SAYS FYL

Book Review: Ready or Not (NavPress)

This book is written to help twentysomethings as they figure out life and all that lies ahead of them.

Had I read it in my twenties, I’m sure my life would look completely different from what it is today. Then again, my know-it-all younger self would likely have scoffed at the suggestion of reading a book to “figure out life.” (I’m grateful God redeems and blesses even when I choose the less-than-ideal path.)

And that’s the tension: as wonderful as this book is, I wonder how many twentysomethings who need the encouragement will be open to actually reading it—much less putting it into practice.

Across nine chapters, the authors take on relevant topics from a practical perspective, weaving in anecdotes, quotes, and research. Each chapter ends with exercises, discussion questions, and suggested practices for everyday life.

The chapters cover a lot of ground: Vocation, God and Us, Past and Present, Dimensions and Rhythms, Spirituality, Work, Family, Church, and Community. Within these pages you’ll find guidance ranging from how to handle the boring and mundane to what to do when your church doesn’t meet your spiritual needs.

I especially appreciated the emphasis on connecting with and learning from others. One suggestion, for example, is to interview someone at least 20 years older who exemplifies sustaining faith. The authors even provide sample interview questions to get you started. Their counsel is simple but profound: “Surround yourself with people you know and trust to treat your hopes and fears with the best of intentions.”

The more I read, the more I realized this book would fit beautifully into a Life Skills course or a small group study. Perhaps that kind of setting would be a gentle way to introduce the insights to twentysomethings who desperately need them but resist anything that smacks of advice or self-help.

That said, I also think this book is a valuable resource for older adults—parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, mentors—anyone who loves a twentysomething. It has certainly helped me reframe my conversations with young adults.

Go here for more information about the book and the authors.

For the record, in exchange for this review I received this book from NavPress.

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Feature image by Mohamed Nohassi on Unsplash