Nerdette Book Club: ‘Can’t Even’

We discuss ‘Can’t Even’ and debate the prevalence of generational burnout with podcast host Avery Trufelman and artist Indira Allegra.

Can’t Even book cover image
Nerdette's October book club pick is 'Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation.' Greta Johnsen / WBEZ
Can’t Even book cover image
Nerdette's October book club pick is 'Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation.' Greta Johnsen / WBEZ

Nerdette Book Club: ‘Can’t Even’

We discuss ‘Can’t Even’ and debate the prevalence of generational burnout with podcast host Avery Trufelman and artist Indira Allegra.

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Welcome to the Nerdette Book Club! Each month, we read a book and chat about it with a rotating group of panelists. This month’s pick is Can’t Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation from author Anne Helen Petersen.

In Can’t Even, Petersen argues that societal conditions and poor timing primed the millennial generation for burnout. Petersen points to the 2008 recession, the rise of the contract worker, the prevalence of cell phones and astronomical student loan debt as a few contributing factors.

Listen along as Nerdette host Greta Johnsen discusses the book with Avery Trufelman, host of The Cut podcast, and Indira Allegra, a sculptor and performance artist. We also hear from many of you who called in with your feelings about burnout. Press play above to hear the conversation.