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How to Be Awkward
"The endlessly hilarious Turner walks readers through the awkwardness that is her life, from an overactive salivary gland and gastrointestinal issues to her fangirl fixation on fellow essayist David Sedaris, who “is unaware of our bond.” Constantly relatable... This volume is a worthy addition to Turner’s impressive, award-winning repertory. The author’s fearless honesty in grappling with her own personal quirks and bodily irregularities will surely resonate with a wide range of readers...nearly every essay possesses at least one laugh-out-loud moment (often delivered in the sidesplitting footnotes)...for those with a fair share of awkward idiosyncrasies, this collection is a delightful read that celebrates people’s eccentricities. An incisive and entertaining celebration of awkwardness."
-Kirkus Reviews
"Playfully ruminating on the foibles of what it means to be human, Turner (This Little Piggy Went to the Liquor Store, as AK Turner) writes in chuckle-worthy essay form, exploring the perpetual struggle of functioning with anxiety, shame, and shortcomings—and how to cope with people who feel it necessary to point out those failings—in a society defined by rules and expectations. As Turner explains in “I’m What Smells Bad,” a story of her smelly egg salad sandwich in first grade that causes the whole school to stink, “Welcome to awkwardness, I want to say to the younger me. It’s with you for life.” Turner’s genius lies in her anecdotal storytelling cloaked in universally relatable fears and public displays of embarrassment. In “True Love Story,” Turner declares that the ultimate in awkwardness is shopping for a mattress with your boyfriend and your mother at the same time, while she dedicates nearly the entirety of one chapter to bullet points detailing “How to Be Chubby,” with winning tips like be sure to eat your children’s leftovers, fantasize about exercise without actually doing it, and learn to be content with your size as long as you’re happy and healthy. She turns to the serious, too, in “Sorry About the Plague,” as she muses on the human need for connection amid isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic. Readers can expect plenty of laughs, at others and themselves... Throughout, her unconditional self-acceptance is refreshing, and readers with a soft spot for humor mixed with candor will be thoroughly entertained. An entertaining read that makes being awkward cool. Great for fans Mindy Kaling’s Why Not Me?; Laurie Notaro’s The Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club." -BookLife Reviews
From the New York Times bestselling author of This Little Piggy Went to the Liquor Store and Hair of the Corn Dog, Amanda Turner (previously writing as AK Turner) offers up a new collection of hilarity and embarrassment with How to Be Awkward.
This book is not intended for the super cool. If you begin every day by setting an intention while doing yoga on a paddleboard (and somehow not falling off), you’re out of my league. If you are even semi-fluent in the Urban Dictionary, there’s little chance we’ll connect. And if you use a vaginal steamer, well, I think we’re done here. Especially if you don’t have a vagina.
On the other hand… if your spirit animal is the blobfish or you regularly and inexplicably choke on your own saliva, we might be related. If you find intermittent fasting to be both cruel and unusual, I feel your pain.
"Playfully ruminating on the foibles of what it means to be human, Turner (This Little Piggy Went to the Liquor Store, as AK Turner) writes in chuckle-worthy essay form, exploring the perpetual struggle of functioning with anxiety, shame, and shortcomings—and how to cope with people who feel it necessary to point out those failings—in a society defined by rules and expectations. As Turner explains in “I’m What Smells Bad,” a story of her smelly egg salad sandwich in first grade that causes the whole school to stink, “Welcome to awkwardness, I want to say to the younger me. It’s with you for life.” Turner’s genius lies in her anecdotal storytelling cloaked in universally relatable fears and public displays of embarrassment. In “True Love Story,” Turner declares that the ultimate in awkwardness is shopping for a mattress with your boyfriend and your mother at the same time, while she dedicates nearly the entirety of one chapter to bullet points detailing “How to Be Chubby,” with winning tips like be sure to eat your children’s leftovers, fantasize about exercise without actually doing it, and learn to be content with your size as long as you’re happy and healthy. She turns to the serious, too, in “Sorry About the Plague,” as she muses on the human need for connection amid isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic. Readers can expect plenty of laughs, at others and themselves... Throughout, her unconditional self-acceptance is refreshing, and readers with a soft spot for humor mixed with candor will be thoroughly entertained. An entertaining read that makes being awkward cool. Great for fans Mindy Kaling’s Why Not Me?; Laurie Notaro’s The Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club." -BookLife Reviews
From the New York Times bestselling author of This Little Piggy Went to the Liquor Store and Hair of the Corn Dog, Amanda Turner (previously writing as AK Turner) offers up a new collection of hilarity and embarrassment with How to Be Awkward.
