The Escape Manual for Introverts

by Katie Vaz

Feeling cornered at a wedding reception by gossipy guests? Stuck at a holiday party that lasts forever? This beautifully illustrated book is the ultimate funny, sometimes absurd guide to escaping those painfully awkward situations. 

Trapped in an airplane seated next to a chatterbox? Are you hosting a dinner party with people who just won't leave? Katie Vaz has the key to your escape. The Escape Manual for Introverts  guides readers through different scenarios with themed chapters ("Friends," "Relatives," "Strangers," etc.). Each chapter covers a range of situations, from an invitation to karaoke night to group lunchtime. And she offers a number of escapes for each bringing odoriferous foods to lunch for a while, having a pet (real or imagined) that "requires" frequent check-ins, and even investing in a jet pack. This book features Vaz's full-page illustrated spreads, hand-lettering, and spot illustrations. From the silly to the sincere, Vaz's clever, hilarious escape plans and bizarre excuses speak to the introvert in all of us. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, Humor, Comics, Self Help, Graphic Novels Comics, Adult

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 6, 2019

About the author

I’m an illustrator, author, and hand-letterer living in Upstate New York with my husband, a dog named Tater, and a cat named KittenFace McMittens.

My books include Tiny Joys (Andrews McMeel, 2023); Cottagecore Galore (Andrews McMeel, 2022); Life with Plants (Andrews McMeel, 2021); My Life in Plants (Andrews McMeel, 2020); The Escape Manual for Introverts (Andrews McMeel, 2019); Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care (Andrews McMeel, 2018); and Don’t Worry, Eat Cake (Andrews McMeel, 2016), which was featured on Canada's Biggest Bestseller List at Chapters Indigo.

In addition to creating books, I work as a freelance illustrator and designer with a variety of clients on branding, packaging design, and illustration projects. I also design my own line of greeting cards, prints and other stationery products, which are sold both online in my Etsy shop and in brick-and-mortar shops throughout North America.

I particularly love plants, Harry Potter, traveling to new places, and cooking (current obsession: homemade vegetarian ramen). When I’m not drawing, you can find me in my kitchen trying out a new recipe, hanging out with Tater on the couch, tending to my garden, or dreaming of the next place I want to visit. I’m inspired by whimsical details in nature, mid-century design + illustration, and the ordinary moments of life.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Escape Manual for Introverts by Katie Vaz is a 2019 Andrews McMeel Publishing release.

A constructive, comical, and applicable guide for all introverts!

Anyone following my reviews has probably heard me allude to my being an introvert. I’m not just an introvert- but an extreme introvert- I also LIKE being an introvert. Extroverts tend not to understand that, so I’ve read several books on how to bridge the gap or cope in an extroverted world.

This book does a fine job of giving those who find themselves in overwhelming social situations a way out without looking anti-social or rude. Some of these suggestions are a bit outlandish, but most are quite plausible.

My one complaint, though, is that the book is listed as a graphic novel. I’ll have to agree to disagree on that point, since I’d call it a self -help book with graphics included, since it is mostly written in black and white text. The 'graphic novel' description is used fast and loose and I think it's misleading.

Although I was a bit irritated that the graphics weren’t quite as advertised, the artwork is a nice addition, even though it is a bit simplistic.

While some folks might look at the antics suggested in the book as over the top, truth be told, I’ve actually done many of the things the author suggested. The great thing is these suggestions help one plan and execute the escape with grace and aplomb.

Naturally, the book is also funny, and very relatable for the introvert- but It might also help extroverts gain a better understanding of how we think and how the stress of ‘peopling’ makes us feel.

I think these tips will be especially useful at this time of year when the holidays present a slew of social invitations and family gatherings, which are very stressful, and invade one’s quiet alone time.

The book is short, easy to read, and while some of it is a bit exaggerated at times. it is also very entertaining- and most of the tips are quite useful and I will certainly make use of them.

Overall, this is a fun, little book all introverts will find helpful and enjoyable!

4 stars

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, humorous graphic novel about ways introverts can escape social situations.

Being an introvert myself, I can relate to the appeal of solitude and silence. The book presents various scenarios and different escape routes for the quiet ones. I liked the art, it was simple but clear and beautifully drawn.

Overall, I enjoyed it and recommend it to introverts who enjoy stories in graphic form.  

Received ARC from the publisher via Netgalley

[Chad · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm something of an introvert myself but this introvert found this to be a straight forward, common sense list lacking any wit or humor and is perhaps, somewhat droll. At best, it's a five minute flip through read while sitting on the toilet.

Received a review copy from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is pretty basic: it's just a collection of possible scenarios you might face, and things you could say to get out of those situations. Some of them are amusing, but mostly, they're repetitive and generic, like saying "I have to go pick up (insert name of person nobody at party knows) from (insert far-away location), bye!"

I definitely expected more comedy from this and I thought it would be... well, cuter? Sigh.

