Having been born in 1981, I am at the very beginning of the timeframe some consider to be millennials. I was excited to read this and thought I might find some humorous stories that I'd also experienced and then others I could possibly relate to. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case. There were some things I nodded my head at, but maybe the almost 10 years between my age and the author's made a bigger difference than I expected. I was also hoping for shorter chapters and more humorous thoughts, but these felt so long. Interspersed were little snippets about some specific things, but the chapters themselves felt overwhelming to read and really specific to the author's own experiences. I didn't make it past the first section, which covered things like American Girl dolls, boy bands, sleepovers, crushes, and church youth group culture. I appreciate the ARC, but this wasn't the book for me.

Even though I didn't get all the references, I did appreciate many of Kate Kennedy's insights about her millennial experience.

I've never listened to the author's podcast, but I think fans of the podcast or people who had very similar experiences growing up as the author will really enjoy this memoir.

For me, I really enjoyed the pieces where I got the references, but there were just so many references I didn't get that I know I couldn't appreciate the book, its insights, and its humor in its entirety. My own millennial experience growing up was so different from Kennedy's in so many ways that I just had zero understanding about some of the pop culture moments being referenced. I could still appreciate the conclusions and final commentary, but not fully grasping the significance of a moment that an entire chapter or section was based on left me confused most of the time.

This book brought back much nostalgia for the late 90s and early 2000s. I felt completely called out when the author reminded me of my obsession with wanting a canopy bed. I recommend this book if you are looking for a “OH! I remember that.” For example, if you remember ‘tight squeeze, cool breeze... now you've got the shiveries!’ You are my people.

As a millennial girly I felt myself agreeing to SO MUCH of this book probarly because I'm nosy, intense and indecisive too. Between going out tops, boy bands, facebook albums, and fitting in I feel like Kate captured a lot of my experiences.

I truly connected with her essays on timelines and how we are the first generation to compare milestones in real time on social media. I guess before social media we would just find out hot goss but now it seems like every weekend feeds are filled with engagements, weddings and baby announcements. I loved the line "No one can prepare you for the period of time in your mid to late twenties when your social life is literally only other people's milestones." It gets so easy to identify yourself by those things and be disappointed if you're hitting those milestones with everyone else in your circle.

Loved this book thanks St Martin's Press and NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I came for the mixed cd cover, stayed for the daybed, beaded door drapes, YM magazine, Lisa Frank, Limited Too, Snackwell's, Love Spell, AIM screen names, 99 bananas, Spice Girls, Nsync and American girl dolls references (among so many others). This spoke to my 90s self! Kate did a good job capturing all the nostalgic references, which made it fun to take a trip down memory lane. The only reason I'm giving it 3 stars is because it is extremely long-winded. I feel like the word count could have been cut even more than she mentions.

I really enjoy Kate Kennedy, but this book fell flat for me. It seemed full of the author's personal nostalgia instead of insightful commentary or an interesting thesis about millennial culture. I've listened to a few episodes of Kennedy's podcast, and most of the chapters in this book would make for better podcast episodes than reading material.

4.5+ stars

Okay, I loved this book. The nostalgic exploration of the things many millennial women grew up with was delightful. The stories, references, writing made me laugh, roll my eyes, and nod in agreement. Humour, love, acceptance, and sorrow all had a place in the text. From purity culture to music to feminism to fashion, the author addressed a range of topics, many of which are things considered traditionally “feminine” that she and many others did and do enjoy. It also had some great lines, such as when the writer described worship songs as “kind of like boy band love ballads that we’re singing to jesus” and further explored how sexist ideas are not new since many are “preconceived notions [that] have been around since god first cancelled a woman for eating.” Long story short, I enjoyed many things about this book, and I already know a least a couple of friends to whom I’ll be gifting a copy in the relatively near future.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

No surprise that I absolutely loved this book! Much like Kate’s podcast, her book eloquently describes millennial experience in a way that is both humorous and reflective. As a “zillennial” born in the late 90’s I still found many of the anecdotes relatable to my own girlhood. Kate has a unique way of making her reader feel seen and understood with her analytical approach to feminine interests society often deems unimportant/unserious. Would highly, highly recommend this to millennials and zillennials alike!

"One In a Millennial" is an exploration of pop culture, nostalgia, and the life lessons learned from coming of age as a millennial. As a pop culture commentator and the host of the popular millennial-focused podcast "Be There in Five," Kennedy brings her perspective to the table in this book, featuring a blend of humor and seriousness.

Kennedy's narrative is undoubtedly from the viewpoint of one millennial's lived experience, but she still delves into important topics such as intersectionality, feminism, privilege, reproductive rights, and the pervasive misogyny that has defined millennial culture for much of our lives.

The author's ability to intertwine personal anecdotes with broader societal reflections makes "One In a Millennial" a thought-provoking read. It invites readers to reconsider the depth that can emerge from seemingly surface-level interests. This book serves as a mirror to millennial experiences, encouraging introspection and fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in navigating the cultural landscape of our generation.

This was as nostalgia inducing and relatable as I had hoped, with lots of humor and interesting insights. Made me feel simultaneously old and young again hearing about malls, fashion trends I would like to forget and the complicated highs and lows of sorority life. Her writing style was at times too cheesy/blog writer humor for my sensibilities, but I think a lot of people may enjoy that type of cleverness. Just was too heavy handed on the puns and wordplay for me in that regard.

