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Adulthood for Beginners Lib/E: All the Life Secrets Nobody Bothered to Tell You
A smart, funny, and essential survival guide that you didn't know you needed. But you do. As any current or former 20-something knows, adult life can get a bit weird because no one tells you what to expect. Many of us spend a decade or more figuring out how the world works, hoping that by age 30 our friends are too old to remember what happened. Unfortunately, Andy Boyle does not have it all figured out. But the funny and useful advice and observations in this engaging audiobook will help any newly minted adult get through the hard parts faster, guaranteed. ( not literally guaranteed.) Topics - Empathy, or why Nickelback fans are the best - Making dates suck less - What Would Tom Hanks Do? - How not to be an asshole - Should you get back together with your ex? (No) - Resume Dos and OMG DO NOTs
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Published June 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 17, 2022
Andy Boyle offers sensible advice for young people transitioning into adulthood. His humorous style makes this an easy and fun read. Readers will not only learn the unwritten rules of life, but become more confident and responsible adults along the way.
May 19, 2017
Even though I am almost 40, I decided to read this just to make sure I "know it all" about being an adult and because I thought it would be amusing and humorous. It was not. I did not laugh once. It was so corny. And OK, we get it already, the guy has had sex!!! For some reason he was intent on proving that throughout the book! I thought this would be a good buy for my almost 18 year old son, but with all the drinking and sex talk, NO WAY!!! I thought this book would have been way different. Like how to decorate your own place (it did touch on no movie posters, good job there). But I would have added make sure you have curtains. Stuff like that I think just needed a woman's touch to better this book. Or how NOT to fall down the drug hole and how it can ruin the REST of your life if you are not careful. He came across as a little too self important in his mind too which turns me off. Maybe I need to write my own book.
March 4, 2020
This book presents practical instructions for young people entering adulthood.
American culture is currently hypercritical of emerging adults for violating unwritten sociocultural rules and lacking basic “adult” skills. Often I find this to be unfair as the people being judged had parents who were so unhappy and stressed out that all they could do when they got home from work was microwave dinner after which everyone in the household watched television in separate rooms.
Gone are the days that the “elders” would initiate adolescents into the adult world by passing on vital skills and clearly articulating behavioral expectations for their post-puberty lives, i.e. adulting. The author dislikes the term adulting, but I find it applicable to describe the skills and behavior expected from adults, and since this is my review, I’m overruling his edict to “stop saying ‘adulting’” and using the vocabulary of my choice.
This book is mostly cognitive-behavioral advice with very little instruction on practical skills such as how to fold a fitted sheet or thaw frozen pipes. It is part self-help and part explanation of unwritten social rules. Some parts were meh. Some were outstanding. There are a lot of lists. Everything the reader needs to know is bold -- the paragraphs below are merely elaboration, so the book is easy to skim. There are also multiple sidebars in each section with bonus info often in joke form.
As the author is a comedian, it's written in a humorous tone. However, there is an excessive amount of f-bombs and a-holes, which sounds very juvenile at times rather than adult and might turn off a significant portion of the audience. Most conscientious adults aren't going to buy books laden with profanity for teenagers even if they would benefit from them.
Adulthood for Beginners is divided into six sections:
*Inner Awesomeness
*Social Awesomeness
*Dating Awesomeness
*Work Awesomeness
*Body Awesomeness
*Next-Level Awesomeness
Inner Awesomeness covers self-esteem and goal setting. It also includes "the Asshole Test" (pages 13 -- 16), which will teach readers how to determine if they being a-holes, so they can stop themselves for behaving this way in the future. I appreciated this idea.
Although it would fit better in Social Awesomeness, this chapter offers guidance on how to react to someone's professed identity: whatever someone says they are, that's what they are (page 41). When it comes to gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, any kind of identity, just take the person's word for it especially if the person is just an acquaintance or a stranger in a superficial social interaction. Don't argue. Don't ask clarifying questions. Just roll with whatever they said even if you think what the person says is ridiculous. It's important to remember that someone's self-identity doesn't personally affect you, so be polite.
Social Awesomeness covers friendships, familial relationships, roommates, and public social interactions in general. It contains some very good advice. One of the best pieces of advice is that one doesn't have to stay friends with everyone (pages 53 -- 55). It's okay to let friendships lapse into acquaintanceships. This is the only time "ghosting" someone is acceptable behavior. People change and grow apart. It's okay. It's part of life. Also, some people are plain toxic, and the friendship needs to end no matter much history there is behind it.
The section on how not to ruin your life on social media (pages 64 -- 67) is also extremely good. I particularly liked how the author pointed that when people post pictures without permission specifically of strangers, it's usually just to mock them, which is a mean thing to do. Here and throughout this book, the author stresses that posting photos and/or screenshots of text messages to make fun of or humiliate someone is flat out wrong even if it is a 1st Amendment right, and it's not something anyone who is a responsible grownup would do. Also, anyone who engages in this type of behavior fails "The Asshole Test." (See page 13.)
In the partying section of Social Awesomeness I was surprised and delighted to read that if someone has been drinking, then that person cannot consent to sex, so one should not have sex with him/her even if s/he asks one to. This is a startling modern view of consent, and this was the very first time I'd ever heard an average dude say something that went directly against rape culture. I was astounded. Bravo, dude!
The author does a lot of man-to-man talking in this book in which he repeatedly points out creepy, inappropriate, unethical, and generally out of line behavior and flat out says, "Gentlemen, I am speaking to you. Don't do this. If you do do this, stop. If you have a friend that does this, tell him to stop, and stop being friends with him if he doesn't." I really appreciated this.
Dating Awesomeness tackles dating as the title chapter suggests. It contains a lot of excellent advice. Interpersonal relationships aren't a topic on which young people, especially those who received abstinence-only and/or religious-based sex education, are given a whole lot of guidance. Moreover, the rules for dating, relationships, and sex have changed so drastically over the past two decades that much of the advice on dating from older generations is inapplicable even for younger people who err on the side of being old-fashioned. As a result, pop culture and RomCom films have become the go-to source for love and dating with disastrous results.
