Blown Sideways Through Life: A Hilarious Tour de Resume
Blown Sideways Through Life: A Hilarious Tour de Resume
Overweight and depressed, Claudia Shear eats her way through 64 menial jobs in this true account of a woman’s life at the edges of society. Artist’s model, receptionist at a whorehouse, waitress, proofreader, Shear is the underling’s underling and gives us a droll, insightful and ultimately frightening look at the inner lives of those who serve us. Do you ever wonder what the person who asks you, “Would you like fries with that?” is thinking–about you and herself? Shear knows–and tells us with wit and compassion. A thought-provoking and funny glimpse of the nameless workers who make the world go round.A wild adventure through the American work force follows the sixty-four-job career of Claudia Shear, who worked as a pastry chef, a nude model, a waitress, a whorehouse receptionist, and a Wall Street proofreader before finding the job of her dreams. Reprint. NYT.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Hard Knocks won’t stop this Standup Actor!
Claudia takes us on her journey… and in doing so makes a name for herself. This is a well written and thoughtful book. A one woman show! A standup and take notice comedy!
4 Stars Why is this Book Impossible to Find?
I had imagined that every working adult would like a copy of this book. I’ve so-far owned two copies, both of which were lent out and never returned. I imagine that somebody out there (well, two actually) must have liked it as much as I do and I’m not mad at them, as the third time I went for a copy I found the book on tape, read by the author.
I realise that it is now hard to find with no new printing in sight, but if you ever do spot a copy somewhere, you need it. If you went to university and ended up flipping burgers, buy it. If you’ve ever found yourself in a strange place after having lied your way into employment and about to do something you’re having second thoughts about, buy it. If you’re just entering the work force for the first or sixty fourth time, buy it!
5 Stars A must have
Blown Sideways Through chronicles Claudia Shear’s search for the true job, and the 64 jobs she had to enjoy/endure so far) before she she found the job (or career) that was right for her. Brunch chef at Fire Island, nude model,proofreader, receptionist at an brothel; Shear always spins a good story, and amuses us with life’s wierdness. This is also a truthful look at the life many of us live. We have jobs, not careers, working where we can to make the money we need to live our lives. Shear makes no apology for the meandering work path she has chosen. There is dignity and humor in her retelling of seemingly menial jobs (some of them were pretty horrid). I think her rant of the observed rudeness of a donut store patron, and the pevelent attitude of “looking down” on service industry people is a must read for every person. Funny, insightful and honest, this is a book that deserves a reprint.
5 Stars I still have a secret crush on her 8 years later…
As Ms. Shear says, “Everyone has a story that would stop… your… heart.” I caught her show late late one evening on NPR as I was getting ready to do another speech to hopefully inspire some young people to leave Job Corps and do good with their life - I was burnt out and uninspired myself and just listening to what she had to say - nevermind watching her magnificent presence on the small screen - brought me back up. It took me years to find this book in a library; and I’m glad to be able to buy another copy - maybe another 10 copies to give to people I know need it. Anyone who has ever felt beat down by their work and their lives melded into an amazing wash of effort to keep one nostril above the waves; anyone who has ever felt walked on by the world will be inspired by this wonderful woman’s story.
5 Stars I think I wrote this book!
When I look back at the multitude of menial jobs I’ve worked in my life, I see that I could easily write a book about them, but Ms. Shear has beaten me to the punch! If I didn’t know better, I would think I had written this book!She, like me, has worked a variety of jobs that run the gamut. If you’ve just up and quit your job, read this book. If you’re shlepping away at a menial ball-and-chain, read this book. If you’re floating from one occupation to another in the hope of finding the perfect career, read this book. If you’ve been working at the same company for 20 years and have no intention of ever leaving, read this book. If you’re a CEO pulling in a six-digit salary, read this book. If you’re independently wealthy and don’t have to work, read this book.Regardless of which of the above statements applies to you, you will come away a more enriched person for having read BSTL.
Filed under: Resume Writing Book Reviews