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cute and fun read. I'm an introvert and I actually saw myself in some of these lovely comics. The drawing style was simple but effective and also quite pleasing to look at. I think this book would make the perfect gift for someone who's an introvert.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book should've been right up my alley. I'm an introvert. It can take me days to "recover" from a big social event. I need my alone time, and my peace and quiet. Unfortunately, The Escape Manual for Introverts doesn't seem to be talking about introverts at all, but rather people with antisocial personality disorder. Perhaps a more appropriate title would be The Guide to Lying for Misanthropes.

Yes, I understand that some of these suggestions are tongue-in-cheek and not to be taken seriously. But those aren't the ones I have a problem with. It's not cool to divulge spoilers around the water cooler just because you don't feel like talking to people. It's not cool to bring a stinky lunch to work or eat masses of garlic before a plane ride because you want to be left alone. It's not cool to turn on noisy power equipment just because you can't handle a five-second conversation with your next-door neighbour. The lack of concern for others displayed in this book smacks of some sort of personality disorder, and it really gave me the willies.

The rest of the suggestions are repetitive and/or unnecessary. Don't feel like talking to a proprietor at a craft fair? The book's solution: Buy something cheap so you can make a quick escape. (The common-sense solution: Don't go to craft fairs!) Don't want to talk with the Jehovah's Witness on your doorstep on Saturday morning? The book's solution: Grab your jacket, make up an excuse, and run. (The common-sense solution: Don't open the door.) The book makes everything seem way harder than it needs to be. News flash: It's not that hard. The elaborate "escape" suggestions are rather ridiculous, and the book gives the overall impression that introverts are rude loners who don't like anyone. In fact, as I finished this book, I wondered why such a thing would even be necessary; someone as rude, disrespectful, antisocial, and deceitful (because, let's face it, this is a book all about how to lie) as The Escape Manual for Introverts describes wouldn't have to worry about invitations at all. Who'd want to hang around with someone who's apparently constantly trying to figure out how to manipulate the situation for their own comfort at the expense of others'?

I'm not a fan of the illustration style here, either, so the pictures can't redeem the book for me. I'm afraid this just isn't my thing. I may be an introvert, but I like to think I'm more considerate of others than this book paints us as being.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a digital ARC.

[Kalyn✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Just because I don't want to go doesn't mean I don't like you."

Oh, how truer words have never been spoken. I want this to be on a little card I can slip over to friends and family while politely denying their invitations to huge gatherings. "That'll be a big, huge, gigantic no from me, but thanks for the invite! xoxox"

The Escape Manual is a funny little graphic novel that'll easily win over any introvert with its clever (and sometimes slightly absurd) excuses to avoid social interactions. The art is also beautifully done and so dang cute! I loved it.

I recommend to all of my fellow introverts. Enjoy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me with a copy of this title in exchange for honest feedback.

[Yna from Books and Boybands · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet read, that is most likely hit or miss, depending on your sense of humor.

This book was promoted as a graphic novel, but this is actually a book filled with tips with little illustrations here or there. I liked some of them, some made me smile, and some tend to be quite ridiculous.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Use this “Plausibility of Excuse Absurdity” graph as a guideline to how eccentric your escape can safely be to maintain reasonable amounts of believability.” Does this book come in pocket form?
This is an adorable and hilarious book filled with excuses to help introverts avoid any and all social situations that make them uncomfortable.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Yoly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and funny graphic novel that as an introvert I highly appreciate.
Some of the excuses are silly but even those feel like logical responses.

I recommend it to introverts who want to have a little fun.

[Scarlet Cameo · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is validate that I complained about this even when the main title told that will be chicle af?

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny little cartoons like tips for introvert. Most bookish persons are introvert and so probably would see themselves into those situations. They were funny, but not laughing out loud or crying your eyes out funny. More of a smile here and there. I really like and enjoy the concept, but the execution could have been better, the illustrations were alright for this kind of book, but the humor of it all cold have been raise a little higher. It depends of your sense of humor of course.

[Christina (A Reader of Fictions) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute illustrations but there's no meat to it at all. Fun to flip through but with nothing original. Also, I'm not sure how I feel about encouraging introverts to lie and pretend they have other social engagements, rather than owning their introversion.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needless to say, this title was instantly appealing to a person who once snuck out of a junior high dance...to read a book. (True story.)

It's not that we don't like you, it's just that to introverts, social situations can be quite draining. This book recognizes this with a healthy dose of humor. Some of the "advice" for escaping social situations are downright silly, but others are useful--and some will be instantly recognizable to those of us who have for years been ducking away for "me time." Eventually, you will become a pro at hiding from all manner of social obligations!

[Dee Dee G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short cute book.

[Kristina Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cute, humorous collection of cartoons on the various ways introverts can wiggle out of unwanted social situations. Some plausible. Some outrageously tongue-in-cheek. While the suggestions can get pretty silly, I found the art and colors quite pleasing.

Thank you to NetGalley, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and Katie Vaz for providing me with a free electronic copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Violet ♡]

This is a humorous and cute selection of ideas for introverts to avoid awkward social situations that will make you say, "Why not try it?" 😁



I am scanning for short graphic novels, and its title is catchy to me, so I picked it up and read it in one sitting.