The author theorizes that people are so bad at dating because they don't understand what dating is, which is an interesting theory although I'm not sure I agree. He clarifies things up by clearly defining dating as a way for two people to get to know one another and decide if they groove together (page 100). He begins the chapter by recommending that one asks him/herself the following questions before asking someone out: 1) do you frequent where this person works, 2) does this person frequent where you work, 3) has this person shown any interest in you, and 4) if the relationship fails, which most relationships do, will it disrupt your circle of friends? If the answers to questions 1, 2, and 4 aren't no, and the answer to question 3 isn't yes, then it is probably not a good idea to pursue the person.
The author's "best advice about love" is that "most relationships fail" (page 105), so to extrapolate, the odds are that not asking someone out if the fallout of a breakup (or rejection) will be problematic won't result in someone missing out on "The Love of Their Life." Physical attraction doesn't guarantee a successful relationship. Most relationship inevitably end. This is something useful to keep in mind. It's incredibly difficult to stay friends, or even acquaintances, with someone who has openly declared a romantic interest that is not returned, so really weigh the potential consequences before initiating anything.
Also, in a sidebar in this chapter, the author shows the emojis that indicate someone is "into you." The cucumber/eggplant, kissy face, and heart-eyes I could have guessed. I didn't realize the jack-o'-lantern indicated sexual interest, so I probably miscommunicated my intentions to multiple people this past Halloween.
The section "Don't Be Creepy" (pages 94 -- 95) is gold. I laughed out loud when the author discussed dick pics. "Repeat after me: I will not send a photo of my junk to someone who hasn't requested it." Thank you, dude. That's great advice. Gentlemen, please live by this rule.
I also got a kick out of the section "How to Ask Someone Out" (pages 97 -- 99). "The best way to do it is by giving a date and time and a plan." I agree with the author's view on not asking someone whom one would like to date to "hang out." "... let's -- as a generation -- stop asking people to 'hang out.' I get it, you're wishy-washy and sacred of failure. But if you suggest just 'hanging out,' then you're communicating to the other person that you don't really know what your intentions are, or maybe that you just want to be friends, or maybe that you think they just want to be friends" (page 97). If one is afraid of rejection, asking someone to "hang out" is less intimidating than asking someone out on date. That's understandable, but it makes it difficult for the other person to discern what your intentions are -- romantic or platonic. It's better just to bite the bullet and ask the person out of a date, then the person will have a clear understanding of what you want and can simply say, no, thank you, if s/he isn't interested. This eliminates the possibility of sending or receiving the wrong message. Things get problematic when one person just wants to hang out and the other person wants to watch Netflix and chill.
The rules for online dating are succinctly outlined in the online dating section (pages 106 -- 110). Considering how fraught online dating is, it's nice to have a guide. The if someone doesn't respond after two messages, move on rule is great. Like online dating, sexting also fails into the Brave New World of the 21st Century, and because it's quasi-taboo, the rules are even more murky. In the section "The Rules for Sexting" (pages 118 -- 120), the author presents a fantastic set of rules. They are simple and sensible. The gist is never pressure, never share, and delete upon breakup.
Throughout the Dating Awesomeness chapter, the author reiterates the idea that the best way to break up with someone is simply to say (in person if you've gone out more than a couple of times) something along the lines of I'm just not feeling this. I think you're awesome and wish you all the best, and the best response to being broken up with is to say something like "I had a nice time with you, and I wish you all the best." Ah, if we could all be so mature ...
In Work Awesomeness, the author clearly explains things that many young people were never told like dress appropriately by wearing clothes that fit, match, are clean, and aren't ripped, torn, or artfully distressed (pages 161 -- 162) and how to act professionally (pages 167 -- 169, 173 -- 177). He offers resume and cover letter tips (pages 142 -- 153). He also gives tips on how to develop the kind of work reputation that will help one get ahead (pages 157 -- 160).
The author also contradicts the standard advice that one should turn his/her passion into a work (pages 129 -- 131). This is not realistic for most people. Jobs fund one's life and enable him/her to pursue his/her passions. There's nothing wrong with working towards one's dream, but, honestly, life is not fair, and sometimes no matter how hard one works, his/her dream are never going to come true. Even if there is a Hollywood ending in the future, a person still has to pay rent, buy groceries, obtain health insurance, etc... in the meantime.
Body Awesomeness offers health advice. It includes some very good advice like "exercise and eat less crap, and you'll feel better" (pages 181 -- 186), stretching is important (pages 190 - 191), feeling self-conscious about your body is normal (pages 192 -- 194), try to relax (pages 195 -- 197), get a damn bedtime (page 198 -- 200), floss your teeth and go to the dentist regularly (pages 201 to 203), and don't smoke (page 204). It's all sound advice.
Next-Level Awesomeness contains all advice that didn't fit any of the other categories such as "never read the comments" on the Internet (pages 236 -- 237). There is a reminder that life isn't fair (pages 209 -- 210). There is a handy list of phrases considered racist that one should never use (pages 214 -- 215). There is a cheat sheet on how to act confident (pages 221 -- 223). The author provides tips on how not to embarrass oneself on the home front (page 228 -- 231). I enjoyed "Random Advice in Convenient List Form" (pages 248 -- 249). As a reader, I appreciated the author's advice to read more (pages 246 -- 247).
Like all advice, the advice in this book should be taken with a grain of salt, and this book offers a lot of food for thought. Overall, as someone who isn't a "beginning adult," I found it to be rather good.
American culture is currently hypercritical of emerging adults for violating unwritten sociocultural rules and lacking basic “adult” skills. Often I find this to be unfair as the people being judged had parents who were so unhappy and stressed out that all they could do when they got home from work was microwave dinner after which everyone in the household watched television in separate rooms.
Gone are the days that the “elders” would initiate adolescents into the adult world by passing on vital skills and clearly articulating behavioral expectations for their post-puberty lives, i.e. adulting. The author dislikes the term adulting, but I find it applicable to describe the skills and behavior expected from adults, and since this is my review, I’m overruling his edict to “stop saying ‘adulting’” and using the vocabulary of my choice.
This book is mostly cognitive-behavioral advice with very little instruction on practical skills such as how to fold a fitted sheet or thaw frozen pipes. It is part self-help and part explanation of unwritten social rules. Some parts were meh. Some were outstanding. There are a lot of lists. Everything the reader needs to know is bold -- the paragraphs below are merely elaboration, so the book is easy to skim. There are also multiple sidebars in each section with bonus info often in joke form.
