The Art of Asking How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help

I don't have a review per se. Just a note. This is not a book to listen to while on the subway. I cried like a baby, sobbed. Sometimes the sad, commiserating kind of cry like when a stranger tells you their mom has died - sometimes the "so many feels" kind of cry that is just bursting of some unknowable emotion that needs an escape. I cried. Many times. This book really hit me. I'm okay at giving, not as good at the receiving - that goes for compliments, for money, for help, for support, for hugs. Hearing Amanda's story, and how she sees the asking - how it's an act of trust. That. That is important, and beautiful and wonderful. If you see Amanda in person, give her a hug from me. She helped me today, and I didn't even realize I had asked for the help. Okay. another point: I read another review on Amanda's blog about how Amanda was successful because of white privilege ... that hits me too. there is a class/race issue that isn't really addressed here. I'm not sure how many of us have access to the dude who rents out his house to artists at low rates and lets them use it for art and parties and gigs. Or access to friends who can front money to pay the band for months. And I agree with that criticism, that isn't the world Amanda Palmer built yet is the one we all live in. And ... her message about trust and asking and giving and receiving, it's a message we can all learn from. Perhaps we can think of giving more when we're able to. Think of who we can give to and who we can support. Broaden the base as it were. Asking is trust and love, giving is trust and love and acceptance. Let's learn from that.

Terrific. Original. Polarising. Honest. These and more could apply to Amanda and this delightful little book, which is like a breath of fresh air and truly unique. Really enjoyed her story, her despair, her openness and her mindset about taking the donuts. Entrepreneur, artist or employee, anyone anyone could benefit from reading this book and opening up to her ideas. I hardly ever give five stars, but this treasure deserves kudos for its unique concept - so simple, so powerful, but often so difficult. By opening up about her struggles, hopefully it will make others more at ease with their own. Read it. I'm asking you.

Best idea from this book is that being a creative human involves collecting, connecting, and sharing. It’s maybe overly broad a definition, since I think any complex system has these elements, but it’s a useful one.

I didn't really know who Amanda Palmer is but I had heard so many good things about this book that I got the audiobook. I'm so glad I did. One second I was crying, the next I was laughing. It's very honest and human...comforting. Highly recommend if you're in need of some love or hugs.

Loved it, very insightful, raw, honest and inspiring.

I wanted to read this book even since I saw her Ted Talk - which is this an extension of. But it was one of those books I put off buying since I had this feeling I would love it. Flash forward to about a year later and this books shows up at work. It's a sign: I must buy it. This is an inspiring guide for artists, creators and, really, humans everywhere. I'm in awe of the trust Amanda has in her fans and her ability to share her entire life with them. And I mean everything from raising over a million dollars on Kickstarter to marriage problem and crippling self-doubt. Amanda knows first hand that asking is scary but also that it's a gift that's in constant circulation. This is a story I will return to again and again, whenever I'm looking for a pick-me-up. So if you need help, just do as Amanda say and take that doughnut!

After hearing Amanda's Ted talk, I was excited to hear she had a book out that elaborated on the topic. The title of the book makes it sound like it's in the self help genre, but actually this is a memoir using asking for help as a unifying theme throughout her life. The openness of the memoir, and the issues she faced were refreshing to hear. An optimistic story that left me feeling good and wanting to read more by Neil Gaiman (her husband).

This book introduced me to and made me fall in love with Amanda Palmer. I didn't know a lot about her before, but wanted a non-fiction book to read. And boy oh boy did I pick the right one. I don't want to go on and on about the book but it was absolutely amazing. Definitely gave me so much to think about for a long time. Wonderful, beautiful book.