The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter
Matter: The Defining Decade is Meg Jay’s guide to work, relationships, identity and other choices during your twenties. This revised edition combines research with stories and includes updated material on technology, friendship and fertility, plus a reader’s guide.
At a glance
- Covers work, relationships, personality, identity and the brain in the context of the twenties.
- The revised edition adds material on technology, friendship, fertility and online relationships.
- Includes 29 conversations to consider with a partner or while looking for one, plus a reader’s guide.
Reference price: $25.99
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines research with stories from twentysomethings, offering both context and personal perspectives.
- The reader’s guide gives book clubs, classrooms and individual readers prompts for further reflection.
- Customer feedback describes it as engaging and accessible rather than textbook-like.
Technical specifications
12 specifications| Publisher | Grand Central Publishing |
|---|---|
| Edition | Revised |
| Publication date | March 16 2021 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 336 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1538754231 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1538754238 |
| Weight listed | 210 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.97 x 2.79 x 20.83 cm |
| Updated research topics | Up-to-date research on work, love, the brain, friendship, technology, and fertility |
|---|---|
| Partner conversations | 29 conversations to have with your partner—or to keep in mind as you search for one |
| Reader's guide | A Reader's Guide for book clubs, classrooms, or further self-reflection |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers in their twenties considering decisions about work, relationships or identity.
- Book clubs, classrooms or readers looking for guided self-reflection.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
74% 74% - 4 stars
17% 17% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes the book as engaging and easy to read, with an accessible style that does not feel like a psychology textbook. That may suit readers seeking research-informed discussion of the twenties in approachable prose. Aggregate ratings are also mostly at the high end, though ratings alone do not explain individual readers’ reasons.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the book as engaging and intriguing.
- Customers appreciate its accessible, easy-to-read style.
Frequently asked questions
What topics does The Defining Decade cover?
The listing describes material on work, love, personality, identity and the brain, with updated research on friendship, technology and fertility.
Does this edition include discussion or reflection material?
Yes. The listing says it includes a reader’s guide for book clubs, classrooms or further self-reflection, as well as 29 conversations related to partnership.
What is the book’s listed length and language?
The listing gives a print length of 336 pages and the language as English.
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