What do you think?
Rate this book
Average is the New Awesome: A Manifesto for the Rest of Us
A celebration of ordinary awesomeness, for all of us who were told "You can do anything!" and then found out we actually can't
Crappy homes, lame love lives, getting passed over for a great job (again)--not what we expected for our adulthoods. Americans tell their children you can become anything! But let's face it--most of us can't.
Sure, some of our peers go on to become astronauts or billionaires. But most of us don't. In Average Is the New Awesome, Samantha Matt offers encouragement to us regular humans. Full of hilarious stories and insightful advice, this is a manifesto for ordinary awesomeness--for the beauty that can be found when we acknowledge that good enough really is good enough, and that greatness is ours to define.
Crappy homes, lame love lives, getting passed over for a great job (again)--not what we expected for our adulthoods. Americans tell their children you can become anything! But let's face it--most of us can't.
Sure, some of our peers go on to become astronauts or billionaires. But most of us don't. In Average Is the New Awesome, Samantha Matt offers encouragement to us regular humans. Full of hilarious stories and insightful advice, this is a manifesto for ordinary awesomeness--for the beauty that can be found when we acknowledge that good enough really is good enough, and that greatness is ours to define.
239 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2020
29 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 29, 2020
This book is honest and occasionally funny, and since most people avoid writing about their subpar accomplishments, disappointments, and experiences with unemployment, I appreciated this author's candid portrayal of her very average life and various failures. However, even though I found aspects of this book refreshing, it also seemed somewhat self-indulgent at times, and it was terribly vulgar. I sped through some of the author's long stories about fairly boring events from her life, and skimmed the second half of the book because I was so tired of her constant use and misuse of the f-word.
It is a testament to the entertainment value of this book that I made it as far as I did. I enjoyed some of her funny lists and personal anecdotes, and I appreciate her honest portrayal of how stressful life can be when you're on a budget, don't want to spring $30 for a salad at someone else's birthday dinner, and feel isolated among super successful people who leverage social media to make their lives look even more impressive than they are. However, even though I valued aspects of this book, she used the f-word EVERYWHERE and for EVERYTHING. I hate this word with a passion, and even though I am willing to tolerate it in small doses as part and parcel of living in the twenty-first century, I cannot get past this author's excessive overuse of it. I can't even imagine what the total f-word use would be if someone went through and counted. It was INSANE.
Also, she didn't even swear like a normal person. She just dumped the f-word all over the place, along with liberal overuse of the s-word, and these obscenities were often so jarring and irrelevant that they pulled me out of what she was actually trying to say. The author's message is that she has learned to be content with her average life, but she wasn't content to have an average sentence. Instead, she tried to spice up even the most direct or banal statements by throwing in the f-bomb, and her constant overuse was so unnecessary and distracting that I gave up and barely skimmed the rest of the book.
She may have thought that the f-word would add personality or emphasis to her writing, but the inability to convey emotions, ideas, or intensity without resorting to a four-letter word is a personal failure, not a cute quirk. Although some people use obscenities to draw attention to an important point, she threw them around like confetti, or like a middle schooler who has just learned a new word and can't stop using it. She used the f-word so much that it didn't even have shock value, aside from the shock of how poorly placed and irrelevant it was.
People who don't mind the f-word may love this book. It has lots of positive attributes, fulfilled some of my expectations for it, and made me laugh several times. However, even though I was excited to read a book that goes against participation-trophy culture and encourages people to accept themselves as they are without needing prizes for showing up, way too many f-words showed up for me to bother finishing this book or ever recommend it to anyone.
It is a testament to the entertainment value of this book that I made it as far as I did. I enjoyed some of her funny lists and personal anecdotes, and I appreciate her honest portrayal of how stressful life can be when you're on a budget, don't want to spring $30 for a salad at someone else's birthday dinner, and feel isolated among super successful people who leverage social media to make their lives look even more impressive than they are. However, even though I valued aspects of this book, she used the f-word EVERYWHERE and for EVERYTHING. I hate this word with a passion, and even though I am willing to tolerate it in small doses as part and parcel of living in the twenty-first century, I cannot get past this author's excessive overuse of it. I can't even imagine what the total f-word use would be if someone went through and counted. It was INSANE.
