Becoming Better Grownups

Rediscovering What Matters and Remembering How to Fly

By: Brad Montague

Narrated by: Brad Montague

A New York Times-bestselling author looks for the meaning of a good life by seeking advice from the very young and the very old.

When his first book tour ended, Brad Montague missed hearing other people's stories so much that he launched what he dubbed a Listening Tour. First visiting elementary schools and later also nursing homes and retirement communities, he hoped to glean new wisdom as to how he might become a better grownup. Now, in this playful and buoyant book, he shares those insights with rest of us—timeless, often surprising lessons that bypass the head we're always stuck in, and go straight to the heart we sometimes forget.

Each of the book's three sections begins with the story of "The Incredible Floating Girl." Brad weaves this story together with lessons of success, fear, regret, gratitude, love, happiness, and dreams to reveal the true reason we are here: to fly, and to help others fly.

Becoming Better Grownups shares the purpose and meaning we can all discover merely by listening, and reveals that—in a world that seems increasingly childish—the secret to joy is in fact to become more childlike.

*Includes a PDF of the author's illustrations.

Critic reviews

"A fantastic, fanciful guide to becoming not only a happier adult but one who gives back and helps the next generation."—Library Journal, starred review

A most delightful book!

As soon as I finished, I started listening again. This is the most delightful book ever. We all can learn something life-changing. Thank you for this book, Brad!

Everything I didn't know I needed

I stumbled upon this book by accident. I had no idea it existed, but I was intrigued finding out it was written by the man who created my favorite Kid President videos. I've been dealing with a lot of anxiety lately, and frustration that my life isn't everything I thought it would be at 34. I've thought a lot about how much more carefree and FUN I used to be and I've been missing that part of who I had been. Right when I needed it most, I found this. This book served as a gentle reminder of the importance of maintaining a childlike essence, curiosity, desire to be good... and SO much more. This book is great for people who are around kids often, or not at all. It's great for people who are well established in their lives, or not at all. This is a book I will share with others any chance at can, and I will reread over and over. There are SO many little passages that I have saved and will reference to remind myself of the way life should be. THANK YOU for helping me to become a better grown up 💖

Pep talk

I will treasure this book and just might need to get a hardbound copy. Awesome!

Great reminder of things forgotten

This book came at the right time it’s a wonderful reminder of things forgotten that shouldn’t have been forgotten of drama dreamt that need realizing of hopes forgotten that need rekindling and most importantly of the joy of being a kid again or rather the joy of retaining kid like curiosity in our journey of life

Excellent and Encouraging

What a breath of fresh air and just the uplifting, funny, encouragement we all need to remember the adults that impacted us growing up. A must read.