Fess upwhens the last time you were in a really awkward situation? Chances are that it was as recently as five minutes ago, thanks to common landmines like first dates, roommate scuffles, and your friends penchant for posting party photos on Facebook. Fortunately, Sam Scholfield has your back in Awkward: What to Do When Life Makes You Cringe (Experiment Press, $12.95). This super useful guide addresses scenarios ranging from embarrassing (e.g. drunk texting your boss) to excruciating (how to turn down a marriage proposal). Better still, each scenario is accompanied by several potential solutions, labeled by how passive or confrontational you wish to beso you can choose based on your personality. Awkward is as entertaining as it is helpful, but the real appeal is Scholfield herself, who comes off like your awesome aunt who suffered through her teens and twenties and lived to tell about it. ERIKA HOBART
Sat., Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m., 2011