Also, she didn't even swear like a normal person. She just dumped the f-word all over the place, along with liberal overuse of the s-word, and these obscenities were often so jarring and irrelevant that they pulled me out of what she was actually trying to say. The author's message is that she has learned to be content with her average life, but she wasn't content to have an average sentence. Instead, she tried to spice up even the most direct or banal statements by throwing in the f-bomb, and her constant overuse was so unnecessary and distracting that I gave up and barely skimmed the rest of the book.
She may have thought that the f-word would add personality or emphasis to her writing, but the inability to convey emotions, ideas, or intensity without resorting to a four-letter word is a personal failure, not a cute quirk. Although some people use obscenities to draw attention to an important point, she threw them around like confetti, or like a middle schooler who has just learned a new word and can't stop using it. She used the f-word so much that it didn't even have shock value, aside from the shock of how poorly placed and irrelevant it was.
People who don't mind the f-word may love this book. It has lots of positive attributes, fulfilled some of my expectations for it, and made me laugh several times. However, even though I was excited to read a book that goes against participation-trophy culture and encourages people to accept themselves as they are without needing prizes for showing up, way too many f-words showed up for me to bother finishing this book or ever recommend it to anyone.
January 20, 2020
I picked this up for the title. I read it because I saw so much of myself in the author's struggles with being average. I don't know if others see me that way, but I certainly see myself as average. When I was young, I thought I wanted to have an "exciting" life. I didn't know what I would do for a living, but I didn't want to be bored - or boring. Fast forward 30+ years and I have what feels like a stable, and yes, somewhat dull, life. And I wonder often if I should do something else, live somewhere else, try something else, so that my life isn't "dull". Which makes me feel guilty because I love my spouse, I really do like where I live, and the majority of the time, I am so happy to be doing what I do (library work). But...there's always that what-if, what-could-have-been, etc.
The author sums up my feelings brilliantly near the very end of the book. I, too, smile a lot, and I have those little crinkle lines by my eyes and around my mouth. And yes, most of the time, I'm a happy person, and I show it. But like her, "Sometimes I feel lonely. Sometimes I feel like a fraud. Sometimes I feel like a failure. Sometimes I feel unaccomplished. But in reality, I am none of those things." She is average. And average is awesome - something I need to remember.
The author sums up my feelings brilliantly near the very end of the book. I, too, smile a lot, and I have those little crinkle lines by my eyes and around my mouth. And yes, most of the time, I'm a happy person, and I show it. But like her, "Sometimes I feel lonely. Sometimes I feel like a fraud. Sometimes I feel like a failure. Sometimes I feel unaccomplished. But in reality, I am none of those things." She is average. And average is awesome - something I need to remember.
August 21, 2020
You don't have to be the best, you just need to be good enough. I love it.
February 24, 2020
I DEVOURED this book in a weekend! It’s the pep-talk from your best friend that you didn’t know you needed.
August 24, 2022
August 2022: Average Is The New Awesome
“Being average doesn’t mean you have failed. And it doesn’t mean you can’t success. It means you are like everyone else, and that you are doing just fine.”
...
A reminder to be kind to yourself, that’s how I can conclude this book. Not too thick, 219 pages, that talks about IT IS REALLY OKAY TO BE AVERAGE in:
💫Work & Money
💫Friendship & Social lives: probably relate to my younger self, but good to read about “11 Less-Than-Average Friends It’s Okay to Lose” pg 65. We may have our own define of friendship but most importantly to treasure these friends.
💫Body: just heard about Pure Barre in this book. Seriously now, health comes first, appearance somewhat evolve as you grow older, wiser.
💫Love life
💫Social Media: this is my favourite chapter, good to know about Social Media Anxiety Checklist pg187
It’s good also to keep my own list of “Average accomplishments Average people can be supremely proud of” pg197, as a self-love routine.
I like the ideas in this book are given in checklists and point forms. It just that when my girl peeked at what I’m reading, she saw the *f* word and gave me ‘the look'.
💫💫💫
Growing up, I used to think that I’m just average. My ranking in school usually at the hump of the bell curve (or is it the result of having rankings?). Reading this book made me realized I should be grateful with all that I have today. And also, a reminder for me to treat my girls kindly, sweep away the notion that average is bad, the narcissism epidemic – having unreasonably high expectation of life (pg xv).
“No matter who you are, your idea of average is based on your perceptions of yourself against the world. But not everything is at it seems. And not everything will appear the same to everyone else.” Pg 214. So, be kind to yourself, embrace the ordinary💫
“Being average doesn’t mean you have failed. And it doesn’t mean you can’t success. It means you are like everyone else, and that you are doing just fine.”
