Awkward: The Science of Why We're Socially Awkward and Why That's Awesome
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.
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Ty Tashiro, PhD, is the author of The Science of Happily Ever After. His work has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Time.com, TheAtlantic.com, and on NPR and SiriusXM Stars radio. He received his doctorate in psychology from the University of Minnesota, has been an award-winning professor at the University of Maryland and University of Colorado, and has addressed TED@NYC, Harvard Business School, MIT's Media Lab, and the American Psychological Association. He lives in New York City.
"Tashiro has become an evangelist for his kind...positing that there's an upside to all this nerding out.... In many ways "Awkward" is a memoir...packed with vignettes from the author's childhood, even as it loops in scientific studies and Darwinian theory." -- Washington Post
"In Awkward, Ty Tashiro expertly blends humorous anecdotes with the latest research findings to illustrate the unique skills often associated with awkwardness. It is a must read for anyone who is awkward or knows someone awkward." -- Patricia Frazier, Ph. D., associate chair of the Department of Psychology and Distinguished McKnight University Professor, University of Minnesota
"This book is a refreshing reminder that uniqueness and eccentricities are strengths, not liabilities. A gift for everyone who has worried about fitting in and being judged by other people. Entertaining and practical." -- Dr. Todd B. Kashdan, author of The Upside of Your Dark Side and Curious?
"Complete with exercises, quizzes, sound advice, and a practical yet supportive tone, Tashiro offers the closest thing to a roadmap for "happily-ever-after." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Five-Stars." -- San Francisco Review of Books
"An academic and psychologist examines the 'quirks and unique talents of awkward individuals' and why it's not so bad to be awkward...the author assures that awkwardness can be a gift and that one can be grateful for it." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Mixing personal anecdotes with summaries of psychological studies, Tashiro effectively delivers an informative and engaging pop psychology piece on what it's like to be socially challenged." -- Library Journal
"Illustrating his points with fascinating examples, Tashiro discusses the way awkward people deal with emotional situations...and, how we can learn to love our own awkwardness to bring ou the best in ourselves. An entertaining mix of social science and pop psychology." -- Booklist Online
