How do we handle the challenges of growing up? In Sofie Collingsworth’s WHY, the story doesn’t just cover childhood—it looks into the ups and downs of adult life too. The book is divided into three parts, and in Part 2: WHYFOR, we see Sofie dealing with college, work, relationships, and figuring out who she is. This part shows how Sofie learns and grows through the struggles and changes of becoming an adult.
In Part 2: WHYFOR, Sofie steps into adulthood, a phase full of excitement and challenges that many of us can relate to. She goes through the thrill of attending college, starting her career, and handling relationships, but like many young adults, she also faces the uncertainty and struggles that come with these new experiences. Guided by the wisdom passed down from her grandparents, Sofie’s determination helps her overcome the ups and downs of adulthood—something everyone has to figure out at some point.
One key moment in the book is when Sofie experiences “the allure of flight,” which represents the freedom that adulthood brings. As she flies in a small plane, feeling the wind rush through the cabin, she realizes how exciting but also risky this freedom can be. Many of us can relate to this—whether it’s leaving home for the first time, starting a new job, or making a big decision. The author writes, “The wind rushing through the cabin felt like liberation, a momentary escape from everything that tied her down.” This feeling of freedom mixed with doubt is something we all experience as we step into adulthood.
Sofie also faces the Highs and lows of relationships, something many of us understand. When she starts “a new experience with men,” she deals with heartbreak, which makes her question herself. This is something we can all relate to—whether it’s a breakup or feeling unsure about ourselves. The author writes, “Sofie stared at the ceiling, wondering if she would ever be enough.” That feeling of doubt is something we’ve all experienced at some point.
Despite these tough moments, Sofie keeps going. After losing a job opportunity, she remembers her grandfather’s advice: “You only fail when you stop trying.” This helps her keep pushing forward, just like many of us do when facing setbacks in our careers or personal lives. Her journey reminds us that even when things get hard, it’s important to keep trying. This part of the book speaks to anyone who has felt the instability of transitioning into adulthood. Sofie’s experiences serve as a reminder that life is not always a straight path, and the challenges we face often define who we become.
If you’ve ever felt confused by the challenges of adult life, WHY will speak to you. It shows the common struggle of finding your place in the world, and Sofie’s story proves how strong you have to be to keep going. Whether you’re working on your career, relationships, or personal growth, this book gives helpful wisdom into life’s challenges and beauty.