This was a fun, nostalgic read, but I don't think it made an impactful statement. It really hit hard on the nostalgic memories of the 90's and 2000's that I'm sure the majority of millennials have, but that's about it. I'm not familiar at all with the author or her podcast, so her retellings of her experiences didn't matter at all to me. Kate's fans might enjoy these parts though. I felt she narrated her work flawlessly though. I could hear the emotion in her voice during certain sections.

Thank you to Kate Kennedy, and St Martin's Press, and Macmillan audio for this ALC.

Unfortunately, this didn’t work for me. Maybe it didn’t work because I’m not familiar with the author’s podcast, but I genuinely struggled to figure out the true point of this book. There is such a thing as too many references and even though this felt very nostalgic to me; it just felt like a random list of memories from the 90s and early 2000s. There are a lot of important themes that resonated with me like the way millennials are looked down upon, the way the media truly controlled how I viewed myself and my self worth, but I’m not sure what was wrong with this but it just felt disjointed to me. I e think if I had been a fan of the author’s podcast before reading this I would have enjoyed it more. I’m not sure.

Thank you so much Macmillan audio for this ALC.

You know those books that you know you're going to read by the cover alone? Yeah, ONE IN A MILLENNIAL: ON FRIENDSHIPS, FEELINGS, FANGIRLS, AND FITTING IN by Kate Kennedy was one of those books for me. It's primarily pink, with a CD-R that looks like every mix CD I've ever made: all the flowers, squiggles, and hearts around the books' subtitle (and the mix CD's "title"). The handwriting on the CD is even that trademark early 2000s girl handwriting that we all would've died to perfect ourselves.

Kate Kennedy is the host of the Be There In Five podcast, which came about hilariously after Kate's success making doormats of all things. (Kate is all of us with her hair straightener, and made herself a "did you turn off your hair straightener?" rug for her front door, went viral, and turned it into a thriving business.) In her latest book, ONE IN A MILLENNIAL: ON FRIENDSHIPS, FEELINGS, FANGIRLS, AND FITTING IN, Kate walks us through the 90s and early aughts through the lens of a millennial fangirl--so, of course, it's one of the most relatable experiences for all millennial fangirls. Alongside Kate, we walk through the eras of boy bands and the Spice Girls, the trauma of growing up in the age of purity culture, the pressure that came with AIM (you had to have the perfect away message to get that boy's attention, DUH!), American Girl dolls, how our ideas of, and about, feminism have changed as we've grown, and so much more. At one point, she talks about 90s girl sleepovers and the nostalgia and deep desire to get just one more of those hit me like a train.

I enjoyed this book overall. There were so many points that were so relatable that I felt like Kate had somehow found, and (*gasp*) unlocked my Password Journal (IYKYK) because the experiences that she shares are so universal for women who grew up in the 90s and early aughts. There were points that had me in tears over the way that millennials have also been failed by generations before us: how we were drilled nearly from birth that college was the only way to pave the way to a successful future, only to be left with tens (and sometimes hundreds) of thousands of dollars in debt to show for it.

Kate writes in a way that feels conversational: you feel like your high school best friend is just telling you a story. She talks fast, both in the physical and audio versions) and from a nearly life-long Gilmore Girls lover, I was totally here for it. For the audio version, it felt almost like listening to a podcast, which I'm sure was Kate's plan. Each chapter is broken down into what could be a scripted podcast episode, with fun asides and side notes that derail things in the most fun way.

The only downside was that sometimes, Kate's verbiage got a bit repetitive. I jokingly thought that if I heard her say "zeitgeist" one more time, I was going to start a drinking game...then before I could finish the thought, she'd say "zeitgeist" again. She also occasionally got a bit long-winded, at times making her essays feel more like essays and less like the fun trip down memory lane/evaluation of the average millennial woman's experience. I also read that Kate doesn't consider this a memoir, but I would absolutely classify it as a memoir--not that that genuinely matters.

Overall, I really enjoyed ONE IN A MILLENNIAL: ON FRIENDSHIPS, FEELINGS, FANGIRLS, AND FITTING IN and urge all millennial women to read it. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to plan a sleepover with all your besties.