As the author is a comedian, it's written in a humorous tone. However, there is an excessive amount of f-bombs and a-holes, which sounds very juvenile at times rather than adult and might turn off a significant portion of the audience. Most conscientious adults aren't going to buy books laden with profanity for teenagers even if they would benefit from them.
Adulthood for Beginners is divided into six sections:
*Inner Awesomeness
*Social Awesomeness
*Dating Awesomeness
*Work Awesomeness
*Body Awesomeness
*Next-Level Awesomeness
Inner Awesomeness covers self-esteem and goal setting. It also includes "the Asshole Test" (pages 13 -- 16), which will teach readers how to determine if they being a-holes, so they can stop themselves for behaving this way in the future. I appreciated this idea.
Although it would fit better in Social Awesomeness, this chapter offers guidance on how to react to someone's professed identity: whatever someone says they are, that's what they are (page 41). When it comes to gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, any kind of identity, just take the person's word for it especially if the person is just an acquaintance or a stranger in a superficial social interaction. Don't argue. Don't ask clarifying questions. Just roll with whatever they said even if you think what the person says is ridiculous. It's important to remember that someone's self-identity doesn't personally affect you, so be polite.
Social Awesomeness covers friendships, familial relationships, roommates, and public social interactions in general. It contains some very good advice. One of the best pieces of advice is that one doesn't have to stay friends with everyone (pages 53 -- 55). It's okay to let friendships lapse into acquaintanceships. This is the only time "ghosting" someone is acceptable behavior. People change and grow apart. It's okay. It's part of life. Also, some people are plain toxic, and the friendship needs to end no matter much history there is behind it.
The section on how not to ruin your life on social media (pages 64 -- 67) is also extremely good. I particularly liked how the author pointed that when people post pictures without permission specifically of strangers, it's usually just to mock them, which is a mean thing to do. Here and throughout this book, the author stresses that posting photos and/or screenshots of text messages to make fun of or humiliate someone is flat out wrong even if it is a 1st Amendment right, and it's not something anyone who is a responsible grownup would do. Also, anyone who engages in this type of behavior fails "The Asshole Test." (See page 13.)
In the partying section of Social Awesomeness I was surprised and delighted to read that if someone has been drinking, then that person cannot consent to sex, so one should not have sex with him/her even if s/he asks one to. This is a startling modern view of consent, and this was the very first time I'd ever heard an average dude say something that went directly against rape culture. I was astounded. Bravo, dude!
The author does a lot of man-to-man talking in this book in which he repeatedly points out creepy, inappropriate, unethical, and generally out of line behavior and flat out says, "Gentlemen, I am speaking to you. Don't do this. If you do do this, stop. If you have a friend that does this, tell him to stop, and stop being friends with him if he doesn't." I really appreciated this.
Dating Awesomeness tackles dating as the title chapter suggests. It contains a lot of excellent advice. Interpersonal relationships aren't a topic on which young people, especially those who received abstinence-only and/or religious-based sex education, are given a whole lot of guidance. Moreover, the rules for dating, relationships, and sex have changed so drastically over the past two decades that much of the advice on dating from older generations is inapplicable even for younger people who err on the side of being old-fashioned. As a result, pop culture and RomCom films have become the go-to source for love and dating with disastrous results.
The author theorizes that people are so bad at dating because they don't understand what dating is, which is an interesting theory although I'm not sure I agree. He clarifies things up by clearly defining dating as a way for two people to get to know one another and decide if they groove together (page 100). He begins the chapter by recommending that one asks him/herself the following questions before asking someone out: 1) do you frequent where this person works, 2) does this person frequent where you work, 3) has this person shown any interest in you, and 4) if the relationship fails, which most relationships do, will it disrupt your circle of friends? If the answers to questions 1, 2, and 4 aren't no, and the answer to question 3 isn't yes, then it is probably not a good idea to pursue the person.
The author's "best advice about love" is that "most relationships fail" (page 105), so to extrapolate, the odds are that not asking someone out if the fallout of a breakup (or rejection) will be problematic won't result in someone missing out on "The Love of Their Life." Physical attraction doesn't guarantee a successful relationship. Most relationship inevitably end. This is something useful to keep in mind. It's incredibly difficult to stay friends, or even acquaintances, with someone who has openly declared a romantic interest that is not returned, so really weigh the potential consequences before initiating anything.
Also, in a sidebar in this chapter, the author shows the emojis that indicate someone is "into you." The cucumber/eggplant, kissy face, and heart-eyes I could have guessed. I didn't realize the jack-o'-lantern indicated sexual interest, so I probably miscommunicated my intentions to multiple people this past Halloween.
The section "Don't Be Creepy" (pages 94 -- 95) is gold. I laughed out loud when the author discussed dick pics. "Repeat after me: I will not send a photo of my junk to someone who hasn't requested it." Thank you, dude. That's great advice. Gentlemen, please live by this rule.
I also got a kick out of the section "How to Ask Someone Out" (pages 97 -- 99). "The best way to do it is by giving a date and time and a plan." I agree with the author's view on not asking someone whom one would like to date to "hang out." "... let's -- as a generation -- stop asking people to 'hang out.' I get it, you're wishy-washy and sacred of failure. But if you suggest just 'hanging out,' then you're communicating to the other person that you don't really know what your intentions are, or maybe that you just want to be friends, or maybe that you think they just want to be friends" (page 97). If one is afraid of rejection, asking someone to "hang out" is less intimidating than asking someone out on date. That's understandable, but it makes it difficult for the other person to discern what your intentions are -- romantic or platonic. It's better just to bite the bullet and ask the person out of a date, then the person will have a clear understanding of what you want and can simply say, no, thank you, if s/he isn't interested. This eliminates the possibility of sending or receiving the wrong message. Things get problematic when one person just wants to hang out and the other person wants to watch Netflix and chill.
The rules for online dating are succinctly outlined in the online dating section (pages 106 -- 110). Considering how fraught online dating is, it's nice to have a guide. The if someone doesn't respond after two messages, move on rule is great. Like online dating, sexting also fails into the Brave New World of the 21st Century, and because it's quasi-taboo, the rules are even more murky. In the section "The Rules for Sexting" (pages 118 -- 120), the author presents a fantastic set of rules. They are simple and sensible. The gist is never pressure, never share, and delete upon breakup.
