Halfway through the introduction I was so sure I'd give this book a 5-star rating. It made me nostalgic, it made me laugh, it made me cry (hard) ... it made me remember how it was when I started writing hardcore (in highschool). In short, I was able to relate to the author's story. My father is not a writer but he introduced me to the wonderful world of literature. I thought this book was gold! A couple of pages into the first chapter I had to take down 2 stars. By the end of the book I had to take down another one. It wasn't bad. It was actually pretty good (and I'm not saying that just because I was able to relate). I get the self-deprecating humor that the author is apparently known for. I, too, have my insecurities growing up and until now. What I didn't like was the part where humor had to be at the expense of other people. There are a number of them throughout. Some are subtle, some are not. But even when they were subtly implied I felt like it was screaming at me. There were chapters that made me forget that I was put off by the supposedly funny and sarcastic remarks but then another one would come and I'd remember how annoying it is.
If I had to be specific I am referring to the examples and descriptions where the author had to use autism, harelip and children of parents with marital issues. The description using autism was the one that really pissed me off. Clearly the author does not know what it means.
If anything, this book reminded me why I rarely read self-help.
Two stars.
