One in a Millennial started off with a fairly interesting (yet very long) prologue. I went into this book excited to reminisce on my parts of my childhood and hoping for something more along the lines of The Nineties which I really enjoyed. However, One is just not as deep or as meaningful as a traditional memoir and not as informative or interesting as a commentary/expose on the time. It felt like it was confused and didn’t know what it was trying to be.

I found myself skimming or reading which not actually absorbing the info. When the book started to feel like homework I had to complete I had to finally throw in the towel.

I just don’t think this book is for me which is why I rated it the way I did. It wasn’t bad and I’m sure people who listen to her podcast really enjoyed it. I didn’t feel right rating it lower because it just wasn’t a good fit. It’s not you, it’s me One.

Thank you netgalley for the arc

I read 40% of One In a Millenial, but ultimately did not finish it. It started out really strong, and as a Millenial, I felt like I could relate to so much of the subject content. However, it’s too long and certain sections just felt like rambling. I do think this book makes a lot of great points about the world in which Millenials were raised and there’s a lot of witty humor, but overall, it just wasn’t succinct enough to keep me going. I think I would have enjoyed this one on audio, and I will check out the audiobook from my library once it’s released. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of One in a Millennial in exchange for my honest review.

This was a fun trip through 90s nostalgia but you can definitely tell that the author is a podcaster. Many of the sentences felt like they were a run-on thought rather than fleshed out ideas. I think part of the issue is that I was born in 1995 so I’m *barely* a millennial so I maybe just didn’t relate in the same way as other readers might. I’m also not the biggest nonfiction girlie so this just wasn’t really for me.

I can DEFINITELY see how people will enjoy this though!

“One in a Millennial” does a beautiful job telling the story of the author’s journey within her generational touchstones to become a more well-rounded self-actualized person in her childhood and young adulthood. Funny, sad, introspective essays are woven together to tell the story of one slice of the millennial generation as they age into a more reflective, powerful period of their lives. Loved the longer, deeper view of this group that has become an internet punchline.

I love listening to Kate Kennedi’s podcast and One in a Millenial felt like an extension of that. Kate’s perspectives, pop cultural deep dives, and musings over serious topics will capture the attention of any millennial.

This book is nostalgia and girlhood all wrapped up in a perfect bow. I loved it. Kate is so eloquent and smart and her words come to life on these pages. Highly recommend!

I am not a 90’s baby. I wanted to read this book in anticipation of a 90’s themed convention experience. However, this book is much more a memoir centered on pop culture than the 90’s deep dive it advertises itself as.

Nevertheless, this book was still entertaining. Kennedy is a witty, engaging author, and I found her insights on childhood and the cultural zeitgeist to be valuable. This book masterfully handles experiences both humorous and serious through its clever incorporation of media. Still, I hope that the eventual marketing for this book as it nears publication better matches its actual content.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have never listened to Kate Kennedy’s podcast, but now I certainly will. I picked up this book solely based on the cover art and title but throughout this reading experience, I genuinely questioned if I AM Kate? I kept thinking of girlfriends to recommend this to but, at times, I’d think “maybe they wouldn’t really relate to that” but there was not one thing that didn’t hit home for me (though my college tragedy was the suicide of a partner I never truly dealt with/healed from versus Kate’s experience).
I feel this is a must-read for all millennial women. Seriously. Maybe not every topic/memory will connect as it really is a tailored memoir to Kate’s lived experiences, but anyone will find aspects to relate to and learn from. I already have a list of like 25 girlfriends I want to gift this to.
This book is sweet, nostalgic, and heartfelt. I laughed out loud and literally teared up.
Highly recommend.

Unfortunately, this was a DNF at 30%  for me. I thought I was really going to love the nostalgia and the reminiscing, but I found myself bored and skimming through the chapters looking for more substance. I think I like this more in an audio media and I would have made it through an audiobook with a different opinion. 
Sorry but thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*3.5 stars

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. As a millennial, this brought all of the childhood and teenage feels that were super nostalgic. I laughed when one part mentioned the elementary school answer of "What do you want to be when you grow up?" and the general answer was "Marine biologist". I can 100% confirm - this is true. Ask my dad. My literal answer growing up - I actually took oceanography and marine biology in high school lol.

While I enjoyed the early and mid sections of the book. The latter section went into darker millennial topics - which I 100% agree with the author on, however, I thought I was going to be reading a commentary on my childhood feels, not my reproductive rights as an adult millennial woman.

I think marketing on this could have been a bit more specific. Going into this, I had no idea it was a memoir, so I was a bit unfocused for some of the content as I do not follow the author or her podcast.

That said, I do believe millennials will be able to relate to sooo much of this and it was a good read.

