Cover Image: The Escape Manual for Introverts

The Escape Manual for Introverts

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Member Reviews

ARC provided by NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing.

This book was way too on the nose for me, almost in a way that made me not like it because I felt a little cynical. It's hilarious with how accurately it depicts the thought processes of introverted people like myself who will go through great lengths of rationalization and maneuvering in order to avoid or minimize certain social interaction. The cynicism was brought out because it VERY CLEARLY and thoughtfully provides some tips on how to do these things, complete with illustrations of scenarios like large dinner parties and how to make social suggestions that others are most likely NOT to follow you up on.

It's the art of manipulation so introverts can have fuller control over things that might brain their batteries and result in dreaded moments out of their hands. I don't like a lot of social interaction, but I'm also of the mind that trying out new things is healthy. The silver lining is the book makes notes on how to minimize hurting relationships with people you care about. Yet, I can't help but feel like this is sort of an enabler book. It is a partner in crime for finding skillful ways to avoid other people. This Escape Manual is exactly that. It's a funny read, but it's also fully functional in its guidance. Yes, some of it is outlandish and probably won't work, like asking an accomplice to cut the power to the building so you have to leave the engagement. But for every few off kilter suggestions there is another that fully makes sense. For example, "starting the yawning train" that will covertly hint that the night is getting late and subliminally message to others that they may also be getting tired.

I love it, hate it and want a physical copy so I can spend time reading it instead of being with other humans.

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I knew from the very first second I saw this book that I needed to read it. I mean, honestly, <i>The Escape Manual for Introverts</i>? How could I not want this amazing model for how to deal with uncomfortable situations by Katie Vaz? Plain and simple, the opportunity to read this graphic novel was simply too good to pass up. So, naturally, I began this book with some pretty high hopes that I would be leaving it with a few tricks up my sleeve.

Well, the truth is that it was a little less helpful than I thought it would be. And it was a book that managed to be a little bit more cheesy than I imagined it would turn out. Did I hate it? Nah. Did I love it? A little? Ultimately, I feel as though this book got off to a great start. But then it got a little bit more ridiculous and a lot less serious. I don't think I learned anything from it that I didn't already know and some of the suggestions were just too silly to even consider. And the fact of the matter is that when I picked up this book, I was looking for some genuine help as to how to get out of social situations that made me uncomfortable. And I never really felt like I got that.

Now, granted, it's a pretty fun read. You do find yourself vaguely amused by parts of it. And I don't regret reading it or anything, but I imagine that if I had bought it I would have been a little disappointed. There's a strong likelihood that I would have kept it on my shelf, but I'll be the first to admit that it would be among the first to go if I was, for some reason, forced to downsize. So, ultimately, I do think that the book is enjoyable. I don't think it's really something I would call a <i>manual </i>though. That's its own kind of oxymoron, in my opinion.

So, in the end, I'd say <i>The Escape Manual for Introverts</i> was okay. It was somewhat good, somewhat silly. And while it wasn't my favorite, I'm sure someone else will enjoy it much more than I did.

<i>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

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This was a lot of fun. Not only was it hilarious and relatable, but some of the tips were actually pretty useful. I would gift this to all of my introvert friends and recommend it to extroverts so they can understand how far introverts will sometimes go to avoid being social.

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The Escape Manual for Introverts is so cute and fun! A wonderful addition to the introvert cartoon collection.

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This was a cute humor book of comics in a similar style as Debbie Tung's Book Love. In this book, Vaz addresses the different ways that introverts may need to escape for some alone time. They were split into chapters and situations with helpful tips, many of them hyperbolic. The drawing style is cute, and the book is easy to read or skim. As an introvert, I related to the scenarios, and I would recommend this to other introverts or as a gift book for introverts.

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Couldn’t get into this one? Didn’t care for the format and how with each scenario a tip was given to fill in a name, etc.

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A short, funny guide for introverts on how to escape certain social situations. As an introvert, I both laughed out loud at some of the ridiculous ideas and nodded my head vehemently at some of the tried-and-true tactics the author mentions. The art is cute (and very purple) and hipster-y. This is a quick read but very fun.

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This is such a cute, fun little book that will be much appreciated by anyone that finds themselves wishing they were at home in their comfy pants. Some of the suggestions are more serious while some are just for laughs, but I have found myself in just about every situation as an introvert. One we book lovers should keep in our escape arsenal is, "I'd love to, but I have book club." (Who has to know it's with yourself?)

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I'd like to thank the publisher and netgalley for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun read and I genuinely chuckled at some of the 'suggestions' of the manual.

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Thank you net galley for sending me a digital copy of this graphic novel.

