This is a short book by a very successful author and podcaster to indulge her interest in and collection of aphorisms (def: a pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, “if it ain't broke, don't fix it.”), due to be released just before graduation season, April 1, 2025. Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I have a confession - I also love special quotes and aphorisms, although I have never used the word 'aphorism' in my life. I used to collect them as a kid, through college, and into young adulthood on bits of paper during that pre-internet time of life. So I relate to author Gretchen Rubin's connection to simple guidance to make sometimes big decisions.

Now onto the book. I loved the opening where she delved into some history of these types of sayings and the role of them in her life. I felt some of the most powerful aphorisms were in this opener!

From there the book is broken down into sections: Cultivating Ourselves, Facing the Perplexities of Relationships, Making Things Happen, and Confronting Life's Dilemmas. Within each of those sections we get sub-sections related to it, and quotes/aphorisms tied to the sub-section topic. Each section has a very brief introduction including a little history of Ms. Rubin's life tied to this subject. My favorite section was at the end: Simple Secrets of Adulthood, which has no sub-sections, but more a practical list of dealing with life and planning your life. Many great tips here.

I liked this book, but it took me less than 30-minutes to read it. It is definitely a light "reference" book, a good book for young people who will probably ignore all the advice within. It will be popular because it is written by Ms. Rubin and makes a good gift. And that's ok - it is worth a read for the great collection of sayings we all love. I have two kids in college and will probably buy it for them, although I doubt they'll read it lol. 4-stars because I think her intros to each section could have been a bit more robust and I felt like the book overall could have had a bit more meat to it.

Gretchen Rubin’s latest book, Secrets of Adulthood, presents a compilation of aphorisms that delve into themes such as: happiness, personal development, and the complexities of adulthood. This collection encompasses a range of topics, including personal transformation and interpersonal transformation. Engaging insights and relatable anecdotes are shared however, this novel does not compare to her earlier works. This book does provide a practical approach to growing up and surviving adulthood, which is appealing. However, this book predominantly consists of succinct, one-sentence truths, which may fall short for those in search of a more thorough self-help resource. I found this book to lack depth, due to the lack of breadth of each topic. Even though I didn’t enjoy this book nearly as much as Rubin’s earlier works, it could serve as a thoughtful gift for individuals embarking on a new life stage. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my review.

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Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read “secrets of adulthood” in exchange for an honest review.

This was my 2nd book by Gretchen Rubin and it was nothing at all like her first one or how I expected this to be based on the description.

This book was a book of aphorisms she had compiled over the years to give young adults or adults seeking more knowledge insight into her secrets to success & happiness.

I found it a bit unhelpful because it’s too many to actually digest at one time. Maybe this book would be more helpful if you purchased a physical copy to reflect back on:

Overall, I don’t think I am the correct audience for this read.

I read this short book in one sitting, and while I enjoy Gretchen's work a great deal, this felt repetitve from her other works. Maybe it's supposed to?

The book is short aphorisms the author has created over her years of writing and research.

This would be a great gift for a graduate going out into the adult world on their own.

I'm a big fan of Gretchen Rubin; I've read most of her work and have learned so many things about myself through her observations. I was hoping for another eye opening read, but this didn't quite hit the target. While the blurb clearly says aphorisms, I didn't really understand what that was until I started reading, so I was a bit bummed to find it was a really short read filled with many thoughts familiar to me from her other books. Going back, it seems obvious to me this is a small book (even the cover alludes to it- for crying out loud!) I did enjoy reading this but feel it's best as a gift book for graduates, newlyweds, retirees, etc. I highly recommend reading this a few bites at a time, stopping to reflect when one really speaks to you.

This is a book I'll return to because it is so packed with punchy wisdom! It will be an excellent graduation gift.

