Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come

This book did a much heavier lift than I expected. I was anticipating it to be more of a “cool story, bro” about a reluctant introvert being dragged from one uncomfortable social situation to the next.

While this book definitely included uncomfortable moments for the author, I was cheering her on the entire way. Jessica Pan’s experience as a freelance writer and her witty sense of humor definitely elevates this book from a cool experiment to one that could have fundamentally changed my life.

It’s not only a permission slip to talk to strangers, but one that encourages you to move beyond small talk with them. It’s agreeing to do something that terrifies you, and instead of backing out or constantly planning an early exit strategy, you do the thing. Terrified. But you do the thing. And the world does not end, nor do you experience the entire population of the world pointing their fingers and laughing at you.

This is a book I’m definitely keeping, but recommending everyone I know to read it themselves. I hope when I re-read this book after rediscovering it on my shelf that I’ll experience the same magical feeling.