As a young adult, my life is constantly in “crunch time” when it comes to life. There are plenty of things to stress over, but this does not mean they should take over your life. I’ve managed to survive years of public school and half a college career, and I'm just now learning to not stress over the little things and focus on what's important.
I recently read a book that was an absolute game changer. A Work In Progress by Connor Franta is a collection of personal essays, but each story comes with a life lesson. Whether it is a good or bad experience, it is important to experience an array of feelings and learn from it or cherish it.
I’m usually not one to gravitate toward “inspirational novels about life lessons” on how to live your life, and I honestly only grabbed this book because I’m a fan of his online content. However, after reading just a chapter, I was hooked. I constantly kept forgetting that this man is not a professional author. I was impressed with his work, and I’m already rereading the book. Not to be dramatic, but it definitely changed my life.
Even if this doesn't become your favorite go-to novel, it will definitely remain with you for years to follow. This book is a personal memoir, but Franta’s stories all have a message that is relatable to anyone of any age. He discusses feelings of anxiety and appreciating the real world over technology with high school anecdotes and lessons from his parents. He also has “mini life lessons” between chapters such as why he has respect for elders and where his love for vintage items and coffee comes from. These life lessons are more generalized and show how he has learned to accept who he is and not worry about what others think of his qualities.
Franta’s memoir, although aimed toward a teenage demographic, is an amazing read for adults as well. It helps teenagers with self-discovery, and adults can begin to appreciate themselves and embrace a younger generation’s way of life. Franta’s stories help adults have an understanding of how the generation below them has a different view on certain lifestyle aspects. Seeing the world from someone in the younger generation truly helps older people open their eyes to the new and progressive era. These stories will be beneficial to read, especially if you have a child. It can help you understand the difference in the generations and where the world is heading.
As 2016 begins, most people’s resolution is to read more. Even if those people with the resolution manage to read one book in 2016, Franta’s "A Work In Progress" will be the game-changing book needed to improve their lives.
