Books can help in a difficult time

KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
"Quarterlife Crisis," by Abby Wilner (now Miller) and Alexandra Robbins (Tarcher, $14.99); "The Quarterlifer's Companion: How to Get on the Right Career Path, Control Your Finances, and Find the Support Network You Need to Thrive," by Abby Wilner and Catherine Stocker (McGraw-Hill, $16.95).
There is comfort in knowing that you're not alone, and the "Quarterlife Crisis" books provide plenty of that. The second book also offers budgeting worksheets, insurance tips, even recipes. Miller says what helped her was "knowing that there wasn't necessarily something wrong with me, that it was normal to experience this crisis, feel lost and confused. And also not focusing so much on work but also developing a life outside of work, getting involved in the community. It's a great way to meet people and a great way to accomplish something, feel good about something. It gives you that feeling of belongingness and you really need it when you're on your own for the first time."
"The Turbulent Twenties Survival Guide," by Marcos Salazar (New Harbinger Publications, $14.95).
Salazar says there's no quick fix for this emotionally charged time: "You are losing a major part of your identity [as a student] and figuring out who you are in this brand new world, where you want to go now. It takes a lot of introspection, learning to listen to your inner signals and your passions." His book leads readers through the contemplative process, and offers questions and tips to help twentysomethings increase their emotional intelligence-- the self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills necessary to survive in the work world. Find out more at www.turbulenttwenties.com.
Visit www.quarterlifecrisis.com for book information, workshop announcements and discussion boards for twentysomethings.