by Jon Winokur
First published 2005
Jon Winokur takes readers on an alphabetical journey through the peculiar behaviors that define modern existence. The creator of THE PORTABLE CURMUDGEON turns his sharp eye to the compulsions, nervous habits, and coping mechanisms that reveal our collective unease. From A to Z, Winokur catalogs the small rituals and reflexive actions that betray our inner tensions. He examines how people navigate social situations, workplace pressures, and daily uncertainties through an arsenal of tics and mental gymnastics. The book reveals patterns in seemingly random behaviors, showing how shared anxieties manifest in predictable ways across different personalities and circumstances. Winokur's observations cut through pretense to expose the universal human need for control in an unpredictable world.
Genres: psychology, humor, reference, non-fiction
Vibes: dark, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: gritty, social-commentary
Period: 21st-Century
288 pages · Hardcover · St. Martin's Press