Today I’ve just finished reading “The Art of Asking” by Amanda Palmer and here is my review.
I have been a fan of Amanda Palmer ever since I’ve seen her inspiring TEDtalk from last year (see video below).
Amanda Palmer is known as the singer of the Dresden Dolls and she’s also most famous for being the “Queen of Kickstarter”. She was successful at Kickstarter for raising millions of dollars for her solo album, “Theater Is Evil” that was released in 2012.
This book is not just a memoir. It’s also a self-help book, the way I looked at it. I’ve read a lot of celebrity memoirs over the years and I’ll tell you. This book here was the most honest and real memoir I’ve ever read. It really was a powerful, moving and inspiring read. Amanda wrote this book as if she’s writing on a blog. She spoke from her mind. Writing all of her thoughts down.
She told interesting stories of how she made a living over the years. She didn’t want to get a regular 9 to 5 full time job like most normal people. She wanted to make money her own way… just by “asking”. Not really “begging”. She started off being a street performer. She started off as a living statue, the 8 foot bride… where she would dress up in a wedding dress and paint her face white. She would have a hat in front of her where people can put money in and when people put money in, she’ll give them a flower. She went from being a street performer to a musician. You probably remember that name Amanda Palmer of her famous band, The Dresden Dolls (I’m sure you’ve heard of them before).
This book is not just about Amanda and music. It’s not about her kickstarter success. This book is all about the art of learning how to “ask”. She just wants you to learn to not be afraid to ask for things like money, help, friendship, love, etc. Whatever. That’s what she teaches you in this book.
I couldn’t put this book down. It took me like 3 or 4 days to read. I’m glad I read it. Now that I finished it, I really want to get into Amanda Palmer’s music now and I’m planning on getting her Dresden Dolls albums and her solo albums too. She really is an inspiring woman. I started looking up to her ’cause she reminds me of myself in so many ways. She’s controversial and different. She’s trying to be understood… just like myself. She maybe the most hated woman on the internet but she’s passionate about the things that she does whether it’s her music or writing. She is somebody I would like to meet in person someday and she is somebody that I could talk to for hours and hours.
She maybe a little weird and a little crazy but who isn’t, ya know? We all are so what’s the big freakin’ deal??? I respect her for wanting to help people and she’s just an awesome woman. I’ve been following her social networking stuff since her TEDtalk last year and still follow her stuff today.
If you like inspiring and powerful reads, you should definitely check this book out. I am glad to finally have read it.
Kev
K'Brocking 