Undecided: Navigating Life and Learning After High School    by Genevieve Morgan Order:  USA  Can Zest, 2014 (2014) Softcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Bob Walch You've graduated from high school and now what do you plan to do? That's the question Genevieve Morgan tackles in Undecided: Navigating Life and Learning After High School. For some young adults, college is the next stop on the journey to becoming self-sufficient and self-supporting. Unfortunately in today's economy where a college degree doesn't automatically translate into a good paying job, young people are looking for alternative answers to the 'What's next?' question. Undecided begins with an introductory section that forces the reader to consider who he or she is. It is now time for some serious thinking about what you want to do in the future and what your strengths and weaknesses might be. One of the keys here is to try to discover what you want to do rather than just repeat what others (like parents, teachers and friends) think you should do. Those who let others make this important decision for them often regret it for the rest of their lives. That is not to say that throughout your life you won't change that decision and for one reason or another reinvent yourself and change careers. But it is essential to find something that you enjoy doing and have a talent for. Once the reader has considered this opening section, Morgan then details some of the options available. Yes, additional education, be it a training program, junior college or four year institution, is discussed as are other possibilities such as the military, internships, starting a business yourself or just finding a job. 'Choose a path that challenges your brain, increases your skills, and helps you gain real experience. Almost every occupation that has a high degree of personal satisfaction (and competitive pay) will require some level of continuing education and hands-on training,' writes Morgan. 'Where you get that education, when you get it, and how long it takes you – well, that's a different story. That's what this book will help you sort out.' There are checklists, anecdotes, brainstorming activities, and journal exercises that will help the high school grad answer the question, 'What should I do next?' Pay attention to the mini-biographies that are sprinkled throughout the book, because it is sometimes helpful to read about how others have successfully navigated their way to adulthood even though it might have been a circuitous path. As Morgan states, this is an introduction to a very complex topic. No book can cover everything without being a 'snooze-worthy encyclopedia,' she writes, but Undecided will get you started, and a resources list at the back of the volume will suggest other research avenues for a more detailed investigation of careers and employment options. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews