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101 Secrets For Your Twenties

I’m normally not a fan of non-fiction, self-help books. Yes, they can contain helpful information, but I prefer getting lost in the world of fiction. However, when I do happen to stumble across a book that resonates with me, I know it’s special for one of two reasons: 1) I’m encountering something I wish I had read about 10 years ago, or 2) I feel like I could be great friends with the author.

101 Secrets for Your Twenties, the debut book from author/speaker Paul Angone, fits both bills.

I first discovered Paul’s work in a Relevant magazine article and was instantly drawn to his humor and honesty, especially as the subject matter resonated with me as a twentysomething at the start of my career. When I learned he was releasing a feature-length book, I knew I would be in for a great read.

Here’s the gist from the back of the book:

Every twentysomething needs a little black book of secrets. Our twenties are filled with confusion, terrible jobs, anticipation, disappointment, cubicles, break-ups, transition, quarter-life crisis, loneliness, post-college what the heck, moderate success sandwiched in-between complete failure, and we need a worn, weathered guide stashed somewhere close by to help shed some light on this defining decade.

This is that book.

Expanded from the blog post, “21 Secrets for Your 20s” that spread like Internet wildfire with nearly a million readers in 190 countries, 101 Secrets for Your Twenties will encourage, inspire, prompt a plethora of LOLs, and kick-start your life forward with its witty, honest, and hilarious wisdom-stuffed-pearls to help you rock life in your twenties.

Paul covers everything from faith and family to career and calling, and he delivers every chapter with doses of humor, honesty and personality. Some chapters made me laugh; some made me pause and reflect; others nearly moved me to tears. Some chapters are only a page long and others are multiple pages; every length is completely justified given the subject matter and/or the respective story. These bite-size chapters make the book incredibly readable and easy to digest while still giving lots to chew on.

What I loved most was the balance of insight/instruction and Paul’s story. It’s in these stories that I made me reflect on my own experiences – both past and present, as well as fears of the future.

If you’re in your teens, this book will give a great glimpse of what’s to come. If you’re in your twenties, this book will meet you where you’re at [and make you feel less alone]. If you’re past your twenties, this book will let you look back on that decade of your life and smile. Wherever you’re at, you’ll find a friend in Paul. I know I did.