This book is not intended for the super cool. If you begin every day by setting an intention while doing yoga on a paddleboard (and somehow not falling off), you’re out of my league. If you are even semi-fluent in the Urban Dictionary, there’s little chance we’ll connect. And if you use a vaginal steamer, well, I think we’re done here. Especially if you don’t have a vagina.
On the other hand… if your spirit animal is the blobfish or you regularly and inexplicably choke on your own saliva, we might be related. If you find intermittent fasting to be both cruel and unusual, I feel your pain.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2022
20 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 3, 2023
I spent New Years Day reading this super fast and funny page turning collection of essays / memoir
Amanda Turner is extremely funny and honest-
This collection is a great insight to being a woman and embracing your awkwardness- I laughed out loud with the truthfulness of things we women live though- the horrible fashion we have had to endure through the 90's totally hit home for me and made me sit and think back to all the awful things I wore
Her writing is fun and honest and easy to relate to which made this book a breeze to read - I really enjoyed the honesty which resonated with me and brought to light that I am not alone in dealing with moments that can take you out of your comfort zone..
If you are looking for a non-fiction fast fun read, I do recommend giving this book a read..
Amanda Turner is extremely funny and honest-
This collection is a great insight to being a woman and embracing your awkwardness- I laughed out loud with the truthfulness of things we women live though- the horrible fashion we have had to endure through the 90's totally hit home for me and made me sit and think back to all the awful things I wore
Her writing is fun and honest and easy to relate to which made this book a breeze to read - I really enjoyed the honesty which resonated with me and brought to light that I am not alone in dealing with moments that can take you out of your comfort zone..
If you are looking for a non-fiction fast fun read, I do recommend giving this book a read..
January 15, 2023
Thank you Red Clover Digital for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
HOW TO BE AWKWARD
By: Amanda Turner
HOW TO BE AWKWARD by Amanda Turner is a collection of twenty six essays sharing the common thread of awkwardness, specifically in anecdotes and incidents from the author's own experiences.
I found a few relatable points scattered throughout, such as my kids educating me about technology, old people having selective hearing for manipulative purposes and the trials of running a very physical obstacle course type of race. I feel certain that most readers will see themselves in an essay or two because awkward uncomfortable moments are, after all, an unavoidable part of life.
The author utilizes sarcasm and humor (at her own expense) to expound upon each essay topic. This method is unifying in the overall structure and serves as a connecting tool for loosely tied bits and pieces. While I definitely see and appreciate the ridiculousness that comes with many of these essays, I feel like the author is, at times, trying to hard and reaching for a forced kind of funny. Every sentence doesn't have to be witty and clever. As a whole, the essays are easy to read, and the entire collection can be read quickly.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you want a light bit of humor or a relatable slice of life, HOW TO BE AWKWARD fits the bill. Check it out!
HOW TO BE AWKWARD
By: Amanda Turner
HOW TO BE AWKWARD by Amanda Turner is a collection of twenty six essays sharing the common thread of awkwardness, specifically in anecdotes and incidents from the author's own experiences.
