The Art of Asking
| Company type | Memoir |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | November 11, 2014 |
| Founder | Amanda Palmer |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Book, Audiobook |
The Art of Asking: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help is a 2014 memoir authored by American musician Amanda Palmer, with an introduction penned by Brené Brown. The book traces Palmer's evolution from her initial days as a performer to her established status in the music industry. Composed over a four-month period in early 2014 after her appearance at the Sydney Festival, the hardcover edition was published by Grand Central Publishing on November 11, 2014, followed by the release of a paperback version on October 20, 2015.
Synopsis
Building upon concepts introduced in her TED talks presentation, Palmer elaborates on her growth as an artist and shares perspectives on fostering meaningful connections with audiences.
Reception
The critical reception of The Art of Asking was varied. While Flavorwire praised the book’s impassioned message and its significance, it expressed doubts about its relevance to a wider readership. NPR offered criticism of Palmer’s viewpoint for neglecting social dynamics such as race and class that influence one’s capacity to seek assistance. The Boston Globe acknowledged the heartfelt elements within the narrative but characterized the work as sometimes inconsistent and occasionally exasperating.
From a commercial standpoint, the book secured positions on The New York Times bestseller lists, indicating notable sales success.
Audiobook
The audiobook version is narrated by Palmer herself and includes musical performances. Additionally, an Audible edition is available for listeners.
External links
- (TED2013)