Surviving a quarter-life crisis
For those in this crisis, here are some media for coping:
"Heavier Things," quarter-life music by John Mayer
Mayer's crisis is detailed not only in his 2001 album, "Room for Squares," but in his latest album, "Heaver Things," which features quarter-life theme songs including "Something's Missing," in which Mayer asks, "How come everything I think I need always comes with batteries?"
"Reality Bites," re-released 10th-anniversary edition soundtrack, a disc of quarter-life anthems
This compilation was released in May and includes five songs not on the original soundtrack. It also includes the Knack's "My Sharona," a song some in crisis listen to during moments of extreme joy.
"On the Road," semi-autographical quarter-life novel
Jack Kerouac spends his quarter-life traveling the country with a friend. A cross-country trip is not appropriate for those with student loans. Best to live vicariously.
"What Should I Do With My Life?"
Po Bronson's self-help book about choosing a purpose in life profiles 50 people who are looking to answer the question, including the creator of "St. Elmo's Fire," depicted in crisis about leaving Hollywood.
"St Elmo's Fire," quarter-life cinema sent from the '80s
Friends graduate from college and struggle to survive dating, working, and choosing an identity. Demi Moore's character considers suicide after racking up debt. Judd Nelson's character realizes that Republicans pay more. And Andrew McCarthy's character writes an article titled "The Meaning of Life" that is published on the front page of The
"Singles," quarter-life cinema sent from the '90s
Cameron Crowe directed this movie about a group of alienated 20-somethings looking for love in Seattle. Characters feel stagnant and are self-absorbed. The film is set to music by '90s rockers, including solo work from Paul Westerberg, who sings of his "dyslexic" heart."
MEREDITH GOLDSTEIN
