The Daily Gamecock

Issue date: 10/29/07 Section: The Mix

Four out of five stars

"Oh, the Humanity!" by Jason Roeder is probably one of the most humorous self-help books around.

Roeder couples helpful tips with laugh-out-loud humor to make this guide to social interaction an extremely fun read.

For those that are less fortunate in social interactions, this book provides the answers to all of those nagging questions about small talk, body language and general contact with human beings.

Jason Roeder isn't just funny, he has a bachelor's degree in psychology so there is some legitimate backing to his tips.

The relaxing, conversational tone of the book allows the reader who may be totally terrified of social interaction to ease into the process of being a social god.

The book is broken up into three parts. Part one is "Essential Qualities you Lack." This part talks about confidence, humor, curiosity and empathy. Each chapter is a stepping stone to becoming a social being. In each chapter the author takes the time to break everything down in the simplest forms while still being really funny.

Part two has an exhaustively long title that adds to the humor but is basically about talking to people. It builds from part one with the hopes that the reader has left their mother's basement, or the internet and has ventured into the real world.

Part two covers small talk, difficult people and topics, nonverbal communication and effective cross-cultural communication. Roeder once again leaves little pearls of wisdom and humor along the way.

Part three is about friends, making and keeping them. This part contains tips on making friends and how to let friends go if need be.

Roeder is a seemly intelligent, charismatic and humorous writer who alludes to his past as a social recluse throughout the book.

While Roeder jokes around through out the book he does offer some really great tips for the socially inept. They are easy to follow and easy to understand. Each chapter is sectioned off well, yet they each build on one another.

It is not recommended that you read this book in public. This reader found herself stifling giggles and covering her mouth as not to look like a feeble young introvert.

This book is a great read for anyone. It doesn't matter if you are a god of the social stratosphere, a feeble young introvert or just someone who might be a little shy.

"Oh, the Humanity!" comes highly recommended as a gift for that strange cousin, weirdo aunt or your abstract roommate that plays hours of "Everquest."

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