...
A reminder to be kind to yourself, that’s how I can conclude this book. Not too thick, 219 pages, that talks about IT IS REALLY OKAY TO BE AVERAGE in:
💫Work & Money
💫Friendship & Social lives: probably relate to my younger self, but good to read about “11 Less-Than-Average Friends It’s Okay to Lose” pg 65. We may have our own define of friendship but most importantly to treasure these friends.
💫Body: just heard about Pure Barre in this book. Seriously now, health comes first, appearance somewhat evolve as you grow older, wiser.
💫Love life
💫Social Media: this is my favourite chapter, good to know about Social Media Anxiety Checklist pg187
It’s good also to keep my own list of “Average accomplishments Average people can be supremely proud of” pg197, as a self-love routine.
I like the ideas in this book are given in checklists and point forms. It just that when my girl peeked at what I’m reading, she saw the *f* word and gave me ‘the look'.
💫💫💫
Growing up, I used to think that I’m just average. My ranking in school usually at the hump of the bell curve (or is it the result of having rankings?). Reading this book made me realized I should be grateful with all that I have today. And also, a reminder for me to treat my girls kindly, sweep away the notion that average is bad, the narcissism epidemic – having unreasonably high expectation of life (pg xv).
“No matter who you are, your idea of average is based on your perceptions of yourself against the world. But not everything is at it seems. And not everything will appear the same to everyone else.” Pg 214. So, be kind to yourself, embrace the ordinary💫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2020
It's okay...much of the book was a series of lists separated by personal stories. To some extent the book covers sentiments I and many of my social circle feel, however it comes nowhere near being "a manifesto" for a generation known for participation trophies.
Matt is able to capitalize on questions many of us have about our jobs, body image, friendships, and our "meh" lives, so kudos to her. At the same time, I frequently found myself yelling at the book that there are more pressing issues to discuss that really get at the heart of being unexceptional. For example, in a chapter about work and getting laid off there is a sentence that mentions affording "venti iced coffees with sugar-free vanilla and almond milk" and I couldn't help rolling my eyes (while drinking my own over-pried coffee.) The book does little to nothing to address issues like gender, race, or anything of actual substance.
It is a book written for the stereo-type Millennial: White late 20s to early 30s woman that does yoga (with little understanding of cultural and religious appropriation) and drinks lattes while browsing Instagram. There are whole chapters where the book feels like I'm just reading the petty complaints of a coworker about not getting a pat on the back for her marketing idea. Then again, I picked up the book and I read the book, so what does that say about me?!
The book entirely accomplishes it's "bold" statement title of being average. It is less manifesto, no cultural analysis, no generational conversation, less how-to, and more conversation with friend/diary-rant. This book is average. And that's okay? I'm not sure.
At the end of the book, there are about seven pages of summary, if you're curious about the topic read those first and then decide if you want more. Chances are, you'll only need and want those seven pages, if that.
Side note: If I have to read one more "Let's discuss" as a transition between ideas I'm going to write to the editor of this book to complain about listicles and writing that only requires a 5th grade reading comprehension.
Matt is able to capitalize on questions many of us have about our jobs, body image, friendships, and our "meh" lives, so kudos to her. At the same time, I frequently found myself yelling at the book that there are more pressing issues to discuss that really get at the heart of being unexceptional. For example, in a chapter about work and getting laid off there is a sentence that mentions affording "venti iced coffees with sugar-free vanilla and almond milk" and I couldn't help rolling my eyes (while drinking my own over-pried coffee.) The book does little to nothing to address issues like gender, race, or anything of actual substance.
It is a book written for the stereo-type Millennial: White late 20s to early 30s woman that does yoga (with little understanding of cultural and religious appropriation) and drinks lattes while browsing Instagram. There are whole chapters where the book feels like I'm just reading the petty complaints of a coworker about not getting a pat on the back for her marketing idea. Then again, I picked up the book and I read the book, so what does that say about me?!
The book entirely accomplishes it's "bold" statement title of being average. It is less manifesto, no cultural analysis, no generational conversation, less how-to, and more conversation with friend/diary-rant. This book is average. And that's okay? I'm not sure.