Throughout the Dating Awesomeness chapter, the author reiterates the idea that the best way to break up with someone is simply to say (in person if you've gone out more than a couple of times) something along the lines of I'm just not feeling this. I think you're awesome and wish you all the best, and the best response to being broken up with is to say something like "I had a nice time with you, and I wish you all the best." Ah, if we could all be so mature ...
In Work Awesomeness, the author clearly explains things that many young people were never told like dress appropriately by wearing clothes that fit, match, are clean, and aren't ripped, torn, or artfully distressed (pages 161 -- 162) and how to act professionally (pages 167 -- 169, 173 -- 177). He offers resume and cover letter tips (pages 142 -- 153). He also gives tips on how to develop the kind of work reputation that will help one get ahead (pages 157 -- 160).
The author also contradicts the standard advice that one should turn his/her passion into a work (pages 129 -- 131). This is not realistic for most people. Jobs fund one's life and enable him/her to pursue his/her passions. There's nothing wrong with working towards one's dream, but, honestly, life is not fair, and sometimes no matter how hard one works, his/her dream are never going to come true. Even if there is a Hollywood ending in the future, a person still has to pay rent, buy groceries, obtain health insurance, etc... in the meantime.
Body Awesomeness offers health advice. It includes some very good advice like "exercise and eat less crap, and you'll feel better" (pages 181 -- 186), stretching is important (pages 190 - 191), feeling self-conscious about your body is normal (pages 192 -- 194), try to relax (pages 195 -- 197), get a damn bedtime (page 198 -- 200), floss your teeth and go to the dentist regularly (pages 201 to 203), and don't smoke (page 204). It's all sound advice.
Next-Level Awesomeness contains all advice that didn't fit any of the other categories such as "never read the comments" on the Internet (pages 236 -- 237). There is a reminder that life isn't fair (pages 209 -- 210). There is a handy list of phrases considered racist that one should never use (pages 214 -- 215). There is a cheat sheet on how to act confident (pages 221 -- 223). The author provides tips on how not to embarrass oneself on the home front (page 228 -- 231). I enjoyed "Random Advice in Convenient List Form" (pages 248 -- 249). As a reader, I appreciated the author's advice to read more (pages 246 -- 247).
Like all advice, the advice in this book should be taken with a grain of salt, and this book offers a lot of food for thought. Overall, as someone who isn't a "beginning adult," I found it to be rather good.
June 29, 2017
“I believe that everyone else my age is an adult whereas I am merely in disguise.” ~ Margaret Atwood
I'm always looking for advice on being an adult, so I picked up Boyle's book. The writing style is accessible and generally lighthearted.
As for the advice itself. . . Some of the advice I couldn't believe *needed* to be said, mostly because I couldn't believe people actually did that sort of thing. Other advice was simply excellent. (I'd love to just copy the sections on networking, resumes, cover letters and interviewing and give them to everyone I meet looking for a job. The advice is clear and articulate, specific and good.)
I also like the straightforward way Boyle approached the dating chapter which included advice on sex, consent, sexting and breakups. He came right out and said that someone who is drunk can't consent to sex, that no one owes you sex regardless of the times you've gone out, sharing an intimate photo of an ex to shame them after the relationship is over is being an asshole, etc. I really appreciated that Boyle was clear and articulate about these issues. Basically, he gave advice for being a good adult.
Overall, I think Adulthood for beginners provides a lot of good advice that's presented in a clear, friendly way that's specific enough to help shape readers' expectations of 'adult' behavior.
I'm always looking for advice on being an adult, so I picked up Boyle's book. The writing style is accessible and generally lighthearted.
As for the advice itself. . . Some of the advice I couldn't believe *needed* to be said, mostly because I couldn't believe people actually did that sort of thing. Other advice was simply excellent. (I'd love to just copy the sections on networking, resumes, cover letters and interviewing and give them to everyone I meet looking for a job. The advice is clear and articulate, specific and good.)
I also like the straightforward way Boyle approached the dating chapter which included advice on sex, consent, sexting and breakups. He came right out and said that someone who is drunk can't consent to sex, that no one owes you sex regardless of the times you've gone out, sharing an intimate photo of an ex to shame them after the relationship is over is being an asshole, etc. I really appreciated that Boyle was clear and articulate about these issues. Basically, he gave advice for being a good adult.
Overall, I think Adulthood for beginners provides a lot of good advice that's presented in a clear, friendly way that's specific enough to help shape readers' expectations of 'adult' behavior.
June 27, 2017
To say this book is "hilarious" is a real stretch (Chicago Tribune). I read a review of sorts in our Business section of our paper, and they said kind of the same thing.... like it was a Primer of sorts for newbies in the work force. I was curious, and thought maybe I could still learn something about the work environment, even though I am rarely in one in person these days... but to me, it was pretty lame. The guy was an overweight alcoholic, gone sober and who became a healthy choice guy, so it was a bit preachy to me. He was overbearing to me, and I laughed maybe twice, so no comedian. I felt like he did a blog that may have been funny in spurts, and when that became popular, he tried to parlay that into a book to get more money..... I felt like I was duped on the "Funny" description, as it was more snarky than anything. Anyway, it may have deserved a 1 star rating, but no one would read it then, so I could not commiserate!
April 30, 2017
About: Adulthood for Beginners: All the Life Secrets Nobody Bothered to Tell You is a funny self-help book written by Andy Boyle. It will be published on 5/2/17 by TarcherPerigee, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, paperback, 272 pages. The genres are humor and self-help.
My Experience: I started reading Adulthood for Beginners: All the Life Secrets Nobody Bothered to Tell You on 4/23/17 and finished it on 4/30/17. This self-help book is truly an awesome read! The introduction is hilarious and already had me laughing out loud. This book started out with a list of 12 points, among them, my favorites are “Regardless of your past, you can always change yourself for the better” and “Everyone makes mistakes and you shouldn’t be supershitty to people because of it.” I am guilty of doing both and this book is a great reminder not to repeat it.