I found a few relatable points scattered throughout, such as my kids educating me about technology, old people having selective hearing for manipulative purposes and the trials of running a very physical obstacle course type of race. I feel certain that most readers will see themselves in an essay or two because awkward uncomfortable moments are, after all, an unavoidable part of life.
The author utilizes sarcasm and humor (at her own expense) to expound upon each essay topic. This method is unifying in the overall structure and serves as a connecting tool for loosely tied bits and pieces. While I definitely see and appreciate the ridiculousness that comes with many of these essays, I feel like the author is, at times, trying to hard and reaching for a forced kind of funny. Every sentence doesn't have to be witty and clever. As a whole, the essays are easy to read, and the entire collection can be read quickly.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you want a light bit of humor or a relatable slice of life, HOW TO BE AWKWARD fits the bill. Check it out!
Read
January 5, 2023Picture an awkward moment you’ve had in your life. Picturing it? Reliving it? Laughing about it now that it’s far in the past and not something you’re haunted by? Maybe thinking back on that time and realizing it wasn’t so bad? Maybe a bit humorous? A tale you tell at dinner with friends to spark a good laugh and conversation. We all have those moments in life. You can’t deny it. None of us are as cool as we think we are. We all have a bit of awkward in us. It’s inevitable.
How to Be Awkward by Amanda Turner is essentially a memoir of her life told in the form of many humorous essays. She starts with childhood and navigating elementary school, to studying abroad in high school, getting married and buying a first home. Traveling and having kids, different jobs, owning chickens and dogs, and even doing a Spartan race.
This book had me laughing, literally out loud, so many times! It’s so relatable because as humans we can not avoid awkward and embarrassing moments in life. Doesn’t matter how cool you think you are… you’ve done something awkward at some point in your life.
Amanda’s stories made me smile and I can’t recommend this essay collection enough! Please allow yourself a good laugh and pick this book up.
TW: Bullying, Body Shaming, Death of an Animal, Anxiety/OCD, Pandemic.
*No rating for nonfiction
How to Be Awkward by Amanda Turner is essentially a memoir of her life told in the form of many humorous essays. She starts with childhood and navigating elementary school, to studying abroad in high school, getting married and buying a first home. Traveling and having kids, different jobs, owning chickens and dogs, and even doing a Spartan race.
This book had me laughing, literally out loud, so many times! It’s so relatable because as humans we can not avoid awkward and embarrassing moments in life. Doesn’t matter how cool you think you are… you’ve done something awkward at some point in your life.
Amanda’s stories made me smile and I can’t recommend this essay collection enough! Please allow yourself a good laugh and pick this book up.
TW: Bullying, Body Shaming, Death of an Animal, Anxiety/OCD, Pandemic.
*No rating for nonfiction
January 9, 2023
If you’ve ever felt like a square peg in a round hole then you might enjoy the laugh out loud novel by Amanda Turner aptly titled, How to Be Awkward.
This book consists of slice of life moments from Turner’s own less than smooth personal experiences. From being a four eyed adolescent, to living abroad in Russia, to snagging a self-proclaimed, better looking partner, no moment is too cringy, or too pathetic, to be off limits. The loosely connected chapters are threaded together by the author’s unique voice and ability to laugh at oneself.
Now proud to be known as a “geek”, Turner’s stories highlight the type of embarrassing moments that one might laugh at in retrospect. I mean really, who enjoyed the awkwardness of teenage angst while living it? Yet the funny thing is, in an ever evolving world, many would argue being a geek is now considered cool. As Mrs. Mancini’s character in Can’t Buy Me Love once said, “𝒽𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓎, 𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒶 𝑔𝑒𝑒𝓀 𝒾𝓈.”
Not knowing much about Turner, after reading through some of her memories, we seem to be in similar age bracket. This made some of what she writes about more relatable to me. Even if you aren’t from the same generation, however, How to Be Awkward is a collection of stories to remind us that in the end, the geeks are all right.
Thanks to Red Clover Digital in exchange for a fair review.
