
Member Reviews

Things You Should Know Before You Go is raw, poetic, and painfully real. Mia Thomas delivers a quiet storm of a book—whispering truths about grief, love, healing, and letting go in a way that feels both personal and universal. Every page feels like a letter you didn’t know you needed to read, and by the end, it’s as if someone reached inside your chest and gently rearranged the pieces.
The writing is minimalist but deeply emotional—Mia doesn’t waste words. She says just enough to shatter you and then stitch you back up again. Some pages are full of reflection; others just a few lines that will knock the wind out of you with their simplicity and truth.
Whether you’ve lost someone, are healing from heartbreak, or just standing at a crossroads in life, this book will sit with you like a quiet friend holding your hand.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy!

OMG, this is a great book for all young adults. As a matter of fact, I wish there was a book like this for me for when I graduated college and started to live on my own. I'm blessed that I have common sense, but for this generation, the parents help take care of so much of these needs, the kids rarely pays attention to what the parents are doing every day.
This book address anything from how to load a dishwasher, how not to blow up in a microwave, to bill pay, and what to when the lights goes out. I do appreciate that they also included self-care and mental health, because I think that's talked about but no one gave specifics.
This book has alot of bullet points, not droning on in paragraphs. There are certain things that we've seen it repeated in different chapters, but I feel like that helps drive home the point. I frankly thinks this should be marketed to Middle Grade thru College age, not just those who are ready for moving out of their parents homes.
Thank you NetGalley & BookBuzz.net for the ARC

Things You Should Know Before You Go! is exactly the kind of book I wish I had when I first moved out. It’s funny, super relatable, and packed with advice that’s actually helpful—like how to avoid flooding your kitchen or blowing a fuse because you plugged in one too many things. I loved that it didn’t talk down to the reader and still managed to be lighthearted and fun. This book is a smart gift for any young adult who’s about to tackle life on their own, and honestly, I found myself learning (and laughing) too!

First of all—this book slaps. 💁♀️ Like, if you're about to bounce from the nest and think you’ve got it all figured out... you don’t. 😂 Things You Should Know Before You Go! is the hilarious, real-talk guide you didn’t know you needed. From grease fires to laundry disasters to that moment you realize your roommate ate your leftovers again—this book gets it. I read it in one sitting and laughed way too hard at the “what not to do” stories. Trust me, you’ll wanna keep this in your bathroom AND your backpack. 🧽🔥📘

Adulting Without Crying (Much)
If you’ve ever set off a smoke alarm trying to boil water or thought “emotional meltdown” was a décor style—Things You Should Know Before You Go! is your hilarious, life-saving cheat sheet to surviving the wild world of adulting.

Where was this book when I moved out? Witty and charming - and full of a TON of helpful tips, this is a must have for any young adult who is branching out into the world for the first time (or has for a few years). I love the bits of illustration throughout - and the advice told in a positive way.

Thank you to net galley for the chance to read this!
Honestly as an adult who's had a lot of help from their parents, this book was super helpful for me. It's fun, it's engaging and it teaches me a lot of skills that frankly I haven't been doing by myself the entire time. I think at 27, while I still do live at home I would really consider buying this when I do move out.
While it's easy to just call mom or dad, I truly believe this book can be a reference for all first time single living adults who need the help.