This book focus on how awesome you are, including putting a post it note on your mirror that says you are awesome so that you can see the note every time you look at yourself in the mirror. There are advices for your inner self, social, dating, work, body, and next-level. Some of my favorites are to develop empathy for others. This is when someone looking very impatient behind you at the supermarket checkout lane or honking their horn on the road. You just think that they have a sick person at home waiting for them to get home and that’s why they are rushing and having a foul mood. I like the advice on making achievable goals. It’s very easy to understand.
In each section, I love the conclusion of mostly good rules to live by. I like this rule, “Just because you were an asshole, it doesn’t mean you still have to be.” I like tips on how to make friends and I have shared these tips with a friend who just moved. Great advices on handling social media and what to and not to post. This book has amazing advices on how to party and even how to deal with a hangover. There are advices and dating and ideas on places to go.
Great advices for handling yourself in the workplace. I like advices on how to develop a reputation you want at work and one of the reputation you want is to be nice and not to be shitty in emails. I am guilty of that because when I’m busy trying to get things done and people keep on badgering me for something, I lost my cool and sent an ugly response which I regretted later. I like the list of things that you think don’t matter at your job but do, especially how messy my desk is. I have to make a point to toss my piles of papers to the cabinet when I get to work Monday 🙂
Awesome advices on exercise and eat less crap to feel better. I utilize the drink more water immediately. I love the simple calculation and my son is drinking his water as I type away this sentence! When you realized that a celebrity only looks beautiful because they have a whole team of talented professionals to make them look beautiful, you won’t feel so pressure to look as beautiful as them. I like those advices about not hanging your favorite art with thumbtacks or tape when you no longer live in the dorms. I didn’t mention this in the paragraphs above, but I really LOVE the HUMOR and funny ways the author describe the advices. There isn’t many easy to read self-help books on the market, but this one is my top choice because the humor written from a comedian makes improving yourself much more fun and less of a chore. There is really no dull moment in this book. The advices are amazing and attainable! I highly recommend everyone to read this book and I can already see myself reading this book again.
Pro: funny, tell it like it is, matter of fact, great honest personal tips, easy to read, page turner, fast paced, useful tips, interesting, (some foul language, so I would recommend readers ages 13 and up),
Con: none
I rate it 5 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review. Please assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com
My Experience: I started reading Adulthood for Beginners: All the Life Secrets Nobody Bothered to Tell You on 4/23/17 and finished it on 4/30/17. This self-help book is truly an awesome read! The introduction is hilarious and already had me laughing out loud. This book started out with a list of 12 points, among them, my favorites are “Regardless of your past, you can always change yourself for the better” and “Everyone makes mistakes and you shouldn’t be supershitty to people because of it.” I am guilty of doing both and this book is a great reminder not to repeat it.
This book focus on how awesome you are, including putting a post it note on your mirror that says you are awesome so that you can see the note every time you look at yourself in the mirror. There are advices for your inner self, social, dating, work, body, and next-level. Some of my favorites are to develop empathy for others. This is when someone looking very impatient behind you at the supermarket checkout lane or honking their horn on the road. You just think that they have a sick person at home waiting for them to get home and that’s why they are rushing and having a foul mood. I like the advice on making achievable goals. It’s very easy to understand.
In each section, I love the conclusion of mostly good rules to live by. I like this rule, “Just because you were an asshole, it doesn’t mean you still have to be.” I like tips on how to make friends and I have shared these tips with a friend who just moved. Great advices on handling social media and what to and not to post. This book has amazing advices on how to party and even how to deal with a hangover. There are advices and dating and ideas on places to go.
Great advices for handling yourself in the workplace. I like advices on how to develop a reputation you want at work and one of the reputation you want is to be nice and not to be shitty in emails. I am guilty of that because when I’m busy trying to get things done and people keep on badgering me for something, I lost my cool and sent an ugly response which I regretted later. I like the list of things that you think don’t matter at your job but do, especially how messy my desk is. I have to make a point to toss my piles of papers to the cabinet when I get to work Monday 🙂
Awesome advices on exercise and eat less crap to feel better. I utilize the drink more water immediately. I love the simple calculation and my son is drinking his water as I type away this sentence! When you realized that a celebrity only looks beautiful because they have a whole team of talented professionals to make them look beautiful, you won’t feel so pressure to look as beautiful as them. I like those advices about not hanging your favorite art with thumbtacks or tape when you no longer live in the dorms. I didn’t mention this in the paragraphs above, but I really LOVE the HUMOR and funny ways the author describe the advices. There isn’t many easy to read self-help books on the market, but this one is my top choice because the humor written from a comedian makes improving yourself much more fun and less of a chore. There is really no dull moment in this book. The advices are amazing and attainable! I highly recommend everyone to read this book and I can already see myself reading this book again.
Pro: funny, tell it like it is, matter of fact, great honest personal tips, easy to read, page turner, fast paced, useful tips, interesting, (some foul language, so I would recommend readers ages 13 and up),
Con: none
I rate it 5 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review. Please assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com
April 17, 2020
Andy Boyle, who is a comedian, wrote this book packed full of practical advice in the form of humour. He provides an honest account of the struggles he has gone through and the changes he made for the better.
I found it hilarious and informative. If the reader can look past the blasphemous, crude and informal tone of the book then it gives well-rounded sound advice. An easy, quick, funny and helpful read.
I found it hilarious and informative. If the reader can look past the blasphemous, crude and informal tone of the book then it gives well-rounded sound advice. An easy, quick, funny and helpful read.
May 7, 2017
Witty and at times profound, Adulthood for Beginners by Andy Boyle is a hilarious take on what it's like to be an adult millennial today. Part comedy routine, part self-help, this book made me laugh and tear up, sometimes at the same time. The book, though tauted as self-help, is never preachy or unkind. Brilliant work by a brilliant writer. Andy Boyle might be the voice of my generation (but he'd probably hate it if I told him so).
May 28, 2018
Adulthood for Beginners patiently explains how to be an adult. From dating and relationships to working and jobs, it is packed with advice and anecdotes from this Andy Boyle fellow. I have never heard of Andy Boyle, but I guess the title spoke to me somehow. I’ve been an adult for a good portion of my life now, and I do feel that a lot of this advice needs to be put forth more often. I don’t really know, sometimes I just feel like I shouldn’t be dealing with the stuff that I do deal with. Growing up and becoming an adult is a process; it is a journey and not a destination. Therefore, there isn’t a well-defined mark of when things should be happening.
