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ADHD Is Awesome

A Guide to (Mostly) Thriving with ADHD

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ADHD Is Awesome

Written by: Penn Holderness, Kim Holderness, Edward Hallowell - foreword
Narrated by: Penn Holderness, Kim Holderness, Nathan Rosborough, Ann Marie Taepke, Tyrrell Harrell, Lola Holderness
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About this listen

Read by the authors.

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER — MORE THAN 100,000 COPIES SOLD!

The engaging, uplifting antidote to traditional ADHD books (which, let's be honest, if you have ADHD you'd never read anyway).

You live in a world that wasn't designed for you. A world where you're expected to sit still, stay quiet, and focus. Because of the way your brain is wired, you can feel like you’re failing at life. But you are not failing. You are awesome.

Award-winning content creators Kim and Penn Holderness are on a mission to reboot how we think about the unfortunately named "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder." As always, they are doing it by looking in the mirror, because they don't just study ADHD; they live it.

Penn was in college when he was diagnosed with ADHD, although the signs of having a brain that worked just a little bit differently had been there since he was a kid. Rather than view the diagnosis as a curse or give in to feelings of inadequacy or failure, he took a different approach, one that he wants to share with fellow ADHDers and the people who care about them.

Drawing on their often-hilarious insights and the expertise of doctors, researchers, and specialists; Kim and Penn provide fun, easy-to-digest advice and explanations, including:

  • What it's actually like to live with an ADHD brain.
  • How to find humor in the pitfalls, sob stories, and unbelievable triumphs (like the time they won The Amazing Race!) that come with ADHD.
  • How to tackle the challenges ADHD presents with a positive outlook.
  • Targeted tools and techniques to play to your unique strengths.
  • Fun extras like ADHD Bingo, an ode to cargo pants, and what the world would look like if ADHDers were in charge.

Take it from Penn: Having ADHD can be scary, but it comes with incredible upsides, including creativity, hyperfocus, and energy. You might even say it's kind of awesome. Whether you have ADHD or want to support someone else in their journey, this is the guide you need to make the life you want.

©2024 Penn Holderness and Kim Holderness (P)2024 Harper Horizon
Children's Health Comedy & Humor Relationships Mental Health Funny Witty Human Brain
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Editorial Review

A first-hand account of living with ADHD
April is Neurodiversity and Autism Acceptance Month, and as a mama to two neurodivergent kiddos, the atypical is very typical for me. I’m constantly in search of listens to educate me further about the various intricacies of their fascinating little minds. And while parenting books on the subject abound, it’s rare to find one that’s authored by someone with the same neuro-difference. Enter ADHD Is Awesome. Penn Holderness was diagnosed in his 20s, and alongside his wife, Kim, they share digestible insights into what it’s like living with ADHD. I can’t wait to listen and get a firsthand account. (P.S. Recognize their names? They won The Amazing Race in 2022!) —Katie O., Audible Editor

What listeners say about ADHD Is Awesome

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Delivered in an ADHD-friendly hit of dopamine!

Educators, supporters, individuals with ADHD - take a listen! Super helpful! Note: I experienced a weird echo when Penn and Kim speak at the same time. Loved the bonus banter!

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Changed my LIFE!

I originally purchased this book for myself to understand how I get through this new diagnosis. My twin boys were diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, and while going through their assessment I thought "Hey, I do all those things too!!"
I was diagnosed at age 38 and WOW has it ever made things make sense!
I pre-ordered this book because - who doesn't love Kim and Pen?!
What I didn't expect was to listen to this and think "OMGosh - my HUSBAND makes so much sense now!!!!!!!!"
He was diagnosed a few months ago, along with our other 2 children (a family of 6 all with ADHD is a fun place to be, let me tell you!) and the understanding and compassion I felt not only for myself, but for my husband too was unfathomable.
My kids have been supported differently with diet, exercise, medications and sleep (all of them needing different approaches) but figuring out that I don't interrupt people because I am an ass, but because it is a component of ADHD was mind blowing. And realizing that my husband doesn't see the forest through the trees (the mess through the house) wasn't because he was being lazy or selfish, but because of the different brain he has. I have recommended this book to any and all of my friends and family that have spouses with ADHD and it has changed their lives too! A MUST READ!

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Amazing Book!!!

This book explained so many things about my behaviors for the last 50+ years that I was struggling to understand. There were so many AHA moments (insert lit light bulb here)!! The authors are honest, positive and easy to listen to. Anyone with ADHD, or those who live with or love someone with ADHD, should read/listen to this!! It truly is life changing...

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Informative and Well Performed

Great book although many of the symptoms and coping mechanisms are for hyperactive ADHD, not inattentive ADHD, I think because Penn struggles more with the hyperactive side than the inattentive side. There is also no PDF attached, even though it's mentioned in the audiobook.
If you or someone you know has ADHD, this is a fantastic resource. I have definitely recommended it.

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A lot to learn about ADHD

Really enjoyable listen from Penn and Kim Holderness. It made me think a lot on how I react to people in general who may not follow the "norms" of society, and to give some grace as you can't really know what they're going through.

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Very insightful and entertaining

Absolutely loved this book and now it was it like a conversation between Penn and Kim.

I will be re-listening and taking notes next time.

Great as a parent and teaching and just anyone to know about ADHD.

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Corny....but it might be suitable for a young child

The author uses "humor " to get their point across. I get that they are trying to make it a "fun" read, but the delivery is poor. Seems like you are listening to a lame morning radio show, as his wife "co-host" occasionally pipes in and they banter.

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