This Might Get Awkward

Reba Buhr’s narration is a revelation—her playful, over-the-top tone turns Elise’s social anxiety into a comedic force, while still landing the emotional punches with precision. I adored how she exaggerated the protagonist’s internal panic during group settings, making the audiobook feel like a live performance. The story’s premise is genius: a girl who avoids social interactions meets a boy who weaponizes awkwardness to break her down. McDowell’s script is packed with situational humor, like Elise’s disastrous attempts to decode a group text or her disastrous first date, but it’s the quiet moments that really resonate. Buhr’s ability to shift from Elise’s self-conscious mutterings to the boy’s smug, deadpan lines is a masterclass in character differentiation. However, the pacing falters in the middle chapters, where the story’s secondary plot about Elise’s family feels underdeveloped and rushed. Also, the resolution leans a bit too heavily on clichés, undercutting the earlier subversive humor. That said, the audiobook’s charm is undeniable. The production quality is crisp, with subtle sound effects (like the crinkling of paper during anxiety attacks) that enhance the awkwardness. It’s a wild, heartfelt ride that’ll make listeners laugh until their sides hurt and then quietly reflect on their own social missteps.