It is witty!✨

[Sabi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do like the book but it's very short and ideas for 'escaping' by the introvert seem to turn more and more comic and weirder as we flip through the book.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book on a whim and it was very nice. I felt very validated and very good about myself afterwards. It even motivated me to take a selfie of myself and post it on Instagram, which is practically unheard of for me. It was just so affirming to see a collection of wallflowers come together to make silly comics about social situations. It made me feel seen and warm. This was honestly a ridiculous collection of lies to tell people to get out of awkward scenarios but this book really helped me. I've been going through a personal journey of finding my worth through Richard Simmons exercises to help me physically and build up my self confidence. Like RuPaul says: If you can't love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else. Can I get an Amen? Thank you to this book and making me feel like a brand new bebe.

[Clockwork_Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you net galley for sending me a digital copy of this graphic novel.

This was a very quick and fun read. As an introvert, I could strongly relate to most of the situations. The book is exactly what the title suggests - that is - a guidebooks for all the introverts out there to help them wiggle out of any social situation. Katie Vaz's suggestions range from ordinary ways like, saying you have an important meeting etc. to hilariously preposterous methods such as staging your own kidnapping. This book did make me laugh sometimes but some parts of it was also a little obvious and boring. The illustrations were simple yet cute and effective. I would recommend this book to all the introverted and socially awkward people out there. It is a perfect read if you are looking for something lighthearted and fun.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!***

I loved this. As an ambivert who leans slightly toward introvert, all of these concepts are just SO relatable! Some of the situations made me cringe, and that made me love them even more.

Plus, the "escape suggestions" are a perfect combination of "THIS COULD TOTALLY WORK" and "This is absolutely hilarious." My favorite was "My succulent has anxiety and can't be left alone for too long."

This is a book that I'll definitely want to buy and keep for myself when it gets published.

[Dawn Stahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations by author artist designer Katie Vaz make me so happy. What I love most about this book, however, is the combination of practically plausible alibis and totally ridiculous escape plans. It's the sort of book I'd put out on the coffee table and laugh over with friends. Except I wouldn't want to give away all my new exit strategies. 😉⁣
⁣

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

(ARC provided by NetGalley) 3.5 rounded up, it’s a really cute book and very relatable! I love the style of the illustrations and some of the far fetched, but considerable, actions to take in these situation! Cute and quirky, a nice flip through for fellow introverts

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the lines could be a useful primer if you've never managed to extract yourself from an unwanted interaction before, but there was nothing charming or funny about the illustrations or execution.

[Dhai · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s smart in a weird way XD.

[Queen Cronut · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A hilarious and cute manual for introverts on how to avoid social situations. The cartoons are funny and the way the scenarios are portrayed is so relatable. The humor for me though was either there or off the mark. A light read and a perfect companion after reading Quiet Power by Susan Cain.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for providing a free ARC

[bookishly_sweety · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny and cute illustrations that are created for every possible scenarios that introverts might encounter and require help in escaping from socializing. Some of them were really funny and practical while some (hire a kidnapper !?!) weren’t . I loved the illustrations and I just hoped for a little more realistic tips, as in I was looking for ‘actual’ tips that would help save the day and give me my alone time 😛
3.5 stars ⭐️
*Thank you to the publishers! I received a NetGalley eARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Robyn Maire · Rating 2 out of 5]

‘’I’d love to, but I have a book club’’ (Who has to know it’s with yourself?)

The Escape Manual for Introverts promises to save our inner introvert in a range of situations from being trapped in an aeroplane next to a chatterbox or wanting to leave a party early, with excuses ready. Sadly most scenarios were unrealistic and the solutions ridiculous.
They were meant to be funny, which some were, but not enough for me to rate it higher. The illustrations were not really my style but not bad by any means.
It paints introverts as asocial beings who don’t want to interact with anyone. In my opinion, you should just communicate how you feel instead of making up excuses. But maybe I’m more of an ambivert anyway.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel explores the different ways an introvert can escape social scenarios or minimize awkward social contact. Escape on a jet pack! Hire a kidnapper to get you away! Pretend you don't speak English.

Some of the suggestions are funny, but some are actually do-able. Some of the ideas would only last for a short time, and some are the perfect exit strategies.

If you are wondering how to escape an office party, how to get out of another dinner with your talkative aunt, or how to avoid eye contact with an acquaintance you barely know, this book will give you tips on excuses, disguises, small talk, and cover stories to get you out of any situation.

I loved the adorable comic illustrations! The hilarious subject material is highlighted by the high contrast artwork that uses only black, white, and purple. The whimsical lines enhance the comedy just as much as the text does.

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Ivana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie Vaz' The Escape Manual for Introverts is a cute graphic novel that provides many ways to escape uncomfortable social situations.
It is divided into five categories:
1. Friends
2. Relatives
3. Coworkers
4. Acquaintances
5. Strangers


The art style is very cute. I really like the palette chosen for this graphic novel - everything is pastel colored. I think it is very fitting.

The escape routes provided in this graphic novel range from realistic to absolutely outrageous and even crazy. It is all very fun!
I think that everyone would enjoy this book. It is a pageturner and simply entertaining.


I received this book in exchange for an honest review.