Adult Assembly Required: A Journey in Finding Yourself
As I opened Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman, I felt an instant connection to Laura Costello, the protagonist navigating the chaotic waters of adulthood. Having arrayed my own battles with personal reinvention and the weighty expectations of family, Waxman’s novel felt like a gentle nudge to revisit those overwhelming moments. What does it mean to “adult”? For Laura, it’s a difficult journey filled with the quirks and charms of newfound friends—which for her includes a quirky boarding house, a group of equally lost ‘housemates,’ and a handsome gardener who may just make her heart flutter.
Laura’s journey is anything but smooth. After a life-altering car accident, she flees to Los Angeles, hoping to escape her overprotective family and the echoes of her past. However, upon arrival, she faces an unexpected twist: homelessness. The initial chaos sets the stage for a delightful, if not sometimes painful, exploration of self and community. She’s taken in by a ragtag group led by an eccentric bookseller, and their camaraderie becomes a heartwarming reflection on friendship, healing, and resilience.
Waxman’s narrative is infused with humor, wit, and poignancy. I found myself laughing at the ridiculousness of Laura’s misadventures—like trying to salvage her pride while getting soaked in a sudden downpour after a series of unfortunate events. Each character, from the irreverent landlady to Impossibly Handsome Bob, brought a layer of authenticity to the story, as they, too, grapple with their own lives’ messiness.
One delightful aspect of Waxman’s writing is how she balances humor with genuine emotional depth. The dialogue sparkles with wit, which resonates particularly well in scenes where the characters’ vulnerabilities come to the forefront. I was especially touched by Laura’s internal struggles and how they mirrored the humor woven throughout her interactions. I couldn’t help but highlight a great line: “Sometimes it takes a fire to start a new chapter.” It perfectly captures the book’s thematic heart – embracing change is messy and beautiful.
While the pacing might not be fast, the character development makes every moment rewarding. It encourages readers to settle into the narrative, much like Laura settling into her new life. I enjoyed most the shared trivia nights—the metaphor of piecing together knowledge felt like a parallel to putting together the fragmented pieces of one’s life.
If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven narratives filled with warmth and humor, or if you need a reminder that it’s okay to not have it all figured out, Adult Assembly Required is for you. Its enchanting blend of quirky charm and serious undertones resonated with me long after I turned the last page.
In conclusion, Abbi Waxman has crafted a story that reflects the complexity of adulthood with honesty and humor. Whether you’re in the throes of change or simply in search of a feel-good read, this book will warmly wrap around you like a favorite blanket. It’s a reminder that in the beautifully chaotic game of life, we are never truly alone in our struggles.