One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy
As a millennial, nostalgia is my kryptonite. As soon as I saw this book, I knew I had to have it. As we millennials love to say, this book made me feel so seen — and I’m sure most millennials will appreciate that. One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy is full of essays that explore the tropes and characteristics of our generation, especially those we have been ridiculed about by the generations before and after us. This book is a poignant, yet comedic commentary on the experiences of growing up as a millennial woman — experiences we thought were niche, but as it turns out, were universal among our demographic.
Author Kate Kennedy is a pop culture expert who puts her wealth of knowledge on the subject out into the world with her millennial-centric podcast, Be There in Five. With situations we can only laugh at to keep from crying, Kate navigates the convoluted process of both celebrating and criticizing the millennial ways that shaped us as the women we are today.
Nostalgia Pairs With Harder Truths
One in a Millennial is a clever, entertaining, and uplifting read as she tackles subjects like AIM, purity culture, “going out tops,” Spice Girl feminism, and all the other relatable elements that make up the millennial zeitgeist. Reading this book was such a blast! It was like getting to walk down memory lane and reminisce about boy bands (I’m team *NSYNC, duh!) questionable fashion choices, mall culture, clear plastic blow-up furniture, and sleepovers!
While on the surface this book seems like a lighthearted read with the millennial pink cover and the flowery CD, it’s so much more. Kennedy uses this book (and her podcast) to unite us and create a community where we are able to reminisce, celebrate and heal. One in a Millennial is a celebration of the culture, experiences and fandoms of our formative years while also calling out the damaging effects of misogynistic media and fear-based religious movements that made their living pushing an agenda onto young and impressionable girls. As someone who is still trying to work through and unlearn most of the shame from the church, I personally appreciated reading Kennedy’s perspective on the matter.
Must Read for Millennial Women
Though it all, I believe the takeaway here is that there is power in sharing our experiences. We often believe we are the only ones going through whatever it is we’re going through but in reality, so many people out there can put themselves in our shoes. Your story or experiences don’t have to be profound to have some great impact on someone. It’s so validating to be able to see ourselves represented in media, whether it be sharing life’s highs and lows, our struggles or our joys, that is how you form connections and build a community.
One in a Millennial reminded me that it’s okay to take up space, be a fangirl, and not feel like I have to make myself palatable for others to be accepted. I wasn’t a listener of Kate Kennedy’s podcast before reading this book, but best believe, I’ll be tuning in now!
P.S. If you want to order that PSL, you go for it! No shame in your game!
About Kate Kennedy:
Kate Kennedy is a Chicago-based millennial multi-hyphenate, author, entrepreneur and pop culture commentator, best known for hosting her weekly pop culture podcast Be There in Five. Kennedy has a marketing degree from the Pamplin School of Business at Virginia Tech, and prior to starting Be There in Five, was an Ogilvy Award nominated market researcher turned accidental entrepreneur. Kate’s life changed when she decided to put “turn off your curling iron” on her doormat so she wouldn’t burn her apartment down. Her “remindoormats” captured the zeitgeist, selling thousands and featured in Glamour, Good Housekeeping, RealSimple, HuffPost, BuzzFeed, Self, and Martha Stewart. Be There in Five is now a full-time gig and has led her to sold-out live shows across the country. Kate’s career and commentary have been featured in People, HuffPost, New York Times, BuzzFeed, and The Washington Post.
