Average Expectations: Lessons in Lowering the Bar

by Shep Rose

This witty and engaging collection of essays from the charismatic star of Southern Charm offers rip-roaring stories and tongue-in-cheek advice on everything from relationships to travel to popular culture and beyond. Perfect for fans of authors as wide-ranging as Andy Cohen to Tucker Max.

Shep Rose, star of Southern Charm and owner of Shep Gear, shares this irreverent and relatable collection of lessons and anecdotes about living an untamed, genuine life, raising hell yet having fun along the way. With his signature endearingly snarky voice, he explores topics as varied as the trials and tribulations of being a late bloomer, the ins and outs of ghosting, how to talk about politics without resorting to blows, the dos and don’ts of getting drunk abroad, and much more.

Shep has caroused around the world, from Hong Kong to Dubai to the mean streets of Charleston, and the fact that he hasn’t been the subject of a Locked Up Abroad episode defies all logic. Average Expectations is a chronicle of one lucky SOB and the exploits that got him where he is today, with advice and stories that will help unleash your inner rabble-rouser, inspire you to live an untamed life, and remind you that at the end of the day, life is all about having fun, having a laugh, and, most important of all, being in on the joke.

256 pages, Paperback

Published December 6, 2022

Reviews

[MELANIE MASCIARELLI · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hits home. Literally and figuratively.

I went to college in Myrtle Beach and spent numerous weekends in Charleston. That being said, I've waterskied in alligator and shark infested waters, borrowed golf carts for joy rides, spent my nights hopping from bar to bar. Went to The Outer Banks for some ripping great surf trips which ended up with at least one person getting stitches from either surfing or skating in a local skate park.

This book brings back memories of the good times.

[Peggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had never heard of this author prior to receiving this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. He comes across as a boy-man (in his 40s) who is still trying to figure out life. Reading over and over about his drinking and woman-chasing habits didn’t do anything for me. He may be a genuine person but he comes across as privileged and spoiled.

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF it was terrible 😬 couldn’t get past the first few chapters listening to it being read and my husband even overheard and just had his mouth wide open. The writing itself was also just disappointing aside from the content. Expected a little more for sure

[Allie Heidrich · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you liked southern charm you will like this!

[Golden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lived up to the low bar expectations, but just barely. Completely vapid and vacuous. Easy read because nothing of real interest relayed in this poorly written tribute to Peter Pan Syndrome. ,

[Katie Kilmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? It’s niche. If you enjoy Southern Charm this will be right up your alley.