Awkward Audiobook By Ty Tashiro cover art

Awkward

The Science of Why We're Socially Awkward and Why That's Awesome

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Awkward

By: Ty Tashiro
Narrated by: George Newbern
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About this listen

In the vein of Quiet and The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth comes this illuminating look at what it means to be awkward - and how the same traits that make us socially anxious and cause embarrassing faux pas also provide the seeds for extraordinary success.

As humans, we all need to belong. While modern social life can make even the best of us feel gawky, for roughly one in five of us, navigating its challenges is consistently overwhelming - an ongoing maze without an exit. Often unable to grasp social cues or master the skills and grace necessary for smooth interaction, we feel out of sync with those around us. Though individuals may recognize their awkward disposition, they rarely understand why they are like this - which makes it hard for them to know how to adjust their behavior.

Psychologist and interpersonal relationship expert Ty Tashiro knows what it's like to be awkward. Growing up, he could do math in his head and memorize the earned run averages of every National League starting pitcher. But he couldn't pour liquids without spilling and habitually forgot to bring his glove to Little League games. In Awkward, he unpacks decades of research into human intelligence, neuroscience, personality, and sociology to help us better understand this widely shared trait. He explores its nature vs. nurture origins, considers how the awkward view the world, and delivers a welcome counterintuitive message: the same characteristics that make people socially clumsy can be harnessed to produce remarkable achievements.

Interweaving the latest research with personal tales and real world examples, Awkward offers reassurance and provides valuable insights into how we can embrace our personal quirks and unique talents to harness our awesome potential - and more comfortably navigate our complex world.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2017 Ty Tashiro (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers
Biological Sciences Psychology Relationships Inspiring Mental Health
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What listeners say about Awkward

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Very Enjoyable book, but...

I felt this was a very interesting and enjoyable book. however it was a bit of a struggle towards the end. But still recommend to a listen

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1 person found this helpful

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didn't grip me

had some great stories but the parts in-between lost me and I found my mind wandering. maybe I read too much gladwell and I wanted this to be more like that. still good and I did learn a handful of interesting things

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Insightful but not completely ground breaking.

Not everything in this book applies to everyone, but to those whose awkwardness firs Tashiro's definition of it, it's very enlightening.

I certainly feel like there are some things that apply to me and some that don't quite fit, but overall a good listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Excellent description of life for unusual personaliies. Should be required reading for college personal development classes.

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enjoyed the book

although I don't feel awkward myself, this book has helped me to understand certain people in my life better. I think I will be able to have most compassion for these individuals as a result.

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2 people found this helpful

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great book with helpful understanding

love it, great explanation and very helpful for understanding why people are so awkward

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1 person found this helpful

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Help Children Who Are Socially Awkward

It's only towards the end of the book when the author describes the trade-offs of intelligence and social awkwardness. Much of the book is about children, who are awkward - what are they thinking and why they are behaving differently. There is advice on how to help them navigate the social world, like focusing on three social cues at a time. For example, if a friend greets you, then look him in the eye, smile, and say "hi." If he asks "how are you," then respond "I'm fine" and ask him how he is. These social scripts help children see the pattern in people's behaviors. It is like learning the language and customs of a foreign country for them.

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14 people found this helpful

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Remarkable Book

This book described me to a T. I tend to get lost in thought and a bit obsessed with one particular skill or subject for long periods of time. I prefer structure and planning which is why social skills are difficult as there's no roadmap for navigating my way through all the subtle nuances of human interaction.
The bits about 'awkward' children and 'gifted' children's personality traits overlapping was flattering and made me think about my talent for music at a very young age. I played the drums almost every day after school for about 10 years just because I felt compelled and almost obsessed with improving my play.
There were parts of this book that made me stop in my tracks because of how accurately it described my thoughts and behaviors. Almost like myself and the author share a brain.
I think this book will really hit home for a small group of people who can relate to the stories and observations the author has made here.
Overall a truly remarkable book that puts my personality in a new perspective and makes me appreciate my uniqueness. I will most likely read it a few more times.

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9 people found this helpful

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What Makes People Tick?

This author gives scientific, funny, and meaningful answers to how certain people's thinking makes them challenged and at the same time gives them an edge in life. The awkward people I know are now no longer such a mystery, and I appreciate them more than ever. perhaps even myself.

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This was a great audiobook but...

The Jargon in this book made me feel illiterate in a funny way. Great narrator.

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4 people found this helpful