This book consists of slice of life moments from Turner’s own less than smooth personal experiences. From being a four eyed adolescent, to living abroad in Russia, to snagging a self-proclaimed, better looking partner, no moment is too cringy, or too pathetic, to be off limits. The loosely connected chapters are threaded together by the author’s unique voice and ability to laugh at oneself.
Now proud to be known as a “geek”, Turner’s stories highlight the type of embarrassing moments that one might laugh at in retrospect. I mean really, who enjoyed the awkwardness of teenage angst while living it? Yet the funny thing is, in an ever evolving world, many would argue being a geek is now considered cool. As Mrs. Mancini’s character in Can’t Buy Me Love once said, “𝒽𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓎, 𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒶 𝑔𝑒𝑒𝓀 𝒾𝓈.”
Not knowing much about Turner, after reading through some of her memories, we seem to be in similar age bracket. This made some of what she writes about more relatable to me. Even if you aren’t from the same generation, however, How to Be Awkward is a collection of stories to remind us that in the end, the geeks are all right.
Thanks to Red Clover Digital in exchange for a fair review.
January 20, 2023
HOW TO BE AWKWARD 🐦
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Amanda Turner
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Memoir/Essays
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: Available Now!
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲! 🐦
•• 𝐑 𝐄 𝐕 𝐈 𝐄 𝐖 ••
As humans, we are bound to experience many different things in life including embarrassing moments. Those are the kind of memories that we look back at and laugh about.
This collection of humorous essays was such a laughable experience. I didn’t realize I was going to enjoy reading the author’s memoir and actually relate to her experiences because I’ve had my fair share of embarrassing moments. Those moments when you want the ground to eat you up, or when you turn tomato red, or when you feel like you’re literally on a hot seat. 😂
I highly recommend this if you want to read something relatable and funny. Believe me, you will be able to relate because even if you won’t admit that you’ve been embarrassed at some point in your life, it still happened and this book will give you flashbacks.
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Amanda Turner
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Memoir/Essays
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: Available Now!
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲! 🐦
•• 𝐑 𝐄 𝐕 𝐈 𝐄 𝐖 ••
As humans, we are bound to experience many different things in life including embarrassing moments. Those are the kind of memories that we look back at and laugh about.
This collection of humorous essays was such a laughable experience. I didn’t realize I was going to enjoy reading the author’s memoir and actually relate to her experiences because I’ve had my fair share of embarrassing moments. Those moments when you want the ground to eat you up, or when you turn tomato red, or when you feel like you’re literally on a hot seat. 😂
I highly recommend this if you want to read something relatable and funny. Believe me, you will be able to relate because even if you won’t admit that you’ve been embarrassed at some point in your life, it still happened and this book will give you flashbacks.
October 31, 2022
It’s unusual for me to have read every book by a published author, but I have, in Amanda Turner’s case. It all started with her co-written books about drinking with dead authors, moving on to the “Mommy Had a Little Flask” series, continuing through her and Mike traipsing (“vagabonding”) around the planet with their kids in tow and finishing (so far) with her latest, “How to Be Awkward.”
Most of the time I can be found fighting my nightly bouts of post-chemo insomnia and nasal congestion (mainly due to the meds I take for a rare pulmonary condition) reading her stuff on my iPad in bed anywhere between 3-6 in the morning, after which, if my insomnia has gone away and my nose cleared by the use of myriad potions and non-medicated sprays, as well as - yes, Amanda - a neti pot, too, I can go to sleep again until 10 or 11 or so. Being a retired, disabled vet kind of stinks but has its benefits, too. One of those benefits is definitely having a wife who you love so much (and who also raises chickens) and loves you the same is that you can devolve, right there next to her as she sleeps, into paroxysms of silent laughter (probably helps the pulmonary hypertension anyway) which goes on for minutes all over a single line of Turner Text (q.v., “For instance, if we’re all in a public place and one of my daughters passes gas, I will loudly announce, “Excuse me!” I’ll be the fall guy.”)
