WEIRD BUT NORMAL Essays on the Awkward, Uncomfortable, Surprisingly Regular Parts of Being Human

Humorist Mia Mercado's debut collection of self-deprecating, insightful essays drawn from her personal experiences is a must-listen for anyone wondering if their perceived idiosyncrasies are "normal." Suitable pauses between essays transition listeners through sections dedicated to various modes of being that millennials will find relatable. Mercado's essays combine humor and social commentary on growing up and adulting in the Midwest as a biracial Filipino. Her conversational pacing and playful tone are engaging throughout open discussions of such phenomena as awkward preteen beauty pageants, online dating, body image and mental health issues, and confessional blogs from the early 2000s. Additional selections feature a satirical new-employee orientation, delivered by Mercado in the chipper voice of a commercial announcer, and a cat's eye view of her life. J.R.T. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2020]