Windsor-born journalist Kim Zarzour and author Sharon E. McKay co-wrote a 514-page book entitled Good To Go: A Practical Guide to Adulthood.  The book provides tips on how to do everything from boiling water to managing your finances.  It's geared toward young adults trying to make it on their own for the first time.

The book was in part inspired by McKay's son who contracted scurvy because he thought he could survive on chicken wings and beer.  Zarzour felt her children, although they are teens still living at home, could also benefit from such a book. 

Zarzour recalls two incidents when her teenage son's cooking attempts demonstrated a need for such a book.  In one episode, Zarzour's son was trying to heat up some boxed chicken nuggets and asked "What's a cookie sheet?"  Zarzour wonders, "How did I not remember to teach him what a cookie sheet was?" 

Another exchange involved her son asking "What's a tsps?"  Zarzour asked, "What do you mean tsps?"  Her son responded, "It's spelled TSP."  Zarzour replied, "Teaspoon, honey."

Zarzour thinks today's youth aren't incompetent, they're just being micromanaged.  Parents are too busy shuttling kids to hockey practice and cello lessons to teach them how to clean and cook.  Also, kids don't usually take home economics in school or learn practical skills in organized groups such as Brownies or Scouts anymore.  Zarzour now wishes she'd taught her kids more about living in the real world.

The book, published by Penguin Canada, sells for $24.