So Amanda Turner makes me laugh. A lot. And not just by a hilarious turn of phrase, or being a good writer, but now, simply, by Being Awkward.
Most of the time I can be found fighting my nightly bouts of post-chemo insomnia and nasal congestion (mainly due to the meds I take for a rare pulmonary condition) reading her stuff on my iPad in bed anywhere between 3-6 in the morning, after which, if my insomnia has gone away and my nose cleared by the use of myriad potions and non-medicated sprays, as well as - yes, Amanda - a neti pot, too, I can go to sleep again until 10 or 11 or so. Being a retired, disabled vet kind of stinks but has its benefits, too. One of those benefits is definitely having a wife who you love so much (and who also raises chickens) and loves you the same is that you can devolve, right there next to her as she sleeps, into paroxysms of silent laughter (probably helps the pulmonary hypertension anyway) which goes on for minutes all over a single line of Turner Text (q.v., “For instance, if we’re all in a public place and one of my daughters passes gas, I will loudly announce, “Excuse me!” I’ll be the fall guy.”)
So Amanda Turner makes me laugh. A lot. And not just by a hilarious turn of phrase, or being a good writer, but now, simply, by Being Awkward.
January 8, 2023
I throughly enjoyed this collection of essays! Honestly, this was exactly the kind of book I’d imagine myself writing (if that were ever a goal or desire of mine). Turner was funny and honest and held nothing back; I personally found this glimpse into her everyday life refreshing and very entertaining (Big round of applause for shameless, funny women!) I laughed aloud at several points, and confusingly enough related to far too many of her comments or experiences. (“Awkward” isn’t a word I’d *think* describes me…but I related far too much. Am I awkward?! Am I so incredibly awkward I wasn’t even self aware enough to know that I’m awkward?!) Anyway, this was fun to read. The voice was hilarious, the stories relatable and well paced, and the content of the essays varied and endearing. I think I’m now going to check out her books about traveling with kids; if she brings the same humor and attitude to those situations I think I’ll be a fan! (Thank you for the gifted copy Red Clover Digital. I’m thrilled to now look into this author’s backlog.)
January 15, 2023
I would like to thank Red Clover Digital for sending me an ARC of How to Be Awkward by Amanda Turner. It’s a collection of essays about…well being awkward.
I was excited to read this book as soon as I read the title because I’ve suffered from being that person in the room who can always make any situation either very embarrassing or very awkward or, if I’m feeling especially unlucky, both.
Some of the stories were highly relatable and I was cringing from the sheer awkwardness that Amanda faced. Other stories just felt like they belonged in an autobiography or memoir and didn’t seem to fit the title. Like when she told us about her experience abroad in Russia. Maybe it’s due to the excessive amount of awkward stories I have that make it so something has to be very extreme now in order for me to consider it awkward. I could have a broken awkward meter from my years of experience I wish I didn’t have. However, this book is good if you just want to laugh.
I was excited to read this book as soon as I read the title because I’ve suffered from being that person in the room who can always make any situation either very embarrassing or very awkward or, if I’m feeling especially unlucky, both.
Some of the stories were highly relatable and I was cringing from the sheer awkwardness that Amanda faced. Other stories just felt like they belonged in an autobiography or memoir and didn’t seem to fit the title. Like when she told us about her experience abroad in Russia. Maybe it’s due to the excessive amount of awkward stories I have that make it so something has to be very extreme now in order for me to consider it awkward. I could have a broken awkward meter from my years of experience I wish I didn’t have. However, this book is good if you just want to laugh.
