4 out of 4 stars
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Clueless 101 (A Life Manual for Millennials) by J. Ronald Adair is a self-help book for the Millennial Generation. The Millennial Generation was originally referred to as Generation Y and were born in the nineteen-eighties. This book is concerned with helping this particular generation be successful. Our society has degenerated so far, that the last two generations have not had any training on how to sustain themselves. The author admires the traits of the Millennial generation and hopes to bridge the gap left by the hippie generation. The desired outcome of this book is that the Millennials will understand and learn the skills necessary to succeed. Hopefully, they will then teach their offspring, Generation Z also known as Snowflakes, the life-skills they have learned.
The deterioration of self-sufficiency and life-skills began with the hippie era. Before them, the skills to be self-sufficient had been passed down. The nonconformists rebelled against authority, society, and morality. Family unity, values, and necessary life skills were lost, spiraling down to a generation who knows nothing about how to survive on their own. The author describes himself as the grandfather who is imparting the wisdom he has achieved over the years to those that come after him. His book is written to counsel those who are looking to be self-supporting individuals and gives them the tools to achieve their independence.
Although this book is written for a specific generational group, the information it contains can benefit persons from every age group. The ideas the author presents includes sound advice on several different topics. They include how to make and save money, how to choose living situations, personal safety, combined with other pertinent and current issues. The subjects addressed are necessary for living and maintaining a healthy, safe and secure lifestyle. Different events and circumstances that occur in every lifetime are also covered; for example, births and funerals. The author gives sound advice and backs it up with relevant examples and references. Visual keys are included to point out valuable information that is significant to the reader. A summary is at the conclusion of each chapter, clarifying the message, to help the reader research and apply the suggestions and instructions given. Also, at the back of the book, there are an appendix, an index, a glossary and a section for references relating to the material covered within the chapters.
Although I don't believe all the people born during this period are totally clueless, we do seem to have a lot of young people still living with their parents or sharing a home with multiple people. Some of these modern problems arise from the fact that having one job to support an individual is nearly non-existent, and this is a solution that comes from necessity. I've been amazed by the ingenuity and community that this generation of young people displays, and know that the strength of their ancestors lies in their blood.
Considering the generation gap, I thought that he did a marvelous job presenting common-sense solutions for ill-prepared young people starting out on their own. The issues addressed may seem pedantic and simplistic, but the generation he is trying to reach is unaware of how to do the most ordinary tasks. Because these lessons were neglected in schools and by parents, who hadn't learned them themselves.
The book is exceptionally written and holds indispensable and essential information. It can benefit anybody trying to get out on their own, regardless of their circumstances. Despite the small issue of the unwitting condescension, I was inspired. This book gave me hope for my grandchildren and future generations. I believe if the methods provided are applied, it can make a difference for our children. I highly recommend it to anyone, regardless of when they were born, who needs a helping hand. Because of its professional quality and content, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
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Clueless 101
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