This was a very quick and fun read. As an introvert, I could strongly relate to most of the situations. The book is exactly what the title suggests - that is - a guidebooks for all the introverts out there to help them wiggle out of any social situation. Katie Vaz's suggestions range from ordinary ways like, saying you have an important meeting etc. to hilariously preposterous methods such as staging your own kidnapping. This book did make me laugh sometimes but some parts of it was also a little obvious and boring. The illustrations were simple yet cute and effective. I would recommend this book to all the introverted and socially awkward people out there. It is a perfect read if you are looking for something lighthearted and fun.

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Well, wasn't this a cute and amusing little read? This is such a fun book for introverts, and I'm sure that I'm not the only one who saw themselves in the depicted characters. There were some excuses here that I haven't used before, but I think I will now go ahead and make up an invisible boyfriend, so they can become my scapegoat :) I loved the artwork and soothing colors of this book! I think I probably would've bought it just for that honestly.

I would say this would make for a good coffee table book, but that would also mean divulging the long-held introvert secrets to the greater public so I guess not, but it would be a fun book gift for other fellow introverts! Thanks NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

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The Escape Manual for Introverts is a cute little book that makes a big point: Introverts don't hate you, we just need a lot of alone time to recharge after socializing. The big dilemma is always taking care of our own needs without alienating those around us. With bright and striking illustrations, Katie Vaz humorously describes mostly effective escape strategies from a range of social events. She divides the book in sections, from friends and family to coworkers and strangers. There will definitely be a situation or two that applies to any introvert's life. (I am particularly grateful for the section on having extroverted roommates.) Good for giggles when you need them, and maybe an escape plan or two of your own.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC to read and review.

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This book is awesome! It's fun and entertaining and I found myself cracking up throughout. As an introvert I can certainly relate to trying to have an escape plan- but often fail miserably as I stumble over my words unable to come up with something to say other than I'd rather stay home alone! Sure, not all of the ideas are ideal or realistic (if you want to keep people in your life!) but there are several good tips in there that can work. I certainly will use some of these tips to avoid, escape and/or get out of certain social events. Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

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This book was so relatable! I loved the art style and could appreciate these situations very much,.
Even though not all the strategies were perfect strategies to remove yourself from situations, I do think that some of them could work.
This book was a nice break from my normal daily read. It was quick.. I read it in a sitting and gave me a few chuckles here and there. Had me thinking I am not alone! Thank goodness there are other people in the world that probably feel the same way and think the same things.
All in all fun read, highly recommend.

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Unfortunately my copy of this has some issues as alot of the pages are coming up blank. I'm using Aldiko app on a Samsung tablet.

If this issue is fixed I am still very interested in reading and reviewing this.

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This collection of cartoons gives introverts ways out of unwanted social interaction in varying degrees of plausibility. As an introvert, there are definitely times some of these techniques would come in handy. Others? They are just comical. This is a quick read offering some good chuckles as well as some good advice.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Actually 3.5.
I’m more of an ambivert myself but oh boy cenario 4 of the friend’s chapter was so painfully me! It’s especially hard for me to be outgoing around my family for some reason and that chapter was definitely my favorite one. I feel like i’m more of an awkward person than an hardcore introvert but I could still relate to the need to be alone, to just spend time with myself and have no one else around me. This book is really funny and lightweight, the illustrations were really “casually cute” and I love stuff like that.

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I loved the simplicity of this book and it made me laugh a lot. Anyone who enjoys their own company, or feels awkward in that of others, should be able to relate to most , if not all, the scenarios with their various escape plans. Fun and entertaining. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher, Andrews McMeel for an ARC.

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Super fast read. The intro is hilarious and very enjoyable. Any introvert that has been trapped in a social situation will appreciate these ideas of escape which are divided into 5 categories: Friends, relatives, coworkers, acquaintances, and strangers. Even includes a handy dandy Plausibility of Excuse Absurdity graph for reference.

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This graphic novel explores the different ways an introvert can escape social scenarios or minimize awkward social contact. Escape on a jet pack! Hire a kidnapper to get you away! Pretend you don't speak English.

Some of the suggestions are funny, but some are actually do-able. Some of the ideas would only last for a short time, and some are the perfect exit strategies.

If you are wondering how to escape an office party, how to get out of another dinner with your talkative aunt, or how to avoid eye contact with an acquaintance you barely know, this book will give you tips on excuses, disguises, small talk, and cover stories to get you out of any situation.

I loved the adorable comic illustrations! The hilarious subject material is highlighted by the high contrast artwork that uses only black, white, and purple. The whimsical lines enhance the comedy just as much as the text does.

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

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