A great deal of the advice is pretty basic. Follow the Golden Rule and you’ll be golden. Don’t post things online if you have second thoughts, chances are it’s a bad idea. It also breaks down advice that is ridiculous or outdated. A lot of resumé advice is like that. Don’t be an asshole and people will like you more. Don’t be creepy. How to save and have money for things. Some of this advice is so obvious that the writer himself writes about how obvious it is.
This book is pretty enjoyable despite being so short. I could finish this one in a few hours of focus. That isn’t to say that this book is bad or lesser because it isn’t like a Dostoevsky novel or something by a particle physicist, but it is fitting for what it is.
A great deal of the advice is pretty basic. Follow the Golden Rule and you’ll be golden. Don’t post things online if you have second thoughts, chances are it’s a bad idea. It also breaks down advice that is ridiculous or outdated. A lot of resumé advice is like that. Don’t be an asshole and people will like you more. Don’t be creepy. How to save and have money for things. Some of this advice is so obvious that the writer himself writes about how obvious it is.
This book is pretty enjoyable despite being so short. I could finish this one in a few hours of focus. That isn’t to say that this book is bad or lesser because it isn’t like a Dostoevsky novel or something by a particle physicist, but it is fitting for what it is.
March 15, 2020
Hilarious. And just what I needed after reading “The Moor’s Account.” It wasn’t as good as Gretchen Rubin’s “The Happiness Project,” but it was still a worthwhile book to dig into.
In Andy Boyle’s “Adulthood for Beginners,” he tells you all the things that most people in their twenties have to figure out the hard way. His advice ranges from drinking, to friends, to family, to relationships, to work life, to maintaining hobbies, to writing resumes and cover letters, to money and saving, to managing your online profile, and to convenient life “to-dos.” It was a wonderful and uplifting read in which I learned to always believe in myself and others. I also learned that you don’t have to let your work define you unless you allow this to happen. Lastly, no matter what obstacle you encounter, the most important thing to do is to keep on trucking and BE POSITIVE! Throughout the novel there are also quirky pro-tips and facts that make you just crack up. I would recommend this book to anyone within the ages of 15 to 25.
In Andy Boyle’s “Adulthood for Beginners,” he tells you all the things that most people in their twenties have to figure out the hard way. His advice ranges from drinking, to friends, to family, to relationships, to work life, to maintaining hobbies, to writing resumes and cover letters, to money and saving, to managing your online profile, and to convenient life “to-dos.” It was a wonderful and uplifting read in which I learned to always believe in myself and others. I also learned that you don’t have to let your work define you unless you allow this to happen. Lastly, no matter what obstacle you encounter, the most important thing to do is to keep on trucking and BE POSITIVE! Throughout the novel there are also quirky pro-tips and facts that make you just crack up. I would recommend this book to anyone within the ages of 15 to 25.
July 28, 2017
A book written with honesty on adulthood and how to get there. It's kind and offers good advice. I have already given copies to the twentysomething people in my life.
July 25, 2017
Recommended for twenty and thirty-somethings and their parents. Writer, podcaster and comedian Andy Boyle gives commonsense advice in a readable funny/serious voice. Best line: "You're not defined by your past mistakes unless you purposefully don't learn from them."
January 15, 2018
I don't know who you are Andy Boyle, other than the author of this book. I don't care about other opinions of this book... Andy, you are a funny guy. Sometimes over the top, but still, funny. I'm over 40 and I got a few good laughs. You were going to get three stars but after getting on towards the end of the book the Who Knew: Vaping was invented to answer the question "How do I let everyone know they shouldn't have sex with me?" pushed it to four stars. Also, the dentist. Please people... this is the best advice that nobody tells you. Floss, brush, repeat. Check after lunch. Not everyone is going to tell you about the chunk of broccoli. Good job Andy - thanks for the entertainment.
May 11, 2017
Funny book with some sound advice on how to be an adult.
February 8, 2020
Here are a few key ideas to keep in mind:
• No matter what happened in your past, you can always improve your future.
• Remember that everyone makes mistakes and can use some compassion.
• At no point should you think you have the right to tell someone how they should look.
• Your opinions don’t matter more than anyone else’s.
• Treat people better than you expect to be treated.
The first step to having a head start in early adulthood is to get comfortable with who you are inside.
That even one positive life change can be a catalyst for many other beneficial outcomes. When you see yourself being successful at changing one bad habit, you gain the confidence to make changes with other behaviors as well.
Here’s how to start:
• Daily “I am awesomes”: Look in the mirror and say something nice to yourself every day. It feels weird at first, but eventually you’ll start to feel fantastic.
• No more negating yourself: Stop saying mean things to yourself. It doesn’t do any good to beat yourself up or call yourself names.
• Accept who you are: It’s time to accept the fact that there are some things about yourself you can’t change, and these qualities are what make you unique.
• Know that everyone makes mistakes: Don’t waste time beating yourself up over things you’ve done wrong. Apologize, learn, and move forward.
• It takes time: Learning to love yourself won’t happen overnight. You must keep practicing being kind to yourself. In time it will become easier.
As you get better at feeling comfortable with yourself, you’ll notice that you don’t need to depend on others to make you feel good. When you take care of yourself, you’re a better friend to all who know you.
When you earn enough to take of yourself properly, you’ll enjoy your passions even more.
Remember this: Failing isn’t failure. You’ll make mistakes along the way, and that’s OK. Often, it takes a blunder to learn a lesson you wouldn’t have learned otherwise. A lot of your attempts at a successful career or a relationship might feel like rough drafts, but that’s part of living a rich life full of growth and experimentation. Failing is how you make something better the next time.
As you experience life’s setbacks and successes, you’ll figure out for yourself what people have been telling you for years: Life isn’t fair. Sometimes, you’ll be unfairly rejected, or you’ll see less deserving people get ahead. Other times, it will hit you that you’re the one getting a lucky break this time. Above all, remember to focus on the only things you can control: yourself and your actions. Work hard, stay positive, and be generous to others.
• No matter what happened in your past, you can always improve your future.
• Remember that everyone makes mistakes and can use some compassion.
• At no point should you think you have the right to tell someone how they should look.
• Your opinions don’t matter more than anyone else’s.
• Treat people better than you expect to be treated.
