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On the Edge: How My Crappy Job Changed My Life

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“I think my video just went viral.”

Stuart Edge had a crappy run of things, including his parents’ divorce, anxiety, moving to Mexico and not speaking the language, and a job cleaning porta-potties. But instead of slowing him down, these struggles gave him the inspiration he needed to pursue his daydream—creating videos.

Now a YouTube sensation, Stuart shares his secrets to success and reveals his conversion from self-conscious to confident. For Stuart, being true to his beliefs has made all the difference.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2016

2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

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Stuart Edge

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Erika B. (SOS BOOKS).
1,318 reviews135 followers
August 12, 2016
When Mr. Edge (What up homie! Didn't that Mr. Edge sound so proper?) told me months ago that he was working on a book, I was like-

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Some months later and boom-3.5 stars. Mazel tov my friend. As someone who fakes being a competent Youtuber (or rather Booktuber for this chica), I was intrigued to read stories by someone who has made a good go at it. My mind wasn't blown by any means, but I liked the good messages and realness throughout. This fits in the classic memoir/autobiography genre-a bit classic rags to riches. (I can't resist putting #Merica here) This genre is definitely harder to review because I am constantly left wondering, "Who are you really?" (Lauren Slater's Lying has ruined me for all others) Especially when the author is on a discovery of self that is yet to be concluded. I did love the message of staying true to you and the vision that you have for your own life, and the feel good vibes make it a solid like for me.

Erika's Amazon Link
Profile Image for LAWonder10.
953 reviews738 followers
July 2, 2016
On the Edge is a fascinating, true story of Stuart's journey from a young boy to a man. He tells of the frightening insecurities he had a a youth - what caused te an d how he learned to cope. He tells of a devastating situation which left him without a active father. This situation led to his mother, he & his brothers moving to Mexico for a year. He lists the pros an cons to that experience.
His Book is divided into three parts: Life before his Mission, During is mission then returning Home, then after he makes some key decisions and witnessing his life take a "forward leap"!
Stuart edge shares his phobias, his difficulties, heartbreaks other challenges along with the valuable lessons he has learned from each one and how to be happy in spite of it all. He shares his indecision, hopes and future dreams. There is so much more one can learn about the author, including, how his life changed overnight by trying a new approach.
This is try an inspiring story of overcoming challenges through wise, counsel, going outside one's comfort zone, trying new things, and being open to new ideas. This is all told with a fair amount of humor.
The title is clever - as is the author - and the book cover s perfect!
*This book was sent tome in exchange for an honest review, of which I have given.
Profile Image for Emily.
234 reviews
September 9, 2017
Inspiring and Uplifting!

Such an intriguing look behind the curtain. I was wholly engrossed from being to end, laughing and crying intermittently. There are some serious gems of wisdom and insight. I'm left feeling more enriched for having read this fantastic book!
Profile Image for Heidi.
2,891 reviews65 followers
June 9, 2016
I'd never heard of Stuart Edge before picking up this book. But I'm really glad that I did. In the name of research I checked out his YouTube channel. I have to seriously recommend the Porta Potty prank episode which you can find here. I also thoroughly enjoyed the book as Stuart shares some of the key experiences in his life that led him to where he is now, both the good and sometimes bad. He mentions discovering from a young age his enjoyment of entertaining people and the ways he developed his talents along the way. It reminded me that whatever plans we make things don't always go the way we think they will. I know I never really planned to end up where I am, nor did I anticipate the circular path I took to get here. And yet, it feels so right for me to be where I'm at. I'm glad I watched some of Stuart's videos because afterwards when I went back to the book, I had his voice in my head and somehow it made the words all the more sincere and funny. Hmm. I'm not sure how that works but that's what happened.

