my take: One of my ladies in recovery suggested this … she was gleaning great truths and underlining multiple passages.

The full title: This is How – Help for the Self – Proven Aid in Overcoming Shyness, Molestation, Fatness, Spinsterhood, Grief, Disease, Lushery, Decrepitude & more. For the Young and Old Alike. Pretty much something for everyone.

I’d never read Augusten before … he had a dysfunctional upbringing and was an addict/alcoholic so I can see why my friend could relate. Although I had a fairly benign childhood and no drug addiction, I got some good stuff from this book.

It’s written in a bit of an in-your-face style … with a lot of sarcasm thrown in … chapter titles such as, “How to Fail,” “How to Feel Sorry for Yourself,” and “How to End Your Life” mixed in with “How to Shatter Shame” and “How to Get Over Your Addiction to the Past.” thoughtful and thought-provoking and not actually about suicide.

I didn’t agree with all the advice, but I was challenged and changed…will keep on the shelf for reference when I need a kick in the pants.

my source: thanks, C——

my verdict: cut-through-the-crap self help; worth a read