"One in a Millennial" by Kate Kennedy is a fun and engaging audiobook exploring the millennial zeitgeist. Narrated by the author, it's a vibrant journey through pop culture, online success, and genuine connections. Kennedy's witty style, akin to Jen Sincero, makes her experiences relatable. It's a candid reflection on emotions, relationships, and the impact of social media, offering valuable insights from her entrepreneurial journey and podcasting years. This is labeled as "Literary criticism," but it's also a memoir infused with Kennedy's humorous and perceptive storytelling. Thanks to Macmillan Audio via NetGalley for an early listener copy. This audiobook, out on January 23, 2024, is a must-hear for those interested in a witty take on contemporary culture and personal growth in the digital era.

This is not a book written for regular millennials. Maybe it was just me and I was to chronically uncool in the 90s but not a bit of this felt real or relatable. This felt like that one out of touch girl in your class wrote it. This was such a privileged and white centered idea of what growing up in that time was like. I honestly didn't like anything about this book. There are plenty of good books about the 90s and that culture that are better than this. If you want something you can actually relate to try 90s bitch or the 90s made me gay. Those are both way better and you will get far more from it .
I am only giving a star cause I must....

This book was everything I wanted it to be: insightful, witty, and a blast from the past. I will be recommending this is to everyone this year

What a fun read! I am not quite a millennial (1980 - holla :)) but I am barely a Generation X-er. I feel so left out. Ha!

The beginning of the book was slow for me, and I did not love the lonnngggggg analysis on penmanship. But, once that segment was over, I really enjoyed the book.

There were so many relatable areas -- and I definitely felt seen. The segment on church, the analysis of Saved by The Bell (is there any wonder why boys of the 80s/90s may have looked down on girls?? They were told by TNBC that girls were dumb and shouldn't be taken seriously. Which by the way makes me super annoyed by those TV writers), the clothing choices, wanting to fit in, etc., etc., etc.

Many times, I felt myself reminiscing about my own childhood. I had a phone in my bedroom. With my own line!! But, sadly, we did not have cable or a pool. I drove a hunter green Grand Am and dresses in Abercrombie.

Man, this book was a trip down memory lane. And, it was definitely enjoyable. Also made me sort of wish this new generation, babies born in the late 2000s, tried a little harder to fit in and not stand out so much (as a mother of a 16-year-old, I wouldn't mind a little more JCrew and a little less angsty teen. :)

I really related to the author in many ways, and I had so much empathy for her.

I definitely enjoyed the audio version of the book more than the written version (the poems were a little long for me in the written version, easier to listen to on 1.25x speed).

I recommend this book if you'd like to take a walk down memory lane.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillian Audio, and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of One in a Millennial in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was well written and well thought out. I really enjoyed the beginning part and came to some self/millennial culture realizations. Towards the end some of it felt more repetitive. It was definitely not the nostalgic, fun memoir I was expecting from the fun cover.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillian Audio for the audiobook ARC of One in a Millenial from Kate Kennedy. As a millennial woman, there was so much that was relatable in this audiobook! I was laughing out loud and nodding my head to the references to Limited Too, having a daybed, getting conned into a credit card at college football games, and AOL instant messenger (and so many more -- don't get me started on all the pop culture references). Kennedy also explores more serious topics, from mental health, beauty standards, diet culture, and validation to mass shootings. I felt seen while listening to this one and loved hearing Kennedy's authentic voice discussing both her girlhood and womanhood (and everything in between). While I think this would be a fun read with a physical book, I definitely recommend the audio version — Kennedy is a podcaster and did a fantastic job narrating the book. This one publishes on January 23, don’t miss it!

💿 One in a Millennial - Kate Kennedy

If you’re a Millennial, you NEED to read this. I laughed, I cried, I felt SO seen. I didn’t know what I was expecting when I read this, but I’m really glad I started the year off with this light, funny, easily connectable, memoir-ish book.

