Awkward

by T. Y. Tashiro
Awkward cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Psychology and Human Behavior
Technical
  • ID: 2502
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-15
  • ISBN: 9780062429179
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2017-04-25
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Awkward,' psychologist Ty Tashiro delves into the science of social awkwardness, revealing how the traits that make us feel uneasy in social situations can actually be the seeds for remarkable achievements. Drawing on decades of research in psychology, neuroscience, and sociology, Tashiro explains how awkward individuals view the world differently and offers insights into how we can embrace our quirks to realize our full potential. Through personal anecdotes and real-world examples, Tashiro illustrates how being awkward is not a flaw but a unique advantage. The book provides a counterintuitive message that challenges the notion of social perfection, showing how the same characteristics that make people socially clumsy can lead to extraordinary success.

Reviews
Siderite's Blog · 2024-12-22
mixed 3.50

The book starts strong with engaging content but loses some momentum towards the end. It is still a useful read for understanding awkwardness.

This reviewer was particularly impressed with the beginning of the book, finding it highly engaging and relatable. They wished they had read it earlier in life. While the end of the book is not as strong, it still offers valuable insights and practical advice. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to blend personal anecdotes with scientific research.

Quick quotes

    This book started GREAT. I wish I would have read it when I was 12. Or 15. Or 21.

    The end is not as good, but still useful.

    It offers a unique perspective on something that many of us experience but rarely discuss openly.

Eustea Reads · 2021-08-17
insightful 4.00

The book is an engaging exploration of awkwardness, filled with relatable stories. It offers insights into why some people are awkward and how to embrace it.

This reviewer found the book to be a fascinating read, particularly enjoying the personal anecdotes and psychological insights. They appreciated how the author blends humor with science to make the topic of awkwardness more approachable. The book is seen as a valuable resource for anyone who has ever felt out of place in social situations.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I found this to be an interesting book on what it means to be awkward.

    I enjoyed the many stories from Tashiro and his patients.

    It offers a new perspective on something that many of us experience but rarely discuss openly.

The Book Stop · 2018-11-15
reassuring 3.75

The book takes a unique approach to understanding awkwardness and provides practical advice. It is both informative and reassuring for those who feel awkward.

This reviewer highlights how the book offers a fresh perspective on awkwardness, explaining its causes and providing strategies to cope with it. They found the blend of scientific research and personal stories to be particularly effective. The book is praised for its ability to make readers feel understood and less alone in their experiences.

Quick quotes

    This book looks at awkwardness in a different way, explaining what it is, why some of us have it, and how we can deal with it.

    It provides a comprehensive look at the science behind social awkwardness.

    The book is a comforting read for anyone who has ever felt awkward in social situations.

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