Customer Reviews

Escape Adulthood: 8 Secrets from Childhood for the Stressed-Out Grown-Up

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You know how sometimes you get to the end of a book, and you close it, and you just want to immediately go back to the beginning and start reading it again? That happened to me this week with the book Escape Adulthood, by Jason Kotecki. I think that it will really resonate with visitors to this site, especially those of you who are here mainly because you think that children's books are cool.

Escape Adulthood is a book about conquering "Adultitis". It's about recapturing that childlike excitement and optimism that all of us used to have. The book consists of 8 primary chapters, each discussing a "secret from childhood for stressed out grown-ups." Like "delight in the little things" and "play "and "maintain perspective". Each chapter ends with 11 concrete tips for getting started. For example:

From Chapter 3 (Get Curious) we have tip number 8: "Make it a personal mission to learn something new every day. Read lots of books. It is well known that leaders are readers. That's why mansions always have libraries in them."

From Chapter 4 (Live Passionately): "Even if it's just an hour a week, or 15 minutes each day, do whatever you can to try to carve out some extra time for yourself and your favorite hobby."

From Chapter 5 (Play): "Next time you go out to eat, order dessert first."

Some of the tips are more original than this, and not all of them will be relevant for every reader, but I'll bet that everyone could benefit from following a few of Jason's suggestions. Even if you don't intend to actually follow the suggestions (you're quite happy with your own level of maturity, thank you very much) the book is still fun to read. I laughed out loud many times while reading it. It's also a short, quick read. You could easily squeeze in a chapter every night before bed. And there are comic strips sprinkled throughout (Jason is a cartoonist, with a strip called Kim and Jason).

I do have one small caveat about my recommendation of this book. Throughout this book, Jason makes regular references to God and faith and the Bible. I didn't find it overwhelming or preachy, but if you are someone who will be bothered by this, then this isn't the book for you. Stop here, and go read Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass or Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince instead.

But if you think that you might be suffering from adultitis, or if you just want a book that advises you to play more, then Escape Adulthood is just the book for you.

A slightly longer version of this review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on February 3, 2006.

I've been a subscriber to Kim and Jason for years, so how could I resist reading the book? I was not disappointed in the least. The humor and down to earthness I love from the comic strip was all right there in the book. If you love childhood you won't be disappointed. And if you don't you should buy this book to find out how to love childhood again!

Jason's writing style is smart and insightful, as well as humorous. He reminds us that we can retrieve our childlike qualities from the cobwebs of our brains and tells how to use those to have a more fun and meaningful life. I enoyed his references and quotes, but especially his childhood anecdotes...they conjure up my own childhood memories.

Being in the same age range as Jason (1 year younger), and growing up in the very seasonal midwest like he did, I really relate with many of Jason's views. Our childhood's were really not that much different, especially in regards to imaginative playtime. Reading this book easily brought me back to many fond memories of being a child, and many realizations that adulthood really can stink. Seriously, this is a very insightful and enjoyable book, and whether or not you try to follow any of these steps to lighten the mood of your adult life, you will still be brought back to the enjoyable memories of your childhood, and really....that's not a bad reaction at all, right?

Who knew?! What made our childhood great can also be what makes our adult life successful! Jason Kotecki explores the attitudes and motivations that power a creative and productive childhood and teaches us how to rekindle this spirit and fight the onset of Adultitis. This book is for any grown up who finds they are stressed out or uninspired. Jason uses his natural gift of humor to guide adults towards a new state of mind that will give you the benefits of childhood in a grown up life.

Kotecki's eight secrets will open the door to a more enjoyable life, filled with wonder, creativity and pure joy. Kotecki shows you how to reconnect to the child within, rediscover what inspires you and find happiness throughout your day.

In sharing stories from his own childhood, Kotecki helps the reader remember when life was simple, and the little things counted. More than a trip down memory lane, Kotecki provides concrete ideas for applying these childhood concepts to an adult life. From your career, to your family life, Kotecki shows you practical ways to improve your life, be less stressful, and tap into your own creativity.

Each chapter includes tips for immediate action. Don't spend another day letting Adultitis slow you down! This book takes the indefinable joy of childhood, defines it, and shows you how to apply it to adulthood. It's a formula for success!

Everyone who has been around children knows there's a special something going on that results in pure joy and unlimited creativity. Kotecki cracks the code and shares these secrets to help eliminate Adultitis in even the toughest case.

Every adult should read this book. In a light hearted, easy to read way, Kotecki shows us how to get back to those curious, honest, playful days of our childhood and incorporate them into our "responsible adult lives". This would be a perfect gift for any grown-up.....especially those you think might be suffering from "adultitis".

A great book, a must read for anyone ages 9 to 99. Makes a great gift. This book is something that you would not normally buy for yourself but once you read it you will be glad you did. "Kim and Jason" brings out the child in all of us. Read it, enjoy and pass on the good feelings to those around you. Everyone needs a little childhod now and then. BUY THIS BOOK!

I am blessed to be friends with the "real" Kim and Jason. And being referred to as a K&J "superfan", I read Jason's book hot off the presses! Jason writes so eloquently about "simple" personal experiences and ideas that are weaved together to bring an important message to the heart of the reader. The book isn't written for PhD level dissertations, with words and phrases that people have to look up in a dictionary, nor is Jason's writing idealistic "cutsy fluff" that people toss out as soon as they get to the last period. Jason's book, and the mission of "Kim and Jason", is a timeless and universal message......remembering the innocence, amusement and enthusiasm of childhood. "Escaping Adulthood" may help to add years to your life, and will definitely add life to your years!

Genuinely witty and fun. I really liked the incorporation of the cartoon and quotations into the book, this made it more interesting and gave a better perspective on the chapters. An uplifting read from beginning to end.

I couldn't put this book down. I laughed and cried (trite, but true!) and felt challenged to be a better person. I hope these secrets don't stay hidden very long!