November 23, 2022
In this collection of essays, which is actually sort of a memoir, Turner takes an unflinching look at herself and offers up stories—sometimes embarrassing ones—from her life, with a clear eye but without judgment. That’s what most impressed me—if sarcasm exists anywhere in these pages, it’s the gentle kind. And Turner never whines. Let me be clear, however: this is a very funny book! Humor prevails on page after page. I have not laughed aloud this much over a book since the taxidermized dog scene in Hotel New Hampshire. Turner devotes an essay to David Sedaris, and if you like his work, you will love Amanda Turner’s.
November 4, 2022
I’m pretty good at being awkward. To be honest. I thought I had it dialed in. As I read Amanda’s book , I realize she’s Olympic level and I’m barely junior varsity. The stories are relatable and funny and the book is easy to get lost in. And her writing inspires me to reflect and journal on my own awkwardness/life (use interchangeably) and that means the world to me. Thanks for that Amanda. To you wise and frugal review readers, pick this book up. You’ll enjoy it and hopefully take it as permission to let your own Awkward Flag fly. Amanda’s does. Upside down.
February 10, 2023
A collection of hilarious essays take you through some awkward moments in the authors life. I loved that the book wasn’t a typical bundle of personal neurosis morphed into humor. This is a genuine look at how hard it is to feel “cool” because the world is constantly farting and blaming it on you. I really enjoy this author and will read everything she writes. Hoping her daughter’s are authors at some point too 😉
September 5, 2024
Recommended by Book Page, How to Be Awkward was a very enjoyable read! Amanda Turner's writing style is very approachable, and she seems like a pretty cool person. There were several laugh-out-loud moments in her essays, which were both really personal and really resonated with me as a reader. Reading this collection was a fun way to spend the afternoon (and avoid things I actually needed to do)! I loved her footnotes, too. 4.4 stars.
October 28, 2022
For anyone who has endured a lifetime of awkward moments or for anyone who is just looking for a laugh, you have to read this book! The author is not going to teach you how to be awkward (most likely many of us are already pros at this). She will instead inspire you to own your awkwardness by sharing her hilarious and relatable stories. Great book! Lots of laughs!
November 18, 2022
Witty and Well-Written
I adored this book. It made me laugh, made me cringe, and made me question just what WAS up with all the triangular patterns present in ‘90’s fashion.
Entertaining and easy to read, this will be one I gift to some mom (and not-mom) friends, bc I know they’ll love it as I did.
I adored this book. It made me laugh, made me cringe, and made me question just what WAS up with all the triangular patterns present in ‘90’s fashion.
Entertaining and easy to read, this will be one I gift to some mom (and not-mom) friends, bc I know they’ll love it as I did.
January 14, 2023
This book is SO funny. I had the absolute best time reading this, most likely because I could see any and all of this happening to me. In fact (spoiler) some have happened, but I'll never tell. If you need a pick me up or a guaranteed book you won't put down, this needs to be your next read!
Thank you to Red Clover Digital for sending me a copy for review!
Thank you to Red Clover Digital for sending me a copy for review!
October 8, 2022
If you've ever wanted to get the real dirt on being a woman and the multiple hats we wear, Amanda Turner dishes out the hilarious truth beneath them all. HOW TO BE AWKWARD is laugh-out-loud funny!
October 28, 2022
Guaranteed to make you laugh OUT LOUD!
November 7, 2022
This book made me laugh so much at the airport that people stared. Not in the way that I would like people to stare. Hello awkward.
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February 23, 2023Awkward is the new cool in Amanda Turner's new laugh-out-loud memoir, HOW TO BE AWKWARD. 🤣
Read the full review on Booktrib.com
Read the full review on Booktrib.com
March 30, 2023
I love reading all of her books! This book is so relatable, and I often found myself laughing out loud. I can't wait for the next!
February 1, 2025
Really enjoyed it at a time when something funny was very much appreciated. Also, it makes me feel better about embracing my awkwardness!
May 15, 2023
Pretty funny although a few chapters made me squirm (I’m not big on things having to do with bodily functions). Her footnotes are hilarious!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews