Globally, more and more young adults are unable to find secure employment and other sources of stability to make the transition from childhood to social adulthood. Honwana explores the life stage of youth and its frequently attendant state of "waithood" as it is currently experienced in Africa. The book discusses aspirations of youth, means of economic subsistence and their interaction with personal relationships, political environments, and the increasing bent of disillusioned youth to spearhead social change. While focusing on four African countries, the text draws on research from a variety of geographic locations, argues that waithood is linked more to socioeconomic inequality than to geography, and concludes by considering global expressions of the phenomenon. Annotation ©2014 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)