Let's make some awkward

We've all experienced it:  that moment when we do or say something that we wish we could take back.  Or just feeling as if everyone else has it together, while we are still trying to figure out the rules.  The book This is Awkward argues that these moments of unease and discomfort are necessary for us to grow by embracing our vulnerability.

Sammy Rhodes is a campus minister who has struggled with awkward moments his whole life.   From being caught looking at porn in college to watching his mother break into his father's house to get some dirt to use in a divorce case, Rhodes has had his share of awkward moments.  However, he's quick to point out that these moments happen to everyone and are part of being human.  Rather than hiding your uneasy moments (and the shame that will fester because of it), it's better to be vulnerable and embraced for who you are, warts and all.

The author illustrates many of his ideas with Biblical references and begins the book by stating that awkward moments are "invitations to know the grace of God."  He tackles subjects such as parenting, divorce, depression, porn, online addiction and donut devotion.  He shares many of his own struggles and personal stories that give show how he tackled some of the issues himself.

Rhodes has apparently been very popular on social media and this is his first book.  He intersperses sections in each chapter about how he must be crazy to think he can write a book, how he doesn't know how to get started, what he's doing/listening to in order to get the creative juices flowing, etc.  I'm not sure of the purpose of all of that I-don't-know-what-I'm-doing-but-here-goes fluff, other than filling up pages. Yes, that is also awkward to read, but a few instances (rather than over and over) would have sufficed!

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of This is Awkward from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for this review