The Defining Decade
by Meg Jay
A clinical psychologist argues that the twenties matter more than the culture admits, in work, in relationships and in the brain. The book is built around client stories and is pointed about the cost of 'figuring it out later.' It is the rare advice book aimed at young adults that treats them as capable of hard truths.
Read it if…
you are in your twenties and feel told that nothing counts yet.
Skip it if…
you are past thirty and will find it mostly confirms what you already learned.
Three things you will actually use
- Invest in identity capital, not just experiences.
- Use weak ties for opportunities; close friends know what you know.
- Pick partners and work with the same deliberateness.
Do this first
Write down one 'identity capital' step, a job, skill or credential, you can start this month.
Our verdict
Blunt, useful and best read at twenty-three; a solid gift for one.
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