The first step to having a head start in early adulthood is to get comfortable with who you are inside.
That even one positive life change can be a catalyst for many other beneficial outcomes. When you see yourself being successful at changing one bad habit, you gain the confidence to make changes with other behaviors as well.
Here’s how to start:
• Daily “I am awesomes”: Look in the mirror and say something nice to yourself every day. It feels weird at first, but eventually you’ll start to feel fantastic.
• No more negating yourself: Stop saying mean things to yourself. It doesn’t do any good to beat yourself up or call yourself names.
• Accept who you are: It’s time to accept the fact that there are some things about yourself you can’t change, and these qualities are what make you unique.
• Know that everyone makes mistakes: Don’t waste time beating yourself up over things you’ve done wrong. Apologize, learn, and move forward.
• It takes time: Learning to love yourself won’t happen overnight. You must keep practicing being kind to yourself. In time it will become easier.
As you get better at feeling comfortable with yourself, you’ll notice that you don’t need to depend on others to make you feel good. When you take care of yourself, you’re a better friend to all who know you.
When you earn enough to take of yourself properly, you’ll enjoy your passions even more.
Remember this: Failing isn’t failure. You’ll make mistakes along the way, and that’s OK. Often, it takes a blunder to learn a lesson you wouldn’t have learned otherwise. A lot of your attempts at a successful career or a relationship might feel like rough drafts, but that’s part of living a rich life full of growth and experimentation. Failing is how you make something better the next time.
As you experience life’s setbacks and successes, you’ll figure out for yourself what people have been telling you for years: Life isn’t fair. Sometimes, you’ll be unfairly rejected, or you’ll see less deserving people get ahead. Other times, it will hit you that you’re the one getting a lucky break this time. Above all, remember to focus on the only things you can control: yourself and your actions. Work hard, stay positive, and be generous to others.
July 24, 2017
3.5 stars
The title of this book should probably be How to Be Awesome: Don't Be an Asshole as that's really what it covers.
Some favorites from the book:
~Don't Be an Asshole
~You Don't Get to Tell Anyone Anything About Their Body <-----THIS
~Always Be Good to People in the Service Industry
~Someone who has been drinking or doing drugs is NOT in a position to consent to sex so don't try to have sex with them, no matter what they say <-----ALSO THIS
~Don't send pictures of yourself naked and/or your genitals unless the other person requested them. Don't pressure somebody else to send pics of themselves to you. DO NOT share any such pictures, especially as revenge <-----AND THIS
There are some topics (such as what to do with your life and all the financial and legal things that you never had to think about before such as taxes and insurance and retirement savings, etc.) that the book doesn't touch on or if it does, doesn't really go into much depth about. I've read several books about adulthood and the quarter-life crisis and life after college, etc., and none of them really cover all those topics well, they sort of pick a couple to focus on and then just perfunctorily touch on the others, so this book is in solid company there. Rather than focusing on all the technical aspect this book is more about how to be not-a-terrible person which is definitely something everyone should try to be if they're going to consider themselves "grown-up".
The title of this book should probably be How to Be Awesome: Don't Be an Asshole as that's really what it covers.
Some favorites from the book:
~Don't Be an Asshole
~You Don't Get to Tell Anyone Anything About Their Body <-----THIS
~Always Be Good to People in the Service Industry
~Someone who has been drinking or doing drugs is NOT in a position to consent to sex so don't try to have sex with them, no matter what they say <-----ALSO THIS
~Don't send pictures of yourself naked and/or your genitals unless the other person requested them. Don't pressure somebody else to send pics of themselves to you. DO NOT share any such pictures, especially as revenge <-----AND THIS
There are some topics (such as what to do with your life and all the financial and legal things that you never had to think about before such as taxes and insurance and retirement savings, etc.) that the book doesn't touch on or if it does, doesn't really go into much depth about. I've read several books about adulthood and the quarter-life crisis and life after college, etc., and none of them really cover all those topics well, they sort of pick a couple to focus on and then just perfunctorily touch on the others, so this book is in solid company there. Rather than focusing on all the technical aspect this book is more about how to be not-a-terrible person which is definitely something everyone should try to be if they're going to consider themselves "grown-up".
February 13, 2021
“Adulthood *for Beginners” is a unexpected gem of a book that provides information and advice you didn’t realize you needed. I appreciate that the author, Andy Boyle, makes it clear from the start of the book that his advice is writing from a place of privilege as a white, heterosexual cis man and therefore, his worldview is different from those of different race, gender or sexual preference. Despite this place of privilege, Boyle manages to create an entertaining, educational and humorous book.
The book is divided into six sections of awesomeness: inner, social, dating,work,body, and next level. Each section is followed by short essay. Boyle provides advice on a variety of topics including friendships, health, home decor as well as finances, and job hunting which gave me insight I hadn’t thought of before.
Overall, this book was a fun read and I think it’s a good read for all ages since it gives guidance on so many topics and also serves as inspiration and encouragement for making life decisions. Lastly, I liked that the author ends the book by encouraging the reading to believe in themselves and others.
The book is divided into six sections of awesomeness: inner, social, dating,work,body, and next level. Each section is followed by short essay. Boyle provides advice on a variety of topics including friendships, health, home decor as well as finances, and job hunting which gave me insight I hadn’t thought of before.
Overall, this book was a fun read and I think it’s a good read for all ages since it gives guidance on so many topics and also serves as inspiration and encouragement for making life decisions. Lastly, I liked that the author ends the book by encouraging the reading to believe in themselves and others.
May 11, 2023
Book filled with great advice for young adults. I would say good for people in their late teens or early 20s who have little to no experience. As someone reading it in their late 20s, I felt like I've already learned many of the advice from others or through experience. Some of the advice are pretty obvious, and if one just has a mindset of being kind towards others, will come naturally. But nonetheless, they're great reminders. For example, calling your parents once in a while. The last 50 pages felt most relatable to me.
I would love to give this as a gift to a younger person who is starting out in life or moving out from home.
Took off 1 star because the writing made it seem like he's talking to guys. I'm sure that's not the author's intention. He might want to seem relatable and easy to talk to. Due to that fact, the book was very easy to read. But it just felt off at times.
All in all, great book!
I would love to give this as a gift to a younger person who is starting out in life or moving out from home.
