Slouching Towards Adulthood gives voice to all the changes in the last generation - social, economic, technological, cultural. We who eagerly flew from the nest and took on independence as a matter of pride are micro-engaged in our young adult children's lives in a myriad of ways. Good or bad? That is the underlying question of Koslow's very witty, insightful book. She sneaks in a lot of factual information, showing how widespread many of these new behaviors are, indeed they have become norms.
Renting a UHaul to help move your kid, say, once a year. If UHauls are not feasible, than hopping on a plane & criss-crossing the country to help your child, likely one with an advanced degree, set up a new apartment. Housing your kids at home. Vacationing in very nice places with your adult children, on your dime. Welcoming non-married boyfriend and girlfriend-in-laws into your family, even including them in the aforementioned vacation. These are all becoming norms.
The biggest surprises from STA are the massive numbers of parents and children experiencing this extended mutual dependence, middle class as well as more affluent, in all regions of the country. And also the cocktail scene. I had no idea about it, and how big a part of 18-35's social life revolves around liquor.
Koslow is endearingly non-judgmental, since she shares these behaviors with the rest of us. Your daughter is traveling around the world working at yoga retreats, after finishing an Ivy League degree? Great! Your son is living at home and you are waiting on him hand and foot? So are a lot of other moms. Your child quit a job he didn't like with out another one lined up? Welcome to the club!
I agree with her conclusions, but will not give them away.
This is not only a great book for baby boomer parents, but a wonderful text for those older than that - it really explains, in extremely fun-to-read prose, what the hell is going on in our country!
After reading this book I was spouting anecdotes and statistics for weeks. Don't be surprised if this book really changes the way you look at the world.
