I was granted a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Netgalley. This was a short, but very helpful book for people who are helping others through grief and situations. In a world where people are not accustomed to helping one another through trauma, this book will be a large help to both the grieving and their help. Highly recommend.

This was a short but very helpful guide for how to address difficult conversations in various areas of life. I found it entertaining to look through.

A guide about the awkward situations we all hope to not find ourselves in... but at some point, I think some of these will become relevant to us all, whether we are the instigator or the receiver. I thought some of these were insightful. I liked the idea and the execution. Based solely off the cover and title, I thought it was going to go the more humor/satire route, but it's not really like that.

Not sure what I expected but while there was lots of information inside I felt lacking when I reached the end. Seemed like the same scenario over and over. Good but not great IMHO. Thanks to The School of Life and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

Do you ever find yourself in an awkward situation, internally panicking trying to figure out the best way to handle it? Do you care about making the right impression, or handling tough situations gently and with the best results?

This is a cute short read offering many suggestions to how to get around the awkward situations that are unavoidable in life. They are bound to happen at one point or another, don't get caught off guard! This book will help you tackle these situations with grace and confidence.

I can especially see this book being useful for shy introverts who may feel embarrassed and put on the spot, though it is also suggested for extroverts; we can all benefit from a refreshing crash course every now in then.

Though its an easy read, its provides great tools that you could use again and again. This book is simple and to the point when it comes to providing examples and suggestions of how to handle yourself, and while its not perfect, it is a must read for persons of all ages.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is a little gem of a book. In School of life language, (which I hear in my head as the voice of Alain de Bottain) which just succinctly, and without arrogance explains some clear ways of articulating difficult conversations or thoughts with family, friends, partners, work colleagues and strangers. There’s something for everyone. Would be a perfect stocking filler gift.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review NetGalley.

This is a short collection of common awkward situations (they range from telling someone you are not interested, to owning up to being in the wrong, and even talking to your partner about fantasies of yours), along with some ways to frame the conversation that remind the person you are speaking to that you value, respect and acknowledge them.

While on the surface that can sound a bit airy, I think that they are handled well, especially when you consider some of the subject matter (i.e. firing someone) where the book reminds you that it is also horrible to be the person doing the firing, and therefore finding ways in saying it that you acknowledge that the honesty of the statement is doing you both a favour.

As someone who has followed The School of Life's YouTube page, and a bit of founder Alain de Botton's work in the past, this book did not feel that new to me, and felt instead like a slightly extended YouTube video or article. It does not go too deep into these questions, but is at least a nice little companion book to hopefully making the world a slightly nicer place.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

A helpful little book. Sometimes it’s so hard to find just the right words to say in difficult situations. This book can help with that.