First thing, in complete honesty, I don't know who Kate Kennedy is. As a millennial, I was intrigued by the title and synopsis. I was born in 91 and categorized as an elder millennial. I have never related to a nonfiction book so much before. We grew up very different however still went through the same things and same feelings. I had an American girl doll, loved the books, a day bed and an obsession with pop culture. This book was comforting to know that someone else went through the same things. Watching one generation end while the next developed. I think a lot of Millennials would enjoy this book and will definitely be recommending it.

I had fun with this. It might not be the most memorable read, but there are parts that really stand out, especially as someone my age. The physical and audiobook we both equally enjoyable. For a specific crowd, but those who it appeals to will enjoy the reading experience.

I’ve been a big fan of Kate Kenndey and her podcast Be There in Five for many years! When Kate announced she was writing a book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it!

Reading One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy is like listening to a long(-er) version of a podcast and I just couldn’t get enough! I could hear her voice narrating the stories. I couldn’t stop laughing, smiling and relating.

If you’re a millennial woman who’s enjoyed Kate’s podcast or you’re looking for a laugh, be sure to pick-up ne in a Millennial in January 2024!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was hoping for more cultural commentary, but this was mostly memoir. As a younger millennial (1995) I could relate to some things but not others. I think fans of Kennedy’s podcast would probably like this more!

ARC REVIEW

One in a Millenial
By Kate Kennedy

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5

Publishing date:1/23/2025

I was super excited to read this one! As a fellow millenial I love nostalgia and this book does give that throwback feeling,for sure!

Each chapter touches on various topics that were heavy hitters throughout millennial youths and early adulthood-music,clothing,"going out", doorframe beads, etc

However, it had a lot of extra dialogue. I found myself skimming because it felt like there was a lot to read but it wasn't NEEDED? Also, Some of it felt unrelatable. For example, the author lived on $40,000 for a year that she SAVED, while she started business.....yeah can't relate lol I mean, good for you but yeah...lol

Overall it was enjoyable. I think millennials will like it, but it may be hard to get into it if you are not a part of our generation.

Thanks to @stmartinspress for the opportunity to go back in time! Also, a thanks to @netgalley for the arc 😊

I really took my time with this book, savoring the chapters. As a podcast listener, I'll admit I was predisposed to love this book, but it truly exceeded my expectations. So much of Kate's personality shines through in the writing, with subtle rhymes and puns at every turn. While much of the content contained sentiments I've heard Kate express on her podcast over the years, there were plenty of new ideas and new framing that made me consider issues in a different light. As a millennial, I felt SO seen and validated while reading. Many of my own experiences and perceptions seemed to overlap with Kate's, and it felt good to have someone voice what I'd felt in such a clear way, and with much more depth. I found comfort in her connections between religious music and romantic expectations, not to mention her continued advocacy for a woman's right to delight in whatever the f*ck she pleases.

While some chapters resonated more deeply than others, I appreciated the wit, transparency and humor throughout. The constant injection of fun word play often surprised me and made me laugh out loud.

This book is an absolute gem, and while it wasn't one that I binge-read, not one that I "couldn't put down," that was only because I needed to let each long chapter/essay marinate. Millennial women NEED to read this book! Not just to feel seen but to revisit, reflect and perhaps reframe our childhood and teenage experiences.

This was a very relatable book. As a millennial myself I loved all of the references. Pick up this book.

Kate is a pop culture commentator and in this book, she takes a closer look at the high level culture moments that were happening that impacted her life as a millennial female. While she is very good an noting that her experiences are not representative of everyone, the topic she covered were relatable. It made me stop and reflect how I was taking in things like Purity Culture, American Girl dolls, and the 'going out' culture at the time and how they impacted me then and now as an almost 40-something.

Thank you netgalley.com for providing an advanced copy of this ebook.

I want to doodle a chain of hearts and write TLA all over this book like the 90s child I’ve embraced inside me! Thanks to NetGalley, I received an advanced digital copy of this book and I will be ordering these for my sister, friends and my own daughter to consume someday. Kate Kennedy took me on a RIDE through her/(our!) childhood and wove in nostalgia, observations and her own vulnerability to create such a beautiful story. The reader gets to know Kate really well and the order of the story reads very smoothly. There a few short poems included that I swooned over and longer essays that sat deep in my heart. She uses really fun wordplay and pop culture references that sparked a lot of joyful memories. She didn’t avoid some darkness, and took the chance to preach (which I applaud). I think a lot of women could relate to at least a little of what’s in these pages. I’m glad this book exists.

I love me some non-fiction and I am so thankful to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, Kate Kennedy, and Netgalley for granting me advanced access to this gem before it hits shelves on January 23, 2024.

I resonated with this book so much because I too was a teen of the 2000s and I lusted after things like Limited Too and American Girl Dolls, and even later in life I partook in the Sorority Life/Night Club hangs and I had several going out tops that were staples of my college experience, outside of all the learning and thousands of dollars being spent on a degree and whatnot.

As I listened, I laughed, I empathized, I revolted, and I cringed in response to the various essays and short stories that signified what growing up in the 2000s looked like for girls everywhere.