Before the Mortgage: Real Stories of Brazen Loves, Broken Leases, and the Perplexing Pursuit of Adulthood

A collection of entertaining essays by a host of 20 and 30 somethings involved in the creative arts. While not truly deep, for the most part, I enjoyed these casual reflections on this simultaneously freeing and scary time of life, and identified with much of their writings. Derived from editors Christina Amini and Rachel Hutton's zine written during major life changes for each, the essays are divided into the broad categories of Work, Home, Love, and Life, interspaced with some humorous lists such as “Regretable Interview Quotes” and “Budget Recipes.” Though most were written for this publication, there were a few reprints included from previous publications, such as Sarah Vowell's modern classic “The First Thanksgiving,” show more and Pagan Kennedy's insightful, funny essay, “So … are you to together?,” exploring close platonic relationships, or “Boston Marriages.” I generally enjoyed all of the offerings the authors presented, and particularly recommend “Parents Are The New Friends” by Rachel Hutton and Davy Rothbart's “Taking Off.” As my own life evolves from an extended adolescence to hopefully something approaching “adulthood,” (new job, new town) but still uncertain (no mortgage yet!), these essays are a fun way see how others dealt with similar situations (and see that one's worries are not unique). They really capture these conflicting feelings. show less

I am not a millenial, I have kids, I have a good job, but I still related to this book. I don't think any of us really feel like we have our life together. Worth a read.