But You're Still So Young - by Kayleen Schaefer (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

One of . . .
Vogue's "Best of 2021" -- BuzzFeed's "Most Anticipated 2021" -- The Week's "Must Reads in 2021" -- PopSugar's "A Running List of the Best Books of 2021"

From the author of Text Me When You Get Home, the acclaimed celebration of friendship, comes a timely and essential look at what it means to be a thirtysomething . . . and how it is more okay than ever to not have every box checked off.

The traditional "check list" of becoming an adult has existed for decades. Sociologists have long identified these markers of adulthood as: completing school, leaving home, establishing a career/becoming financially independent, getting married, and having children. But the signifiers of being in our thirties today are not the same--repeated economic upheaval, rising debt, decreasing marriage rates, fertility treatments, and a more open-minded society have all led to a shifting definition of adulthood.

But You're Still So Young cleverly shows how thirtysomethings have rethought these five major life events. Schaefer describes her own journey through her thirties--including a nonlinear career path, financial struggles, romantic mistakes, and an unconventional path to parenthood--shares findings from data research, and conducts interviews nationwide. For each milestone, the book highlights men and women from various backgrounds, from around the country, and delves into their experiences navigating an ever-changing financial landscape and evolving societal expectations. The thirtysomethings in this book envisioned their thirties differently than how they are actually living them. He thought he would be done with his degree; she thought she'd be married; they thought they'd be famous comedians; and everyone thought they would have more money.

Schaefer uses her smart narrative framing and relatable voice to show how the thirties have changed from the cultural stereotypes around them, and how they are a radically different experience for Americans now than they were for any other generation. And as Schaefer and her sources show, not being able to do everything isn't a sign of a life gone wrong. Being open to going sideways or upside down or backward means finding importance and value in many different ways of living.

Review Quotes

"In the 1950s, sociologists came up with a checklist for entering adulthood: finish school, leave home, make your own money, marry, and become a parent. . . . In her thoughtful and well-paced evaluation of 'adulthood, ' Schaefer explores the struggle today's ascendant adults face in getting anywhere near these goals 'on time.'"
--The New York Times Book Review

"Schaefer mixes social science, psychology, original reporting, and personal anecdotes into a work of nonfiction that is as compact and refreshing as a soft-serve ice cream cone. . . . Clearheaded and full of heart, But You're Still So Young offers a gentle indictment of a broken system and also a soothing message: Nobody's got it all figured out."
--Vogue, "The Best Books to Read in 2021"

"A sharp and empathetic investigation into what being in your thirties means today. Weaving together personal history, original reporting, and cultural analysis, Schaefer tackles five of the major milestones we've been told define adulthood--finishing school, leaving home, getting married, gaining financial independence, and having kids--and explores their modern significance, presenting a compelling argument that these achievements aren't actually as meaningful as we've been led to believe. It's a must-read for anyone who's ever considered bucking tradition--or anyone who'd like to better understand why this isn't a bad thing."
--Arianna Rebolini, BuzzFeed

"Kayleen Schaefer's But You're Still So Young challenges outdated ideas about the traditional markers of adulthood with a potent combination of wit and a keen observational eye."
--PopSugar, "25 Best New Books of March"

"A thought-provoking read."
--OK! Magazine

"But You're Still So Young is a balm to the soul with extra special salience in uncertain times. Kayleen Schaefer weaves together eight vivid portraits of living out a decade 'no one has given a name to' in a time when we're neither too young nor too old; when we're searching for what we want to do, who we want to spend our time with, and who we are, all while facing rampant job insecurity, rising debts, and the threat of 'geriatric' pregnancies. Schaefer is a candid guide throughout, as she unveils her own experience as a woman who has 'not fully transitioned to adulthood.' How deeply relatable! I just love this book."
--Susannah Cahalan, New York Times bestselling author of Brain on Fire and The Great Pretender

"Kayleen Schaefer masterfully and tenderly explores the contradictions, confusions, and freedoms for modern thirtysomethings across a wide spectrum of backgrounds. This thoughtful collection of stories, research, and personal experience is equal parts educational and insightful, and will no doubt comfort anyone who feels like they are still growing up--so, all of us. Kayleen Schaefer brilliantly reframes the 'messiness' of modern adulthood into something much more empowering: the opportunity to create the lives we really want."
--Mari Andrew, New York Times bestselling author of Am I There Yet?

"[Schaefer's] conversational writing style will draw in readers, especially those who enjoyed her previous book."
--Booklist

About the Author

Kayleen Schaefer is a journalist and author of Text Me When You Get Home and the bestselling Kindle Single memoir Fade Out. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Vogue, and many other publications. She lives in New York City.