Took off 1 star because the writing made it seem like he's talking to guys. I'm sure that's not the author's intention. He might want to seem relatable and easy to talk to. Due to that fact, the book was very easy to read. But it just felt off at times.
All in all, great book!
July 7, 2017
Wish I had this book 20+ years ago. It is perfect for any college grad or young person embarking on life's journey. Andy Boyle, self-proclaimed "writer, comedian, 'expert'" covers all sorts of "awesomeness" from social, to work, to dating, to self, and more with great humor and surprisingly practical advice. Though snarky at times, and millennial hipster biased (though he cautions readers to stop saying 'hipster') much of his stuff is rooted in good common sense and calls out a potentially self-centered generation to just be decent people. His "a**hole test" is hilarious and widely applicable, for example. Much of what he offers is what you would tell your own kids, but it sounds so much better coming from him, and would be much better received. Definitely adult content -- he needs to come up with a teen version!
September 27, 2019
I just bought this book for my 21 year old nephew that hates to read and doesn’t seem to want to listen to or implement my advice. I thought maybe he’d be a smidge more likely to take it from a comedian. I listened to the audio version so I’d at least know what kind of advice I just peddled on him, and I’m relieved to say that I feel this is a very sound and helpful book overall. If I can’t get him to read it maybe I’ll just start texting him one line at a time every couple hours. Or not. I think Andy said something about respecting other people’s autonomy or something in there... I did love his positive outlook and emphasis on respect for others. Thanks Andy!
January 3, 2018
Overly-conversational and often crass language, sort of like Negan lecturing you on life lessons. There are a couple of decent insights, but they're buried in ridiculous and often childish social justice demands from the author, such as: "Whatever someone tells you they are, that's what they are. You accept it. You don't tell them they're wrong. Or how you know they're actually something else. Or ask, 'Are you sure?'" The book can get a few laughs at some spots, but overall, not worth it.
June 10, 2017
This book has so many funny things in it. Definitely the kind of book that you don't have to read to keep up with any kind of plot, so it is fun to have and read whenever I feel like it. Yay for adult advice delivered in a humorous manner.
One of many glorious section titles:
"What to do if your roommate is a demon spawned in the deepest, darkest parts of hell, like the part where they invented the phrase 'guac is extra'" (p. 73)
One of many glorious section titles:
"What to do if your roommate is a demon spawned in the deepest, darkest parts of hell, like the part where they invented the phrase 'guac is extra'" (p. 73)
June 24, 2017
3.5 stars. This was a witty and practical combination of self-help, humour, and real talk. Basically, Boyle is a good guy, doling out some common-sense (or what should be common-sense) advice on how to be a better person. Some parts were a *little* contradictory (like, don't make fun of Nickelback fans but apparently it's totally OK to make fun of people who use a bluetooth earpiece?) but on the whole this was a good, quick read.
June 29, 2017
This book was mildly helpful. I picked up tips about how to network, but the book mostly focused on how to not be a terrible person. Which isn't a bad thing, but I'd consider myself a pretty decent person already so most of the advice wasn't really helpful. What really bugged me about the book was that I felt that it was trying too hard to be relatable. All-in-all, it was a quick read and I did get some life-affirming things out of it so it wasn't a complete waste.
December 4, 2017
I picked up this book hoping I would find a couple of chapters I could adapt into articles of the week for my English I students. I did not, however, because every chapter used non-school-friendly language. I enjoyed the story, though, because I liked the author's sense of humor. I'm not sure I learned anything, though, but it was a quick, enjoyable read. Maybe for someone a bit younger it would be a worthy read, but I enjoyed the advice with a hint of reflection just the same.
April 13, 2019
I'm in my mid-thirties, so I should be past the beginner's Adulthood course and into the advanced level. Sometimes, though, I wish I could be in the remedial class.
I wasn't looking to read such a book, but what caught my eye when I saw this one at the library was the word "adulthood" rather than "adulting" . The author, as I would later read, has as much distaste for that term as I do, and explains why in the book.
Most of the "secrets" in the book *are* things people bothered to tell you, but they bear repeating--and Andy Boyle does that in a friendly, down-to-earth, and candid way. His jokes are corny and sometimes he kind of overdoes it with the humor...but I think if anything in this book will become dated, it will be the jokes and not the actual advice.
I wasn't looking to read such a book, but what caught my eye when I saw this one at the library was the word "adulthood" rather than "adulting" . The author, as I would later read, has as much distaste for that term as I do, and explains why in the book.
Most of the "secrets" in the book *are* things people bothered to tell you, but they bear repeating--and Andy Boyle does that in a friendly, down-to-earth, and candid way. His jokes are corny and sometimes he kind of overdoes it with the humor...but I think if anything in this book will become dated, it will be the jokes and not the actual advice.
May 18, 2019
This book fine and I think isn't too bad, this book teaches me to NOT think negativity to other people (chapter you don't get to tell anyone anything about their body) and this book really great for college students or upper because adulthood as their name given, he also wrote chapter about how to stop drinking, even though I still on senior high school and not drinking yet.
(I'm really sorry bad english, please correct my English if you not bothered too)
(I'm really sorry bad english, please correct my English if you not bothered too)
May 27, 2020
This book made me laugh more often than I thought it would, so I gotta give it credit there. However, it is more of an advice book for straight white guys than anyone else. It has a lot of "hey, don't be racist!" and notes on how to be kind that a lot of non-straight white guys already know. However, there's still some good advice for every young person, including how to write a cover letter and how to be more confident that I enjoyed.
March 20, 2022
This taught me valuable thoughts and made me laugh at the same time. It’s fairly long but I finished it in just two days because I couldn’t stop reading. I am awesome. I am enough. I believe in myself, and also in you. Thank you for reminding me of that. Your advice is to never read the comments, but I don’t lose hope that you’re going to read this one review. Anyway, your words have made a new-adult Spanish girl’s life better. I’m grateful for this book. Mission accomplished, author (wink).
June 7, 2017
This was amusing and a great guide on how not to be an asshole that I could recommend to a few choice people. I would say they know who they are, but they probably don't. It wasn't exactly helpful on things I really wanted to know about adulthood like stock shares, finding an apartment, all that jazz but it was a fun read. I'm surprised I flew right through it so fast.
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