At the end of the book, there are about seven pages of summary, if you're curious about the topic read those first and then decide if you want more. Chances are, you'll only need and want those seven pages, if that.
Side note: If I have to read one more "Let's discuss" as a transition between ideas I'm going to write to the editor of this book to complain about listicles and writing that only requires a 5th grade reading comprehension.
March 2, 2020
This book was average- I'm not really sure what I was expecting, but this book wasn't really it. The first page was intriguing, and I thought it was going to be a book about society's deterementially high expectations and the effect on society, and it obviously wasn't. The advice felt somewhat conflicting at times- don't be afraid to cancel on friends but also your friends aren't good friends if they cancel on you? The format (I listened, so I'm filling in some gaps) seemed like several inspirational Buzzfeed listicles one after another. I thought the book was good enough for what it was, and I commend Matt for writing it, but it wasn't what I was planning to read. I read this book to fulfill the book by or about a journalist prompt.
January 18, 2020
Calling all woman ages 25-35... this is a must read. Sam is witty and real about all the things we’re often insecure about. A great message about appreciating yourself for who you are and realizing that good enough is often good enough.
February 16, 2020
No, it's not...
September 20, 2020
3.5 ⭐️
This served as the pep talk I needed right now.
This served as the pep talk I needed right now.
June 2, 2020
I really enjoyed her authorial voice and how conversational it was (a trend I'm seeing among my fellow Millennial authors and one I'm HERE for). She sticks heavily to the concept, and my favorite sections were the ones where she talks most about stories from her own life (her eating disorder and break with Dan stand out the strongest) - I'll keep a lookout for her future books, especially hoping for more in this personal essay vein. I really felt like I was her target audience for this book, and it had some nice reminders to be kinder to yourself, but is also a pretty standard self-help book. I probably would've preferred this as an audiobook, but alas, my library only had the print version. It was also a super fast and easy read, but also one that lends itself to being picked up and put down easily too.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
April 14, 2022
For the most part, I thought this book was, well, average. I suppose that's the point, but still.
I liked the parts about not wearing yourself down too much in the workplace. I think that's a good message to women in general, because there is often an unspoken, internalized assumption that if you're not giving 110% constantly, you're a failure.
Still, I found a lot of the messaging hollow in most areas and in some places, straight-up contradictory. The entire thesis was that we come from a culture that raises us on the idea that we're all awesome and special and destined for greatness, and how that sets people up for failure. That's an interesting idea and all, but in the books conclusion, the author basically reiterates this cultural message. I think it would've benefitted the book to maybe balance the "relax, it's okay to be ordinary" thing with a productive message on how to healthily push ourselves towards self improvement. The message of "relax" often teetered on giving into personal flaws entirely and just giving up or giving in to the urge to slack off.
I don't know, maybe I just personally think there should be a balance between pushing yourself towards betterment and accepting your averageness, maybe in that way, the book isn't for me. For instance, I've been really working on saving money and not spending impulsively, because in my point of view that can lead down the path to financial self harm. Every time she encouraged the reader like, "go splurge on Starbucks and Pottery Barn because you're not perfect!" my skin would crawl, because that can tiptoe into actually dangerous territory for someone in my position.
That kinda transitions nicely into my next, and biggest point: a lot of this book hinges on privilege. Particularly, socioeconomic and racial privilege. For instance, a person of color (especially women of color) won't necessarily have the luxury of just doing their required job in the workplace. They must push harder and be 'above-average' to simply be treated on par with their 'average' white counterparts (and they might not even make it to on par status).
Socioeconomically, like I mentioned before, a person can't necessarily order takeout for multiple weeks in a row because "it's okay! We can't all be fabulous self-sufficient chefs at home!" Like no, I'm not a culinary genius and sometimes the meals I do make at home are really simple and cheap. the reason I can't just throw my hands up and say, "it's fine! I'll skip out on cooking for a few weeks because life is hard and I'm only an average human!" I can't do that, because within a couple months, I'd be on the brink of financial ruin.
