Publisher: Tiger Blood International

Awkwardness has been one of the defining traits of the awkwardly unnamed first decade of our young century, dominating comedy on both the big and small screens. Could this trend point toward something deeper? In Awkwardness, Adam Kotsko answers that question with a resounding yes. Drawing on key insights of cultural theory, he argues that awkwardness is a structuring principle of human experience, something that the particular conditions of our time allow us to see with greater clarity than ever before. In an analysis that begins with the difference between the US and UK versions of Ricky Gervais's The Office, passes through the films of Judd Apatow, and culminates in the apotheosis of awkwardness, Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm, Kotsko looks at the ways we cope with our awkwardness and the unexpected opportunities awkwardness opens up when we stop resisting it and learn to enjoy it.

About Robert Griffin of Portland, OR

About Michael Grondin

Michel Grondin is an accomplished historian, teacher, and a colonel in the Canadian military. Montreal-based Scarlett James, a professional teaser, founded the first Burlesque Festival of Montreal in 2009. An aficionado of post-World War II glamour and nostalgia, Scarlett is set on reviving this classic art form.

About Adam Kotsko of NY, NY

Adam Kotsko holds a PhD from the Chicago Theological Seminary and is currently teaching at Kalamazoo College. His academic work focuses on contemporary European philosopy and the history of Christian thought, and he also writes on pop culture for a more general audience. Adam Kotsko holds a PhD from the Chicago Theological Seminary and is currently teaching at Kalamazoo College. His academic work focuses on contemporary European philosopy and the history of Christian thought, and he also writes on pop culture for a more general audience. Adam Kotsko holds a PhD from the Chicago Theological Seminary and is currently teaching at Kalamazoo College. His academic work focuses on contemporary European philosopy and the history of Christian thought, and he also writes on pop culture for a more general audience.

About Roger Mooking of Bronx, NY

Roger Mooking and Allan Magee are the creators of Everyday Exotic. Roger was trained at the George Brown Culinary Management Program and now chairs the Professional Advisory Committee. He is also a successful musician. His debut solo album is called Soul Food. Allan has received Writers Guild of Canada Mentorship Award and Banff World Television Festival's Producer of the Year.