Chris Hardwick's The Nerdist Way
This is basically a self help book. A step by step guide to getting your shit together written from the point of view of a nerd. It focuses on how you can use your obsessive nerdy tendencies to get yourself where you want to be. I know, I know, it sounds awful and the cover doesn't help much. Believe me though, it is incredible. The into is about how he was a nerdy kid with good potential who fucked it all up during his 20s. I actually shook Owen awake to play him this bit because it was so similar to situations we are working our ways out of. The book is then divided into 3 sections: mind, body and time - or something similar. He starts by getting you to plan your life as a. RPG - now I'm not a gamer but I loved this and may well try it. He then has wise words and a lot of great advice on the subjects of anxiety, panic, confidence and addiction, among other things. The exercise bit isn't so wonderful but still worth reading. That's as far as I've gotten but I expect it to pick up again for the last section. Really, I think it's just a lifestyle thing, the ,motivational stuff is still spot on.
There are no revolutionary Ideas BUT having them all presented in the right order, in a way that is funny and resonates with how I think, is pretty great. It is funny. I was literally crying during the bit about irrational fears but then again I find boobs and stupid puns hilarious.
I only know Chris Hardwick's from his podcasts but I think he does TV and stuff too. Anyway, if you are nerdy and struggling, get this book and read it. I also want to express my huge admiration for the fact that he has made a real fucking effort with the audiobook.
Notable quotes:
"Choices and decisions aren't trying to kill you."
and
"When your computer blues screens you can't just dump a pile of money and tits on it."
Actually, he's beggared my secret way in the future ambition - to wright something very much like this. Fuck you Hardwick!
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