10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Manifest excellence, April 28, 2008
This review is from: 20 Something Manifesto: Quarter-Lifers Speak Out About Who They Are, What They Want, and How to Get It (Paperback)
In 20 Something Manifesto, Hassler takes on the 'big' issues -- self-identity, career, love relationships, money, friends and so forth -- the whole caboodle. These are lifelong issues. You certainly confront them in your twenties decade. If you solve some in your twenties, great. If not, you'll revisit them throughout life until you solve them. And, some need to be addressed more than once because circumstances change -- e.g., considering the divorce rate, some of us will face the issues of dating and finding a spouse more than once. Moreover, some are continuing processes throughout all your decades, such as the task of making relationships work.
The author offers realistic, compelling descriptions and in-depth analyses of the issues as seen in the many forms in which they appear in actual life.
What makes Hassler's book fresh, readable and very useable is the method she employs: she publishes the experiences of scores of 20-somethings, in their own words, from their own perspectives, colored by their own values. Even better, she has them write 'declarations' at the beginning of their stories -- that is, you can see the 'moral of the story' up front.
She also speaks to each of the issues exemplified by the stories from her own experience and her own training. Then she offers some advice and/or techniques for dealing with the issues yourself. All that makes it easy to scan through the book to pick and choose the issues most relevant to you. You can read the book in the order that works best for you.
Note that not all of the contributors have solved their issues. But those that don't have possible solutions to offer you have developed insights that may well lead them, and perhaps you, to those solutions. Or if there is no solution, the insights may lead to a viable way of accepting and living with the circumstances.
The author's use of contributors' stories gives an impression of a lively dialog going on in the book. It moves and flows like a live participative seminar, making it easy to read and giving impetus to your using the various techniques and exercises immediately.
The author started the book in her own late twenties, so her experience is with the issues as they relate to current 20-somethings. Nevertheless, since the issues are timeless, many folks in other decade ages can learn to resolve some of the issues that they couldn't handle in their twenties. Parents of 20-somethings can learn much about how their adult children think and feel and what are their concerns. Employers of 20-somethings can gain insight into their employees' behavior and motivation. Therapists and coaches will find it a valuable reference. Everyone will find it a good read.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally!, February 26, 2008
This review is from: 20 Something Manifesto: Quarter-Lifers Speak Out About Who They Are, What They Want, and How to Get It (Paperback)
Finally! A book that offers real solutions. There are so many books out there that talk about the 20-something experience and it's trials and tribulations. Well, I don't need to read about it - I'm living it! This book offers solutions and ways to improve. Real ones! Plus, reading the experiences of other "twenty-somethings" really helps you feel like you aren't alone. A must read for anyone in their twenties - or someone with a twenty-something son or daughter.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Read. Unmatched Insight. Category Leader., February 26, 2008
This review is from: 20 Something Manifesto: Quarter-Lifers Speak Out About Who They Are, What They Want, and How to Get It (Paperback)
Christine Hassler has a true skill when it comes to helping guide people in their 20s & 30s. I found this book not only insightful, but also a very enjoyable read. The wisdom that Christine shares with each of her contributors stories is touching and relatable. This is the kind of book you walk away with both a smile on your face and a feeling of positivity knowing you learned something practical for how to live a better life. I highly recommend this for anyone in their 20s or 30s who simply wants to 'be a better person' and who also wants to find joy and happiness in their daily lives.
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