Slouching Toward Adulthood: Observations from the Not-So-Empty Nest

Millions of American parents sit down to dinner every night, wondering why fully grown children are joining them-or, more likely, grunting good-bye as they head out for another night of who knows what. Sally Koslow, a journalist, novelist, and mother of two "adultescents" digs deep to reveal what lies behind the current generation's unwillingness-or inability-to take flight.

By delving into the latest research and conducting probing interviews with both frustrated parents and their frustrate...