Every chapter had something I could identify with. I’m in the late end of the “millennials” as I was born in 1994 (yikes, 30 soon) but I still felt so seen by all of these memories. I loved Kate’s ability to laugh about how we grew up, reminisce about our favorites and least favorites in the 90s, 2000s, and today, and her ability to identify our “issues” and how that’s effected the way we are today. I connected with her stories and laughed with her, I was pissed at some of the bad things were blamed for, and I loved her story telling. I’ll say it one more time, if you’re a Millennial, this is a must!

Keep your eyes open for this one coming out 1/23! Thank you Netgalley, MacMillan Audio, and St. Martin Press for the early ARC copies!

This audiobook was completely engrossing and had me laughing out loud the entire time. Loved this one!

Look, just like Be There in Five, this isn’t going to be for everybody, but it certainly was for me! This is a collection of essays that covers a wide range of topics — from romcoms to going out tops to reproductive care. It has reflections from Kate’s own life, while also speaking more broadly to the things that shape who we are. There are tangents galore, so if that bugs you, maybe stay away.

My pop culture loves (much like my upbringing) don’t always overlap with Kate’s, and still, I just adore somebody speaking to their experience in a way that’s thoughtful and that places value on things we aren’t typically taught or encouraged to value. Have I ever even come into contact with an American Doll? Was I ever even allowed to go to a sleepover or slumber party? Will I ever fully relate to a white woman? No, no, and no, and yet this was a joy to read. Its more tender and heartfelt moments really landed for me as well. (I'll note content warnings for miscarriage, fertility, and school shootings.)

I’ll add that I’m so happy I held out for the audiobook because listening to Kate read this was truly a pleasure!

One in a Millennial brought back so many memories from my childhood. The hanging door beads, dial-up internet, and American Girl Dolls were some of my favorites then and I still look back fondly on getting a new American Girl Doll and accessories at Christmas and playing with my cousins. This does lean towards a memoir in my opinion. I do think this book is the perfect example of growing up in different times and how the things that your are exposed to really shape your character and outlook on life. Millennials are referred to as quirky and this definitely can help explain why. This leads me to wonder if any of us have ever had an original thought (lol).

I did not know that Kate had a podcast, but I definitely plan to look into it after this book.

I was pretty excited to read the book as I got an advance copy, however, I was quickly let down as the marketing of this book clearly says “it’s not a memoir” and it completely is.

The marketing team should take another look at the way the market this book before publication.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ah, the glorious '90s and early 2000s! The era of dial-up internet (I can still hear that sound 😆), American Girl Dolls, and the Spice Girls strutting their "Girl Power." Kate Kennedy's "One In a Millennial" is like a Time Machine back to those days when we rocked AOL Instant Messenger, donned our favorite "going out" tops (bejeweled everything), and navigated the maze of millennial life. So much cringe but it was so wonderful.

There is so much to unpack with this book. Part memoir, part reflection of pop culture in the ‘90s and ‘00s while breaking down the impact these eras had on her life growing up and shaping her mental identity. There is something to take away deeply from this no matter who you are but hits home for anyone who is in the millennial group or near it. To be honest I had not heard of Kate till this one but I am subscribing to her podcast as I loved her quirky and acute take on life through pop culture references. Girl after my own heart.

Kate, a pop culture aficionado turned podcaster, has penned a gem that's part humor, part heartfelt nostalgia trip. In this auditory treat, she dives into the quirks of growing up in a time when our biggest worry was remembering to sign out of AIM.

From poking fun at purity culture to delving into the profoundness of Spice Girl feminism (there are some fun facts that I never knew about like how they got their names), Kate weaves a tapestry of laughter, tears, and a whole lot of reminiscing. Her observations about millennial motherhood and the bittersweetness of being a child of that era hit close to home.

But hold the phone! Before you think it's all giggles and reminiscing, Kate dishes out some serious life lessons amid the laughter. She's not just cracking jokes about American Girl Dolls; she's tackling the complexities of celebrating the culture that shaped her and all of us. I loved her takes on how we romanticized the concept that women need a partner to feel complete instead of romanticizing the idea of loving yourself and getting to know who you are on a deeper level. So many great ideas throughout that chapter.