I’m a longtime fan of Gretchen Rubin—her books and her podcast, which she co-hosts with her sister, Elizabeth. She has often mentioned her love of collecting quotations, koans, and aphorisms, and I’ve been curious about what she has gathered. This book satisfies that curiosity! It feels like a commonplace book for our times—though concise, it’s packed with wisdom and insights. It’s the rare book that makes a perfect gift for graduates, retirees, and anyone in between!

A collection of interesting and helpful aphorisms on various topics. A book you could turn to under many different circumstances, rather than reading straight through.
3.5

This book was fun, light-hearted and short. I like the concept of an easy collection of aphorisms. This would make a good gift for a young adult friend.

I love Gretchen Rubin and this book is a perfect example of why. Her little book of aphorisms packs so much great advice that all of those entering adulthood need to learn. This book would be great for adults in college or entering the workforce, who are moving out on their own, or who are trying to find their way. I would encourage all those who are in their early 20s to read this!

In *Secrets of Adulthood*, bestselling author Gretchen Rubin distills years of research and personal insight into concise, thought-provoking aphorisms that illuminate the complexities of life. Whether you're facing big decisions or everyday struggles, her witty and wise observations—like “Accept yourself, and expect more from yourself”—offer clarity, comfort, and motivation.

Perfect for anyone navigating life’s transitions or simply looking for daily inspiration, this book is a delightful, insightful guide to greater happiness and self-awareness. A quick but impactful read you’ll find yourself returning to again and again!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the advanced copy of Secrets of Adulthood by Gretchen Rubin, as I am a fan of her work. The book consists of aphorisms organized into sections, each with a brief introduction. TBH I didn't know what an 'aphorism' was: a pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, “if it ain't broke, don't fix it.”. "the old aphorism “the child is father to the man”" Many of the reflections are familiar to listeners of the Happier podcast. This book would be an excellent choice for Gretchen Rubin’s fans or anyone seeking inspiration.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

As a person who gets to write one liners in the yearbooks of graduating high school seniors, this quick little book left me with lots of new ideas. Rubin shares aphorisms grouped in different areas, some of which are brief, some of which include short stories. There are some golden nuggets in here which I'll carry, and drop in both my context as a parent, and that as a teacher/librarian to young adults. A quick little book of witticisms.

Wow, I really loved this. I love that she has kept this list over the years and has put to words all the things she has learned not only as an adult, but also as a researcher. I thought it was so valuable and I highlighted so many things that I also want to remember. Such a great collection of aphorisms.

I am a Gretchen Rubin fan ,I’ve enjoyed all her books.Secret of Adulthood is a unique gem full of entertaining thoughtful sayings definitely things to ponder smile and even laugh at.I enjoyed this gem of a book .#netgalley #randomhouse.

this was a great self help book! It was insightful, and inspiring. I think there were some dull parts, but the overall themes and tips and advice were good, and i will be using some of the tips they gave.

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Lots of interesting aphorisms, but many were familiar because I've read Rubin's books. I most appreciated her introductions to some of the sections. It felt like a very light-weight book - nothing new, just an anthology of aphorisms she has created and collected.

I have read and loved all of Rubin's books. I liked this one, too, but it was much more simplistic than I was expecting. Perhaps that's my fault for not reading the blurb closely but it's not super clear that this is mostly a book of single sentence truths from Rubin about different topics.

There are some real gems in this book and some beautiful thoughts that will stay with you. Just don't expect it to be a big idea book like several of her other ones.

with gratitude to Crown and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is reminiscent of “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, and it’s All the Small Stuff.” I really enjoy Gretchen Rubin’s writing and this book felt like the kind of book you read once from start to finish and you can go back and reference quotes or parts of it at a later time. Thought provoking, easy to relate to, and helpful tidbits.

I am a longtime reader and fan of Gretchen Rubin, so was happy to read and review an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Secrets of Adulthood is a book of aphorisms divided into sections with brief, thoughtful introductions. I enjoyed reading the many reflections, some of which have been shared on the Happier podcast over the years.

This would be a great book for fans or Gretchen Rubin, recent graduates, or anyone looking for a little inspiration.