2024 International Book Awards FinalistWhat in the heck is adulthood?“All I know is that one day I wasn’t ordering off the kids menu anymore, even though I still wanted chicken fingers and fries,” explains author Patrick Lombardi. At some point, unbeknownst to him, author Patrick Lombardi began doing adult things: getting jobs, paying taxes, starting a family.

Still, he felt no more mature than he did as a teen, when he discovered *67 for prank phone calls. Where’s the line in the sand dividing adolescence from adulthood?This collection features nearly two dozen embarrassingly true stories seeking to answer these questions.

With a blend of self-deprecating humor and heartfelt reflection, Patrick hilariously explores the nuances of family dynamics, the absurdities of the workplace, and the joys and tribulations of embracing adulthood. Patrick pokes fun at his past decisions and delusions, all while celebrating those who’ve consistently kicked him back to reality.

Clear As Clay is not a memoir—it’s a relatable, riotous journey that reminds us it’s okay to laugh at ourselves and at life, even when we’re not quite sure what the heck is going on. .