Found in Birmingham

Review: 'The Art of Asking' - Amanda Palmer

As an avid Amanda Palmer fan, there wasn't a chance in hell I'd pass up reading this book. Thanks to the delights of Twitter, I'd been following the creation of this book, through Palmer's regular updates, almost since it was first announced.

The Art of Asking (full name: The Art of Asking or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help), came off the back of Palmer's honest and brilliant TED talk (you can watch that here), which followed her massively successful Kickstarter project. And, despite Twitter etc, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I began reading this book. Was it going to be more of an autobiographical or a train-of-thought type read? Would it reference things I didn't understand? Would it appeal to an American/musical audience? Was it for people starting out in Palmer's industry, or entrepreneurs? Really, I was wondering, although I'm a fan of Amanda Palmer and enjoyed and connected with her TED talk, would this be the book for me?

Well, I must confess, I didn't sit down and read it in a few hours. At over 300 pages, I didn't think I would. But neither did I finish it in a few days. It's taken me months. Part of this is because I've been trying to read more than one book at once (an unsuccessful approach, I've learned). Part of this is because I was hooked when reading it, but also reading just before bed, and just didn't have the time or energy to commit to sitting and reading for a few hours. 

Lesson 1: this book needs time. It's not a difficult read, but I definitely got more out of it when I read for a stretch of time.

A bus ride from UK to Italy gave me that time. 

With the freedom to read, this book had me. All my worries about if I was the correct audience were banished. With carefully selected moments from her life, images and lyrics; Palmer's struck a balance between autobiography, story-telling and 'an idea'. The premise is the journey Palmer's undertaken (and still travelling through) to become accustomed to, rather than ashamed of, asking for help. There are enough personal references to ground the ideas (and please fans), coupled with the idea that there's no shame in asking for help. Palmer acknowledges the difficulties she's personally experienced in asking for help and reflects upon these. The conclusions seem quite obvious when you think about what she's saying: there are times when we all need help; it's ok to ask.


The audience questions I had before starting this book; therefore, are irrelevant. As I read Palmer's story, I could identify completely with her anxieties in asking and trusting. I may not be a musician or an entrepreneur, I'm a young teacher who writes poems, but I understood and connected with the message in the same way I did with the TED talk.

As a fan, I appreciated the personal insights. They helped to create the connection which Palmer has nurtured throughout her career. However, even if I'd never heard of Amanda Palmer, I would read this book for the message. This book is about trust. Trusting others and trusting yourself. Palmer trusts her reader in the same way she trusts her audiences when couchsurfing, crowdsurfing or allowing them to draw all over her.

A quotation on the cover states: "Amanda Palmer's generous work of genius will change the way you think about connection, love and grace" (Seth Godin). It really does. In a world of cynicism, where the media force-feeds us fear and corruption, it's a breath of fresh-air to read a book which shows you that it's ok to trust people.

"To be an artist is to live out your fantasies"

The quotation in the title is something I just heard on the radio. I wasn't completely paying attention, but this line jumped out. I've been pondering it ever since. Can you only live out your fantasies through art? Is art solely about living out your fantasies? I thought it was a ridiculous statement at first, but I'm warming to the idea. Then I think, actually, that experiences allow you to live out your fantasies - art isn't necessarily a part of it. I'm sure I'll change my mind again.


This post wasn't to wonder about radio statements.


Writing has recommenced and I feel so much better for it. It's the school holidays. I went to Italy. The journey was long (and part of a school trip), but I finished Amanda Palmer's 'The Art of Asking', which is a brilliant read. It definitely made me think about my own opinions on 'asking' (and why I'm so reluctant to do it). 

I took some time away from work. I took some time away from the internet. I left the country. I did different things, made new and exciting plans. I made some big decisions. I think it's this which has allowed me to start writing again.

Today is a concrete grey, rainy, typically British day. 
I am filled with ideas and inspirations.

Hopefully this blog will reflect more of the 'writer' in me rather than the recent uncertainty.

Watch this space...