This book also seems to encourage being judgmental of people who are striving to be better. Sometimes, it comes off as petty and hypocritical. There's a whole section of the book on social media envy, which I agree is a problem, where the author speculates that people's picture-perfect Instagram lives aren't just so. Which, yeah, that's probably true. But she harps on how annoying people are who take photos of themselves at marathons, and how they're probably unhappy and hate having to wake up at 4a.m. for training. How happy family photos are staged and that they probably have a rough time in their day-to-day. How annoying it is that people will post monthly staged age-progress photos of their babies without acknowledging that babies are exhausting and hard to live with (ironic, because her own feed is full of these exact photos). How a nice vacation photo probably isn't showing how much credit card debt the couple wracked up going on that trip. It felt like a ton of frankly rude projection. Maybe all those things are true (though is it really that common to wrack up thousands in credit card debt to go on vacation?? I would die??), but I don't know, maybe people just like sharing the happy parts of their lives on Instagram too.
If I were a cis, well-off woman in a corporate job in New England, who could afford to own a home and go on fabulous European vacations, maybe I would've liked this book more. Overall though, I found it difficult to relate to.
I liked the parts about not wearing yourself down too much in the workplace. I think that's a good message to women in general, because there is often an unspoken, internalized assumption that if you're not giving 110% constantly, you're a failure.
Still, I found a lot of the messaging hollow in most areas and in some places, straight-up contradictory. The entire thesis was that we come from a culture that raises us on the idea that we're all awesome and special and destined for greatness, and how that sets people up for failure. That's an interesting idea and all, but in the books conclusion, the author basically reiterates this cultural message. I think it would've benefitted the book to maybe balance the "relax, it's okay to be ordinary" thing with a productive message on how to healthily push ourselves towards self improvement. The message of "relax" often teetered on giving into personal flaws entirely and just giving up or giving in to the urge to slack off.
I don't know, maybe I just personally think there should be a balance between pushing yourself towards betterment and accepting your averageness, maybe in that way, the book isn't for me. For instance, I've been really working on saving money and not spending impulsively, because in my point of view that can lead down the path to financial self harm. Every time she encouraged the reader like, "go splurge on Starbucks and Pottery Barn because you're not perfect!" my skin would crawl, because that can tiptoe into actually dangerous territory for someone in my position.
That kinda transitions nicely into my next, and biggest point: a lot of this book hinges on privilege. Particularly, socioeconomic and racial privilege. For instance, a person of color (especially women of color) won't necessarily have the luxury of just doing their required job in the workplace. They must push harder and be 'above-average' to simply be treated on par with their 'average' white counterparts (and they might not even make it to on par status).
Socioeconomically, like I mentioned before, a person can't necessarily order takeout for multiple weeks in a row because "it's okay! We can't all be fabulous self-sufficient chefs at home!" Like no, I'm not a culinary genius and sometimes the meals I do make at home are really simple and cheap. the reason I can't just throw my hands up and say, "it's fine! I'll skip out on cooking for a few weeks because life is hard and I'm only an average human!" I can't do that, because within a couple months, I'd be on the brink of financial ruin.
This book also seems to encourage being judgmental of people who are striving to be better. Sometimes, it comes off as petty and hypocritical. There's a whole section of the book on social media envy, which I agree is a problem, where the author speculates that people's picture-perfect Instagram lives aren't just so. Which, yeah, that's probably true. But she harps on how annoying people are who take photos of themselves at marathons, and how they're probably unhappy and hate having to wake up at 4a.m. for training. How happy family photos are staged and that they probably have a rough time in their day-to-day. How annoying it is that people will post monthly staged age-progress photos of their babies without acknowledging that babies are exhausting and hard to live with (ironic, because her own feed is full of these exact photos). How a nice vacation photo probably isn't showing how much credit card debt the couple wracked up going on that trip. It felt like a ton of frankly rude projection. Maybe all those things are true (though is it really that common to wrack up thousands in credit card debt to go on vacation?? I would die??), but I don't know, maybe people just like sharing the happy parts of their lives on Instagram too.
If I were a cis, well-off woman in a corporate job in New England, who could afford to own a home and go on fabulous European vacations, maybe I would've liked this book more. Overall though, I found it difficult to relate to.
March 1, 2020
Honestly, I didn’t want to like this book. I wondered what this writer (not so different from myself) could have to say. I was skeptical. Is she just making excuses for not being successful? What gives her expertise in this? What about finding my damn passion?? But the premise of this book is the answer - most people are average and that’s ok. Honestly, it can be a relief to hear this. Reading this book was like meeting a like-minded friend whose in a good enough place to give good advice and who will say those things that we sometimes need to hear. A quick read I enjoyed. Not every chapter resonated but it did get me thinking and gave me some conversation starters.