In this memoir he author writes about various topics from her childhood and adolescence through college and her adult working life. All the references to the 90's and 2000's pop culture were spot on. TW: Also touches on pregnancy loss.

I absolutely loved everything about this book! I am only a couple of years older than the author, so this book was very nostalgic for me, and I could relate to so much in this book. I loved the author's honesty throughout. The chapter that really resonated with me the most was when the author opened up about her struggles with fertility. Again, I really appreciated the honesty in this chapter specifically, and it really made me feel less alone in my own struggles. This book also really opened my eyes to a lot of the messaging that was pushed onto us as kids that totally went over my head, and honestly, still did as an adult. It was very eye opening. I think this is a wonderful book for millennials to read. I can't wait to purchase my own copy and dive into again, and I will definitely be recommending it to our patron's. I already have a few in mind who I know will love it.

Like most of Kate’s podcast episodes this one took me a long time to finish but in a good way. It is very similar to the podcast but in written form. She covers things from her past with nostalgia and pop culture mixed in!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this title.

I really, really wanted to love this book.

As an elder millennial, it's my job to look back fondly on my childhood. And if all of the moments aren't fond, I've worked through them or tried to blur them out for the sake of self-preservation.

I will be honest. I decided to DNF this book at 10%. I almost never do this with a book I've been given in exchange for a review. I typically want to give it my best shot and see if the ending pulls it all together.

As the author states at the beginning of the book, she is just one millennial voice. Hearing things through her voice made me quickly realize we did not have the same childhood experience at all.

I was raised an only child of a single mother in an era when this was extremely looked down upon. My childhood was financed by long, long hours of work by my mother and the deadbolt firmly latched on my front door. Shopping at Limited, Too or not having the right American Girl doll was not part of my upbringing. I was thrilled to get to read American Girl books from the library. I got jacked every time PBS was hosting a fundraiser because I knew it meant I'd get to see Anne of Green Gables on TV..

This book very much starts like Clarissa looking back, and Explaining It All to a gen Z crowd.

It didn't feel like this book was for me, so I closed it. I'm training myself out of my millennial people-pleasing ways and not finishing something I dislike just because I got it for free.

That doesn't mean it wouldn't be a fun read for you.

I don't even know where to start with how much I loved this book. As a '91 baby, reading this book felt like I was leafing through my own childhood and teenage journals. Kennedy has such a way with words that ends each chapter with a reflective mic drop. She touches on important topics like feminism, self-acceptance, and marketing while still making you smile and laugh out loud at nearly each page...not an easy feat! While incredibly nostalgic, this also provided me with lots of insights to consider as I raise my own daughter in today's media and consumerism-obsessed world. Regardless of whether or not you're a millenial, everyone needs to read this book. Not only does it bring back great memories (or cringey ones...like my old AIM screennames...), but Kennedy serves as the guide I wish I had when I was a teenaged girl. I can't express my love for this book enough - thanks so much for the ARC!

Once in a Millennial strives to be a cultural commentary on growing up in the 90s and early 2000s, but it really reads as a memoir. I did find much of it extremely relatable, as a white middle class evangelical kid. I think fans of Kate Kennedy’s podcast who are interested in her as a person will enjoy this book.

I hate to write this review, but I was disappointed by this book. I think the cute cover and idea of finding a relatable book about millennials really sold me on requesting this - but it felt more like a memoir about someone I don’t know. While the author did touch on topics that brought me back to my youth, the story was mostly about her life. The chapters were so long, I had to check if the book was over 500 pages, only to see the book is under 350. I just really struggled and I’m sad to say it. I am sure there is an audience who will love this book, especially if they are fans of this podcaster. At a certain point, I had to skim to get through it. I also found myself getting thrown back into some cringe memories so maybe I was triggered? Again, I hate to say this because I know the author put a lot of heart and vulnerability into this book. I hope it reaches the right audience.

First things first, I feel like I would have preferred this book in an audio book setting, That being said, I did enjoy the way the author balanced all the negative things of the past and with our society about being a millennial, and showed both sides of each issue very well in terms of its negatives and positives! I liked the way the book was structured and as a ‘97 baby, there was a decent amount I could relate to throughout the entire book.

I feel like I wrote this book. This audio got me through all my Christmas baking and I ended up baking MORE just to keep listening. I loved the anecdotes in between the chapters, and the quirky/punny chapters and comments throughout had me rolling. I am a new Kate Kennedy fan! I highly recommend this to all millennials!!


I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

Bring your walk man, juicy couture jumpsuits, and your best spice girl dance! This was more of a retelling of Kate Kennedy's life being an older millennial and how things that she went through back then shaped her in being who she is now. I related a lot to what she was talking about. Especially the mental health aspect of it. The stigma behind "hiding" how you really feel and walking around like a robot not acknowledging it and how, in reality, wasn't normal. Looking back on the way we were brought up, there was a lot of sheltered logic behind it all. I wouldn't trade my upbringing for anything. But, there were a lot of things that we were shown that were under valued, under appreciate, and definitely not addressed enough. Bravo for Kate for bringing this to light. I think it was written well.