The Nerdist Way

I just want to start off to say this book changed my life in many many profound ways.  Before I go into my review I just want to take this time in my post to thank Chris Hardwick ( @nerdist on twitter) even though I know he will never read this review.  Without further ado I give you

The Nerdist Way: How To Reach The Next Level.... In Real Life
By: Chris Hardwick
Audio Book voiced by Chris Hardwick

This book released on hard cover back on November 1st 2011 (According to Amazon).  If you know Chris Hardwick you may think of the guy who shouts POINTS! on @Midnight or the host of the Talking Dead and Host of Nerdist On BBC amongst many other things.  But at one point he was an author.  When I first ordered this book I was expecting a comedy filled auto biography (because I read those from time to time). What I got was a book that showed me ways to get out of my own way and forge ahead with my idea.  "JUST FUCKING DO IT." Is a quote in the book that resonated with me when I was coming up with the Idea of Generation Nerd.  But enough of me pro-fusing my love for this book.

The Nerdist Way is broken down into three parts.  1. Mind; 2. Body; 3. Time.  Each part told through auto biographical narration of the authors life combined with thought provoking theories. Shape each part of the book and gives the reader things to think about; take away ideas; and helps the reader to find ways to be a better human in general. 

One way in which he helps you is by RPGing your life.  Meaning by creating a visual representation of your honest assessment of yourself and your skills.  It helps you build up Experience Points that you set the values one to help you obtain goals and grow in your life.  He uses a dumbed down form of the Dungeons and Dragons character sheets for you to model your character sheet after. (Though I personally think the World Of Darkness sheet would be more applicable and easier to manipulate than D&D's).  As you go through the book you add to this sheet in sections of the books called Charactersize which means it is a work out for you to do in the chapter.



One of the main points the book makes throughout is this.  "Nerds are hyper self aware and have intense focusing capabilities."  It shows you many ways in which you can use your intense focusing skills to create and become better at everything you could want to do in life.

It goes over a wide variety of topics.  From stress and anxiety, to conquering fears and addiction.  Even during those sections of the book the author stresses you to seek professional help if you truly need it and not to just take his advice or what he is saying in the book.  Which is an excellent thing to do.  In the body section he gives you a basics guideline on things you can do to start you in the direction of a healthy body constructed by his personal trainer.  In the section Time it gives the readers ways to increase productivity; manage time; how to set up goals and reach for them (on a deeper level)

Overall I highly recommend this book.  As I stated earlier it changed my life for the better and I continue to go back and read and listen to it.  My very simple review does not do the book justice.  Chris Hardwick is a much more eloquent writer and speaker than I am.  I implore you.  Go out and read this book.  I give this book a 9 out of 10.  You can find it on sale at Amazon and Barnes & Nobels