February 21, 2020
This book is really what it claims to be. It definitely isn’t a literary masterpiece but that isn’t what Samantha Matt is going for. I’m in the process of accepting exactly how average I am and this was the perfect read at the moment. It’s funny and ridiculous but really honest. If you choose to you can take away a great message about being easier on yourself and setting yourself up for success which can be just being average.
January 19, 2020
This book is so hilarious and relatable for those of us who feel average—a.k.a all of us. Matt perfectly portrays how we all feel about not being good enough in our careers, social lives, relationships, bodies, and life, but reminds us that there's nothing wrong with being average. I found myself relating to all of her stories in one way or another, and would highly recommend this book to anyone feeling a little lost in life—especially college students!!
April 12, 2020
I am not in the intended audience demographic for this book, but unfortunately that wasn't clear to me when I picked it up to read. I imagine 25-35 year olds would get more out of this. There's too much swearing. Too many lists. Too many ridiculous generalizations. Too much negativity. While I may be average, I'll take a reach-for-the-stars kind of self-help book over this any day.
January 17, 2020
Reading this book is like getting together with an honest and funny friend who has the exact pep talk you need.
February 9, 2020
Funny, down to eqrth, real pep talk...just when you think you are above average and all the work stress you are having is worth it, this is tgere to remind you it is not!
April 18, 2025
Why is everyone on social media happier and more successful than me?
Is everyone obligated to be extraordinary?
Do I have to keep up with the Joneses?
Samantha Matt has an answer to all of those questions and confirms that, in fact, comparison is the thief of joy.
Having grown up, the author slowly realised how average she was, despite her grandparents telling her that she was special. All her big dreams and plans didn't come to fruition, because she didn't excel at anything. Soon, she came to the realisation that our capitalist society primes us to believe that being average is bad, when in fact it is just that: average.
First of all, I felt like I made a new friend after reading this book. I fell in love with the refreshing honesty and sense of humour of the author. I don't think I've ever related to anything on such a deep level before.
Finally there was someone telling their life story with a big dose of authenticity, not skipping the embarrassing or shameful parts of being an average, flawed human being and giving actual life advice that can be realistically implemented.
Before reading this book, I had always felt woefully inferior: not great-looking, only average at my job, not having a huge social circle, not having any particular talents (even though I really tried to learn a new instrument and language). In fact, I kept trying hard to exceed and only ended up being incredibly mediocre at everything.
Samantha gave me the permission to not be hard on myself for my perceived failures and the way she gently reminds myself that I can accept myself, even if I am not better than most people out there, felt far more credible and less condescending than many other self-help authors out there.
Sometimes I felt really called out (comparing myself to former classmates on LinkedIn and falling into a pit of depression because I've accomplished seemingly nothing), other times I was surprised how the author could have possibly known that about me. It felt like a relief knowing that other people have the same trains of thought and struggle with the same feelings of inadequacy.
While it doesn't seem like a big revelation at first sight that most people are in fact average, it's actually a life-saver. It's especially helpful to have this context when navigating social media or the workplace. To me it was a relief and a weight off my shoulders, because being above average means having a lot of responsibility and possibly even less joy in life. What I've learned was that being average can be comforting and that other people (that are not Beyoncé) have their own sets of problems, not unsimilar to my own.
I highly recommend "Average is the New Awesome" to people who struggle with their self-esteem. This book feels like a big hug and hits the same spot as a big bowl of chocolate ice cream or a warm bubble bath. I can genuinely say that I feel better about myself and my mediocrity, and for that I am grateful.
Is everyone obligated to be extraordinary?
Do I have to keep up with the Joneses?
Samantha Matt has an answer to all of those questions and confirms that, in fact, comparison is the thief of joy.
Having grown up, the author slowly realised how average she was, despite her grandparents telling her that she was special. All her big dreams and plans didn't come to fruition, because she didn't excel at anything. Soon, she came to the realisation that our capitalist society primes us to believe that being average is bad, when in fact it is just that: average.
First of all, I felt like I made a new friend after reading this book. I fell in love with the refreshing honesty and sense of humour of the author. I don't think I've ever related to anything on such a deep level before.
Finally there was someone telling their life story with a big dose of authenticity, not skipping the embarrassing or shameful parts of being an average, flawed human being and giving actual life advice that can be realistically implemented.