What I love about these memoir kinds of books is the glimpse into someone else's life. In addition to sharing some of his life experience, Stuart includes what he calls 'sticky notes' that shares the lessons he learned from his different experiences. Things like, "Don't ever underestimate the joy you can feel by spending quality time with your family" or You've got to find a purpose, but then you've got to make sure you have the discipline to stick with it." I think what I enjoyed most about this book though, besides all the funny parts, was how honest Stuart is about his struggles. If I'd worked as a porta potty cleaner I don't think I would talk about it at all, let alone turn it into a joke (see video mentioned above). The other thing that shines through in the book is how easy it is to relate to the things that Stuart talks about. All people have struggles and ups and downs, and I found it easy to empathize with and relate to the struggles that Stuart discusses. I can highly recommend that you pick up a copy of this book and take a look at some of Stuart's videos, because I can guarantee that it will lighten your day and give you a reason to smile.
Profile Image for Melanie.
752 reviews24 followers
June 29, 2016
Stuart Edge, a YouTube Sensation, shares how he turned a (literally) crappy job into a success story. This book is divided in three parts. In Part One, The Formative Years, he describes his life growing up. His parents divorced and his mother moved them to Mexico for a while. While there, he learned something that would ultimately help him years later. In Part Two, It All Starts to Come Together, he focuses on post-mission life, dating experiences and how his job cleaning porta-potties ultimately changed the course of his life. In Part Three, Viral Videos, he talks about what it was like to become an overnight sensation and the value in the lessons he continued to learn.

I actually hadn't heard of Stuart Edge before reading his book but the title grabbed my attention and I was interested in what he had to say. I loved that he was willing to open himself up and share what he learned through the tough times. I also loved his sense of humor! My son is interested in becoming a YouTuber and I liked that he included a few YouTube tips at the very end.

As I was reading about his videos, I realized that I had seen at least one of them before--the one where he was behind the camera. I checked out his YouTube Channel and like what he's doing so I subscribed to it. I will definitely be paying attention to him from now on! This book is full of great advice for teenagers, but adults will enjoy it, too!

I received a copy from the publisher for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,251 reviews45 followers
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June 15, 2016
In the interest of full disclosure, I'm not a YouTuber. I don't recall having ever subscribed to a YouTube channel. Sure, I'll spend some time watching YouTube clips from Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show, but the bulk of my entertainment comes from reading. Honestly, when I was offered a chance to review On the Edge I wondered if I should know who Stuart Edge is. I've never been accused of being up on pop culture, but I thought I'd give the book a try.

I found Stuart's book to be very personable. As one who much prefers fiction over non-fiction, I was happy that On the Edge wasn't a chore to read. It is basically the autobiography of 27-year-old YouTube celebrity Stuart Edge. He shares experiences he has had that lead him to making viral YouTube videos. It was a quick read (accompanied by pictures-always a bonus). I enjoyed that the book isn't just focused on how great Stuart and his videos are. He makes a point of sharing how his focus got a bit off track for awhile, but now he's trying to make a difference and do positive videos that aren't just catering to what his audience wants. I thought the final chapter held some great advice, and I liked how Stuart wasn't afraid to include the role faith has played in his journey.

And, it turns out that I have seen at least one of his viral videos before (and now others as well since I couldn't help but check out Stuart's YouTube channel after reading the book).
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews206 followers
June 9, 2016
I received a few emails about reviewing this book. I figured that if it kept showing up, I probably should read it. :) I am a reader, and as a reader, I don't get on YouTube often, unless it is looking up a book trailer, so I didn't know who Stuart Edge was. As soon as I received the book in the mail, I found out that my 16 and 13 year old sons did know who he was.

I found this book to full of humor and great advice. Stuart Edge uses his life experiences and how they helped him be successful. He makes a point of letting the reader know that he is not done learning and growing. Not all of his dreams and expectations have been realized. He is on a journey and his attitude about life affects the outcome. The message is very positive.

He doesn't just talk about his successes, he talks about the things that he could have done better. He learned from the mistakes and grew as a person. I like this message. I think I will hand this book to my 16 year old and try to get him to read it.
8 reviews
May 17, 2016
What a great read for anyone! Would be great for teenagers. It is a clean and uplifting story about overcoming ones personal obstacles and making something of yourself. It is fun filled and entertaining while also educational. My son will be reading this next.
3 reviews
May 25, 2016
Great Inspirational read. Confirms what I've always told myself and others. Do what you love. The numbers are great when you get them, but if you don't get them, it shouldn't influence you to stop doing what you love. :)
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,354 reviews24 followers
May 25, 2016
I loved this book! There is something in it for everyone. No matter which one of Stuart's stories you read you will get something out of it. It is very inspiring and uplifting. If you like Stuart Edge or just want something inspiring to read then read this book!
Profile Image for Angie.
2,393 reviews56 followers
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May 19, 2016
Definitely from a first time author. That said, the message behind the book was top-notch.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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