Tuesday, May 22, 2012

This Is How: Proven Aid in Overcoming Shyness, Molestation, Fatness, Spinsterhood, Grief, Disease, Lushery, Decrepitude & More. For Young and Old Alike. (Augusten Burroughs)

 What do you do when you're thirsty? Most people get a drink. Simple enough. But what if you didn't know what to drink? Or you were tired of the same thing or you just wanted something different? You could grab a soda or juice or go for one of those energy drinks or something with guava or pomogranate or b vitamins or acai or whatever else trendy thing the world is telling us to drink. But what if you said to yourself, I'm thirsty and a voice came from out of nowhere and suggested water. Out of the tap. After all, it's cool, and readily available, does the job and it's free. Nah, I don't want water, you think to yourself. It's plain and boring and way too easy.

That's what this book is like to me. It's the simplest of advice to live by that we usually ignore because it's just too basic or obvious. There is no magic here, folks. Just a good old fashioned slap in the face that you needed to get your perspective straight. And no one is above a good perspective straightening-ing. This book rocks, it's epic and it needs to be read. By everyone. Becuase if you think you're perfect YOU Are NOT!!! but that's okay, because if we were I think the planet would explode or something. And besides, imperfection is vastly underrated and it's what makes us unique.

This book is written but a guy who on paper would seem unfit to give advice. He has no official credentials.
But what he does have is experience and a gift to put this thoughts on paper. He doesn't sugar coat anything and the essays on what I feel are the major issues in people's lives are put so succinctly- there is no filler or flattery or curly--q's to distract you. It's just what he's learned and it's going to make you think. Hard. You might not like what he has to say because sometimes (or most of the time) the truth hurts. But as much as it may spoil your rosy colored view of your life (which is probably just denial anyway) it's going to cleanse you and let you start from a truthful honest and healthier place. You only have one life and it's a waste to think you can't benefit from some words of wisdom- and that's what this book is, all words of wisdom. If anything, read the chapter on confidence. That's worth it's weight just in that essay. And it's free if you get it from your library :)
If you're unsure of the book, check out the link to a youtube short video of the author and his audience (and see how appreciative they are of what he has given to them in words) Just be prepared for a few not so PG words.

1 comment:

  1. I will definitely have to browse through this book! It sounds like an interesting and worthwhile way to spend a rainy day.

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