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Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 8:18 PM

News Year's Reviews -- That Was Awkward

News Year's Reviews -- That Was Awkward

I received a fantastic small novel by Emily Flake last week for Christmas. Her book, That Was Awkward: The Art and Etiquette of the Awkward Hug, explains the array of awkward hug types. Separated into categories of relationships, business, and family, these hugs are relatable to all and make you cringe thinking about them. At the same time, the relatability of each description makes the book quite fun to read.   

This book is also extremely sharable. Because of its brevity and interesting cartoon representations of each hug, the book can be shared with a group of friends or family members as conversation starters. Flake’s descriptions are vivid enough to make me recall many an awkward hug like the “awkward coffee date” hug, or an unnerving “hallway colleague” hug.   

The piece is minimalist in description and length, but overflows with wit and powerful descriptions. Flake’s tone and voice through each hug description sounds like the same conversations I have when out to lunch with friends. This is a fun and fast read to enjoy while ringing in the New Year – especially since no one has been able to hug each other for nine to ten months.  


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Comment author: BonnieComment text: Good Luck to all of you. I mean this sincerely. My family fought the Navy for years. My parents owned Horse Creek (Pat and Linda Dempsey). They strung them along for years until they had no financial choice but to accept and get out. My Dad even hauled water for the Snow ranch trying to stay afloat. May God bless you all. I truly pray it works out for you.Comment publication date: 3/28/26, 9:22 PMComment source: Local Rancher Says Navy Land Expansion is Devastating His Family RanchComment author: Lynn JohnsonComment text: I remember your mother well; she was a lovely and kind woman. I loved hanging out at your home on Sheckler Road where she was always warm and welcoming.Comment publication date: 3/27/26, 7:12 PMComment source: June Irene Manhire (Pendarvis), née DriggsComment author: EvaComment text: Grandpa, I find myself wondering about you every so often. I see glimpses of your face in the years worn onto my dad. It makes me feel more connected to you in some way. I remember the familiar kindness from you that I know in my dad. I would’ve really liked to have a good conversation. I only have a handful of memories with you, but you were loving, and you were kind. I wish I was able to say more. If I am someone to you, I hope I make you proud. Thank you Aunt for this sweet post.Comment publication date: 3/27/26, 12:11 AMComment source: Obituary -- Randolph Floris Banovich C Comment author: RBCComment text: The Navy should reimburse the market cost of replacing the grazing land they are taking. Period.Comment publication date: 3/26/26, 10:38 AMComment source: Local Rancher Says Navy Land Expansion is Devastating His Family Ranch
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