like to give star ratings to ‘self help’ books as I feel that they are every subjective. You take what you want from them.

Thank you to @hachetteaus for sending me a copy in return for my honest review.

I feel as if this book is more geared towards a more younger audience than myself but it did have some really good insights. A great book of advice that I wish I could tell my younger self or I could tell you he people.

I recommend this for anyway who is feeling a bit stuck or just wants a bit of advice!

[Chelsea Magrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book at an airport bookstore and was drawn to it as I’m in a bit of a rut in life. I felt a wee bit silly reading it at 28 as I feel like I should be a full fledged grown up by now but hey, there’s always room for improvement right? Anyway, I thought this book had some sound advice. I will definitely be taking a lot away from it. The main reason for the 3 stars is that I just really did not like how it was laid out. It felt chaotic and all over the place and my silly brain just does not like that. Worth a read though.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-ish


Let's face it, no one teaches you how to be a grown up. If you're lucky, you get some tips from your parents in the beginning so you don't turn in to a serial killer or compulsive shoplifter.

It should all be pretty basic stuff... be respectful, tell the truth, try not to hurt people and if you do, (and you will) TAKE SOME DAMN ACCOUNTABILITY. That's the big one!

Oh, and say you're sorry from time to time...and actually mean it.


The writing was cutesy, and the F bombs were glorious. Let's face it....I wish I had an Aunt Sarah.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book presents itself as infantilizing adults and attempts to sound cool. Almost a third of this book could be taken out because it's this round about way of talking to the reader when it could be presented more straight-forward. As a 20-something, I had hoped this book would be more helpful, but I feel like this is for the kid straight out of college who doesn't know how to do anything but party.