Before reading this book, I had always felt woefully inferior: not great-looking, only average at my job, not having a huge social circle, not having any particular talents (even though I really tried to learn a new instrument and language). In fact, I kept trying hard to exceed and only ended up being incredibly mediocre at everything.
Samantha gave me the permission to not be hard on myself for my perceived failures and the way she gently reminds myself that I can accept myself, even if I am not better than most people out there, felt far more credible and less condescending than many other self-help authors out there.
Sometimes I felt really called out (comparing myself to former classmates on LinkedIn and falling into a pit of depression because I've accomplished seemingly nothing), other times I was surprised how the author could have possibly known that about me. It felt like a relief knowing that other people have the same trains of thought and struggle with the same feelings of inadequacy.
While it doesn't seem like a big revelation at first sight that most people are in fact average, it's actually a life-saver. It's especially helpful to have this context when navigating social media or the workplace. To me it was a relief and a weight off my shoulders, because being above average means having a lot of responsibility and possibly even less joy in life. What I've learned was that being average can be comforting and that other people (that are not Beyoncé) have their own sets of problems, not unsimilar to my own.
I highly recommend "Average is the New Awesome" to people who struggle with their self-esteem. This book feels like a big hug and hits the same spot as a big bowl of chocolate ice cream or a warm bubble bath. I can genuinely say that I feel better about myself and my mediocrity, and for that I am grateful.
February 4, 2020
This book was pretty good. I think it’s written for a much younger person but I picked it up because I thought It might help me understand people in their 20’s-30’s better.
Kids in this generation were given ‘participation trophy’s’ . So, I’ve always felt that they see themselves as better than average when actually they are just normal. The book tries to help this generation, (gen x-er’s? I ‘m not sure), accept themselves for who they are and step away from their social media selves.
The author, Samantha Matt is actually not ‘just average’ as she explains In the book since she is now a published author. But, her writing style encourages me. I could probably write a book about something and get published! Her writing is conversational at the very least. Quite average. If she can do it so can I , with the help of an editor.
The point of the book is good. Get off social media and live your life. Stop posting pics on Facebook that make you look like your living an extraordinary life that’s better than everyone else, don’t compare yourself to others. We are all pretty much the same. And, that’s ok. I agree. This is a good message for you 20 -30 somethings.
All in all, the book was ok. Nothing really that special but it was fun to read.
Kids in this generation were given ‘participation trophy’s’ . So, I’ve always felt that they see themselves as better than average when actually they are just normal. The book tries to help this generation, (gen x-er’s? I ‘m not sure), accept themselves for who they are and step away from their social media selves.
The author, Samantha Matt is actually not ‘just average’ as she explains In the book since she is now a published author. But, her writing style encourages me. I could probably write a book about something and get published! Her writing is conversational at the very least. Quite average. If she can do it so can I , with the help of an editor.
The point of the book is good. Get off social media and live your life. Stop posting pics on Facebook that make you look like your living an extraordinary life that’s better than everyone else, don’t compare yourself to others. We are all pretty much the same. And, that’s ok. I agree. This is a good message for you 20 -30 somethings.
All in all, the book was ok. Nothing really that special but it was fun to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2025
The tone felt self-indulgent and immature, more like flipping through a teenager’s diary than engaging with a meaningful manifesto. The language is VERY Vulgar! Excessive use of the f-word and s-word. It was totally unnecessary, making it hard to focus on any message the author was trying to convey.
Despite its title, the book didn’t celebrate “average” in a way that felt empowering or sincere. Instead, it came across as promoting laziness and disengagement, wrapped in a thin layer of forced humor that simply wasn’t funny. The author didn’t seem content with her own life, which made the entire premise feel hollow.
I have a personal commitment to finish every book I start, and this one tested me. I pushed through to the end, but it wasn’t worth the time. For a book that claims to uplift the everyday person, it sadly missed the mark, and felt below average in every way.
Despite its title, the book didn’t celebrate “average” in a way that felt empowering or sincere. Instead, it came across as promoting laziness and disengagement, wrapped in a thin layer of forced humor that simply wasn’t funny. The author didn’t seem content with her own life, which made the entire premise feel hollow.
I have a personal commitment to finish every book I start, and this one tested me. I pushed through to the end, but it wasn’t worth the time. For a book that claims to uplift the everyday person, it sadly missed the mark, and felt below average in every way.