Now, about the brains behind this nostalgia-driven rollercoaster: Kate's no one-hit wonder. From inventing the remindoormat (genius!) to navigating the jungle gym of her career path—from market researcher to podcasting poetess—she's a testament to embracing your passions. Inspiring to me as I am going through these changes myself to explore my entrepreneurial spirit.

In a world where the norm is sticking to one lane, Kate's career sprawls across various playgrounds. She's proof that life's a mixtape, and you gotta groove to different beats to find your jam. Her journey from PowerPoints to painting rugs to pop culture punditry is as quirky as the subjects she covers.

So, if you're ready for a laughter-infused trip down memory lane and a side of life lessons served with a sprinkle of pop culture references, Kate Kennedy's "One In a Millennial" is your ticket. Strap in for a ride that's as sharp as an AIM away message and as heartwarming as a reunion with your favorite childhood doll. Cheers to the '90s and 2000s—the eras that molded us into the unique, quirky millennials we are today!

Kate, (God definitely spent) A little more time on you! 😁

Thank you to NetGalley and A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

Full disclosure: I don't listen to podcasts and due to a busy scheduling juggling work and family, and I don't have time to keep up with pop culture much anymore, so I had never heard of Kate Kennedy prior to this book. But as a millennial myself, I was intrigued by the title and description blurb, which led me to request an arc of this novel. I alternated between reading the digital version of the book and listening to the audiobook, which was narrated by Kate Kennedy herself, so I enjoyed that more.

I was very surprised by how much this book resonated with me and with how much in common I have with the author. From rehashing the trends of my childhood in the 90's (Yes, I was an American Girl doll collector), to experiencing a mass tragedy as college students (Her: The Virginia Tech Massacre; Me: 9/11), to later discussing the political issues that impact women today (See: Supreme Court Dobbs v. Jackson WHO), this book was a trip down nostalgia lane that connected how (many) millennials like myself evolved within the context of the socio-political-pop culture of our time.

Of course, like the author, I have the privilege of being a blonde white woman hailing from a middle-class suburban family. So her (and my) experiences highlighted in the book certainly do not speak to all millennials. That being said, it was meaningful to me, and I'm glad I read this book as my last of the year to reflect on the past as I move forward into 2024.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, NetGalley, and Kate Kennedy for an advanced 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. Kate narrated the audiobook herself and I loved it (again, I WILL be listening to this podcast now). At times, her emotions were so palpable, I wanted to cry with her and giggle with her in the giddiness of a silly memory or pop culture reference. Excellently done.
Highly recommend.

This was a good book about the realities of growing up as a millennial and all of its glorious contradictions.

From being taught from the time were infants how to people please to being brainwashed into thinking our 14yo belly buttons being exposed gave boys and men a valid excuse to mistreat us. We are caught in between following the traditional expectations of prior generations and the proudly be yourself mentality of those who are younger. All of that while trying to just make it paycheck to paycheck in a world that no one prepared us to navigate, simply because it didn’t exist before.

The author and I had many of the same experiences growing up, and a lot of the same feeling looking back on those experiences.

Some of these talking points were addressed briefly in the recent Barbie movie, but this book offers a more detailed look into the psyche and never ending list of struggles that face the average female millennial.

A fun memoir for any millennial that lays on the nostalgia thickly. Although I've never listened to the author's podcast, I enjoyed her story and how many aspects of our youth overlapped despite a few years age difference and growing up in different parts of the country.

My only negative comment is regarding Kate's narration - she spoke very quickly and I had to actually slow the book down a bit to be able to fully enjoy it. Usually, I'm opting to increase the speed so this was the first time I've had to slow the narration down. I'm not sure if this is how Kate is on her podcast but it was difficult to keep up with the story at time at 1x speed.

Thank you to Kate Kennedy, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for this advanced listener copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! Kate Kennedy's essays made me laugh, cry, and everything in between. I have never felt so seen as a "basic millennial!" Thank you to Netgalley & Macmillan Audio for the ALC. I can't wait to celebrate on pub day!