Oh, the Humanity
by Jason Roeder
Published by TOW Books
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Reviewed by Connie Anderson
Subtitled: A Gentle Guide to Social Interaction for the Feeble Young Introvert
Okay, truth first. It’s been a LONG time since I was a young introvert, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying Jason Roeder’s effort at telling his story.
The book is filled with lots of tongue-in-cheek (at least I hope so), quirky, edgy, smart-alecky advice.
This book is divided into three parts.
Part I: Essential Qualities You Lack looks at confidence, humor, curiosity and empathy.
Confident people have overcome their fear-or come to terms with it, or do things in spite of it. Drinking for confidence (never drink and drive–unless of course the Red Bull and vodka totally cancel each other out, pg. 13).
Part II: Conversations for People Who’d Rather Be Home Fondling Their Record Collection, Knitting Berets for Pets They May or May Not Actually Have, or Just Sitting in a Dark Room, Dreaming of a Darker Room.
This chapter title, longer than some books, covers small talk/chit chat, working with difficult people and difficult topics, nonverbal communication, like body language, and how to deal with people from different cultures.
Humor can win people over, if you’re funny. If not, ouch—unless you learn to laugh at yourself. It’s important to “know your audience.”
Nonverbal communications—gestures that include smiling, eye contact, nodding, posture, physical contact like shaking hands, touching, hugs and kisses. The author introduces you to the unique ways men and women approach each of these!
Part III: Making Friends that Last a Lifetime (Or until they just kind of drift); Friends, who is a friend? and where will I find my friend and will you be my friend.
This talks about FWB (friends with benefits), acquaintances and pals. His “interview with a Pal) Pg. 130 is fun–but also true.
Jason Roeder’s humor has been published in many magazines, including Writer’s Digest where he wrote a humorous article about how to get out of a book club in a 2007 issue.
Armchair Interviews says: Humor for the young that can be enjoyed by the not-as-young.
Author’s Web site: http://www.JasonRoeder.com