In this original collection, critically acclaimed female writers pull back the curtain on being twenty-something. Entertaining and enlightening, this anthology speaks honestly about that unique time in life when expectations are not always realized, yet surprises are plentiful and thrilling.
It's a Wonderful Lie: 26 Truths About Life in Your Twenties
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Emily Franklin is on the staff of National Public Radio's 'Car Talk' show and lives near Boston with her husband and three children. She is the author of Liner Notes and the Principles of Love Series.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By Kristen
Format:Paperback
I was recommended this book by a friend and was rather disappointed in it. Most of the stories follow the life and career misadventures of women who were in their 20s in the 1990s. Well, I'm 24, now, in 2011, and I had a hard time relating to many of the so-called "struggles" discussed in the book or finding comfort in their resolutions. I cannot relate to the woman who racked up $20,000 in credit card debt and managed to pay it down in just a few years. I don't see my own struggle in the woman who attended an ivy league college and landed glamorous, albeit low-paying jobs in the music industry because of her connections. I have a hard time feeling any sympathy for the woman whose parents paid for her law school, resulting in a lucrative job for her and a passion for dining at expensive restaurants at every given opportunity. Oh but she has to give up a bit of shoe shopping! Riiight.
Maybe it's because my family isn't middle class, maybe it's a generational gap between generations X and Y, but the so-called "struggles" discussed in this book are problems my friends and I would love to have. I found it ironic that the entry-level jobs in major cities that disappointed the authors so much are positions that many in my generation would kill to have. You want a book about your twenties for today's generation? Interview the woman who attended an ivy league school and is now working at Starbucks to pay back $80,000 in student loans. Interview the woman who's been living with her parents because after two years out of college, she still hasn't landed an "entry-level" job that pays her enough to move out. Interview the woman who attended an excellent college only to go on to nursing school at community college because she couldn't find a job outside of retail or food service with her degree.
Reality for today's 20-something is crippling student loan debt, a job market where we have to compete with people with decades of experience for the same "entry level" jobs, and families that just don't understand why we don't have it all together. And for the record, most of us won't go on to have lucrative book deals to pull us out of our quarterlife crisis.
This book is cute and at times encouraging, but it's not today's reality.
Maybe it's because my family isn't middle class, maybe it's a generational gap between generations X and Y, but the so-called "struggles" discussed in this book are problems my friends and I would love to have. I found it ironic that the entry-level jobs in major cities that disappointed the authors so much are positions that many in my generation would kill to have. You want a book about your twenties for today's generation? Interview the woman who attended an ivy league school and is now working at Starbucks to pay back $80,000 in student loans. Interview the woman who's been living with her parents because after two years out of college, she still hasn't landed an "entry-level" job that pays her enough to move out. Interview the woman who attended an excellent college only to go on to nursing school at community college because she couldn't find a job outside of retail or food service with her degree.
Reality for today's 20-something is crippling student loan debt, a job market where we have to compete with people with decades of experience for the same "entry level" jobs, and families that just don't understand why we don't have it all together. And for the record, most of us won't go on to have lucrative book deals to pull us out of our quarterlife crisis.
This book is cute and at times encouraging, but it's not today's reality.
26 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By K. Huff
Format:Paperback
To be honest, your 20's SUCK. Getting out of college sucks. Looking for a career sucks. Making adult friends sucks. And finding your place in the world sucks.
Before I read this book, everyone made me feel like it just sucked for me. But now I know it doesn't. It sucks for everyone. And this book proves it.
This book made me cry and laugh. It's comforting to know that there are other people who have dealt with situations and feelings identical to what I am going through now. It is also comforting to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
This book is the best therapy a girl (or a guy) could ask for. Anyone going through a quarterlife crisis or even just feeling slightly tormented should read this book cover to cover. I promise it'll talk you back from the ledge and I promise you'll feel better afterwards.
Before I read this book, everyone made me feel like it just sucked for me. But now I know it doesn't. It sucks for everyone. And this book proves it.
This book made me cry and laugh. It's comforting to know that there are other people who have dealt with situations and feelings identical to what I am going through now. It is also comforting to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
This book is the best therapy a girl (or a guy) could ask for. Anyone going through a quarterlife crisis or even just feeling slightly tormented should read this book cover to cover. I promise it'll talk you back from the ledge and I promise you'll feel better afterwards.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth the read, especially if you're currently enduring your twenties
January 20, 2007
Format:Paperback
This collection is brilliant. I've been experiencing a bit of angst lately and have been beating myself up over it, constantly telling myself, "I'm in my mid-twenties and shouldn't be thinking like this any more; it's time to grow up!" I feel better to know that I'm not alone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
The authors in this collection are strong, funny, intelligent women. They're the kind of woman that I believe myself to be (on my better days) and aspire to become (on my slightly-more-discouraged days). There were a couple of stories that slowed the pace a bit for me (I don't have the book at hand and don't recall the titles), but all in all, this book made me feel better about life in general, and this decade particularly.
As the oldest of four, I've not known what it was like to sit down and receive encouragement from an older sister. Now I do!
The authors in this collection are strong, funny, intelligent women. They're the kind of woman that I believe myself to be (on my better days) and aspire to become (on my slightly-more-discouraged days). There were a couple of stories that slowed the pace a bit for me (I don't have the book at hand and don't recall the titles), but all in all, this book made me feel better about life in general, and this decade particularly.
As the oldest of four, I've not known what it was like to sit down and receive encouragement from an older sister. Now I do!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
whiny women
As a 24 year old woman barely escaping daily life-crisis meltdowns, I thought this book would be comforting. And it is, in a way the authors didn't intend. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Daniel Wise
3.0 out of 5 stars
Somewhat Relatable
This book was at times comforting. There are stories about women who are lost and trying to figure life out and find fulfilling careers, friendships, romantic relationships etc. Read more
Published 18 months ago by J. Viramontes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must Read!
At 25, with a Master's degree and a house already behind me I sometimes feel like I am stuck or don't know where to go next. Read more
Published 21 months ago by SS
5.0 out of 5 stars
a fun read
This book is a very fun read! I read it for the first time in the beginning of my twenties for fun and a little bit of inspiration. Read more
Published on October 20, 2010 by Jennifer
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wish I had read this in my 20's
I bought this for my 23 year old sister who has had a really rough time in her 20's. I think this book really put things into perspective for her, especially about the unfair... Read more
Published on October 13, 2010 by Nini
2.0 out of 5 stars
a good book for 20-something WRITERS
I was extremely excited for this book. As a twenty-something who seemingly is constantly in the throes of a quarter life crisis, when my friend told me about this book I thought it... Read more
Published on March 26, 2009 by Tara M. Yarte
5.0 out of 5 stars
No Lie- this book is great!
I really enjoyed the heart felt and brutally honest stories in this book. Being a women in her 20's, this book spoke to me greatly. Read more
Published on March 16, 2008 by Kimberly Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars
There's hope after all...
This book is the perfect antidote to the quarterlife crisis blues. Covering all topics ranging from love relationships to housing to careers to friends, whatever is bothering you,... Read more
Published on February 19, 2008 by Jessica Shia
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good stuff.
It isn't set up like I expected it to be, but it's definately the truth. hah.
Published on February 13, 2008 by Marla R. Burgess
4.0 out of 5 stars
There is light at the end of the tunnel
As a twenty-something, I picked up this book for obvious reasons. It was so heartening to learn that what I am going through, other women have gone through and no one has all the... Read more
Published on December 21, 2007 by Jaye
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