March 26, 2020
DNF
I liked a few aspects of this book - embracing being average and how to live your life without caring about what others think. However, the author’s audiobook voiceover was truly difficult to listen to. That on top of the face that this book is overly profane with flying the f and s words around nonsensically. I got the feeling she did this to try and seem more relatable and funny, but it came off as crass and unnecessary. The swearing and writing style led to me choosing to put this book down.
If you like a LOT of swearing in your self help books, then this is for you! Overall, the tips were nice and helpful, but I couldn’t get through the whole book.
I liked a few aspects of this book - embracing being average and how to live your life without caring about what others think. However, the author’s audiobook voiceover was truly difficult to listen to. That on top of the face that this book is overly profane with flying the f and s words around nonsensically. I got the feeling she did this to try and seem more relatable and funny, but it came off as crass and unnecessary. The swearing and writing style led to me choosing to put this book down.
If you like a LOT of swearing in your self help books, then this is for you! Overall, the tips were nice and helpful, but I couldn’t get through the whole book.
Read
November 10, 2020nothing much special in this book.
appreciate that the author share her own 2 stories about social dating with a she called social girl but end up trapping in her own car due to cannot reaching her own boyfriend thus cannot getting into her own home.
the other story is that she and her boyfriend had a cold war just because of a non-existed perfect man.
i always believe that it takes courage to tell your own story in the book.
but as for the conclusion part, sorry , i have to say it is cliche ;p
appreciate that the author share her own 2 stories about social dating with a she called social girl but end up trapping in her own car due to cannot reaching her own boyfriend thus cannot getting into her own home.
the other story is that she and her boyfriend had a cold war just because of a non-existed perfect man.
i always believe that it takes courage to tell your own story in the book.
but as for the conclusion part, sorry , i have to say it is cliche ;p
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2022
My younger self would have loved this book and felt so comforted by the message. At this stage in my life (where the number of f**ks given about many things once seemingly so important dwindles by the day...), Matt's message isn't as applicable. I wish this book had been around in my early- and mid-20s to reassure me that things really were going to be okay. (And they often are, of course, but the 20-something mind/world doesn't always feel this way.)
November 20, 2023
Average is the New Awesome? Sure. This book has enough mini pep talks to get by on some hot topics that I’m sure many of us have dreamed of being more awesome than reality is. It reads like a story people post their recipes online-one oddly detailed personal experience followed by steps/tips.
This is my first self-help book I’ve read, so it seemed like a decent introduction since it was relatable and easy to skip parts I didn’t necessarily need to read (ie the dating section).
This is my first self-help book I’ve read, so it seemed like a decent introduction since it was relatable and easy to skip parts I didn’t necessarily need to read (ie the dating section).
January 27, 2020
Average book on how to enjoy being run of the mill nobody.. Expectations were quite low for this book, so it is no surprise that this is completely blah kind of writing which dorns’t even try to be smth more. Feel free to skip. On the other hand, feels good to read smth on how ok it is to be mediocre. Everything my parents ever expected of me finally came true! Gave up the fight completely.
February 19, 2020
Mostly entertaining and makes some good points, though I must wonder: Who are all these sad people without confidence and self-esteem who actually need to be told these things? For me, most of the oh-so-sage advice about how good enough is good enough and nobody's perfect and whatnot is just "Well... Duh.".
April 13, 2020
As a reader of Samantha Matt's site, 20Something Problems, I had high hopes for this book. I was hoping this book would be a little more well written than her site since it was an actual book. However everything I read in the book was something I had heard or read before; nothing groundbreaking.
Average.
Average.
September 18, 2020
This book definitely feels more of a memoir/rant/blog post than a "manifesto." There was an overwhelming amount of personal stories - halfway through the book I couldn't help but start skimming to *try* to get to the point. I suppose I could see this book being inspirational or helpful to others, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
February 5, 2021
It was mostly okay.
Some chapters were uninteresting to me, for example, the social media one.
Also, some information was a bit cringy. Even if you have an average job, you must have some savings because you do not want a shitty retirement.
It was an interesting pov about being an ordinary person in a world where everybody tries so hard to be phenomenal.
Some chapters were uninteresting to me, for example, the social media one.
Also, some information was a bit cringy. Even if you have an average job, you must have some savings because you do not want a shitty retirement.
It was an interesting pov about being an ordinary person in a world where everybody tries so hard to be phenomenal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews