The video series of this book is much better than to read this one. Nevertheless, readers will appreciate this book on adulting.

Welcome To Adulting seemed to me like it was aimed at those who are irresponsible instead of what I thought it should be, those who new to adulthood who could use guidance on how to be responsible adults who make mature and responsible decisions.

This is a great read for those entering adulthood. Within a culture that doesn’t seem to want to grow up or is scared to, JP uses his experience both from his own life and counseling young adults to write this guide.
From money to dating to conflict this is a great quick read to help biblically navigate those early waters of adulthood and to navigate it well.

I was interested in reading this book because of the author, and I figured my review would be something along the lines of “what a great book for those graduating from college and entering the real world.” However, this book is full of wisdom for people in all stages of life! I’m in my late 20s and really enjoyed JP’s insights. I appreciate the passion JP has for young adults. I will be purchasing a copy for my bookshelf and think it will make for an excellent gift for graduates.

Thank you to Baker Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book!

​My Thoughts:
This book was well written. The author spoke open and honestly. This is also my only complaint, by being so open and honest he started to become a bit braggy about his past mistakes. That’s not what he was trying to do but was still noticeable. The intended audience of the book is those who are starting, in the midst of, or are newly out of college. Topics directed to this audience include dating and what career to choose. There are plenty of other topics for any stage of life like authority of the church, money and finances, friends versus community, conflict, and purpose. Even though the intended audience is a specific life stage this book can be for anyone. Although, you may want to skip over topics for example skip dating if your married. At the very least consider giving this book to someone in the intended stage of life.

“Welcome to Adulting” is a book I wish I had in my early adulting years. If you are in your late teens or twenties, you need to pick up a copy of this book. The author Jonathan Pokluda gives a fresh perspective on what it means to be a young adult in a world where sex, fame, money, power and material possessions are the driving force.

Adulthood brings with it major responsibilities but it is also filled with many exciting moments. Looking back at my early adulting years, while I wanted Jesus to return, I silently hoped he would delay so I would have the opportunity to get married, finally visit Paris or some other exotic destination. Jonathan reminds reader that worldly accomplishments are all temporary. Instead of finding our identity in earthly things, we should embrace our true identity, after all eternity is at stake.

The book is divided into five sections, these include: knowing your purpose, work, relationships, fear and eternity. The author starts off the book recounting his story and sharing with us raw truths of his journey into adulthood. Jonathan also discusses the challenges he encounters while entering adulthood, he recounts situations that 20 somethings can most likely identify with – think one night stands, drinking and a world of other wrongs. While he appeared to be more of a playboy than an actual church kid, he finally came to grips that all the happiness he was aiming for was all temporary. As fate would have it, a one night encounter changed the trajectory of his life.

What I really liked about the book was how the author laid out each chapter. He weaved his own personal stories with each topic that was discussed as well as provided a biblical perspective. The way the book was laid out made the concepts pretty easy to understand. It is also easy to identify with the author. It is evident that he has “been there done that” and he knows what he is talking about.

While reading, there were quite a few golden gems mentioned that I had to whip out my note pad to record all those golden concepts. One of the more impactful ones for me, was this quote from the book, ” If you are more concerned about what people think of you than what God thinks of you, then the approval of others is an idol to you.” This is really deep and oh so true. I feel as though this quote was perfectly crafted just for me. I will leave you to simmer on that quote for a while. Go get the book.

Topics such as “Adulting like a Boss” where he spoke about money and it not being all about the Benjamin’s had me hooked. I also enjoyed the chapter on knowing your purpose where he delves into a helpful acrostic that covers five different areas to help you learn more about how you have been uniquely created.

Welcome to Adulting by Jonathan Pokluda comes highly recommended. This is a must read for every young adult. It is certainly one of the better adulting books that I have read thus far and yes I have read quite a few. I would encourage every parent to snag a copy of this book for their child or as a gift for a friend. This would also make a perfect graduation gift for high school seniors.