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Average at Best

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Average at Best

By: Astrid Jorgensen
Narrated by: Astrid Jorgensen
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About this listen

Astrid Jorgensen is on a mission to teach the world to sing. But she’s not promising to make anybody better at singing–she simply wants people to feel less ashamed of whatever voice they have.

Why only just listen to a story when you can also hear the author break into song. Original music in every chapter–exclusive to the audiobook!

By its very nature, ‘best’ is rare and elusive: you’re not going to get much of it in life. And I sure don’t want to miss out on deeply experiencing the fullness of my one precious existence, searching for the sliver of ‘best’.

Average at Best is a powerful, funny, and deeply honest memoir about embracing mediocrity if you want to get anything done. As the creator of Pub Choir®–a global phenomenon that unites complete strangers to connect, laugh, and make beautiful music–Astrid takes you behind the curtain as she unflinchingly stares down her dizzying highs, her crushing lows, and everything in between.

Astrid has performed on stages around the world, rubbed shoulders with Prime Ministers and celebrities, and has taught hundreds of thousands of people how to work together in literal harmony. Along the way, she low-key became the best at something, while sometimes feeling the worst. Is that…balance?

From almost becoming a nun (seriously) to committing unspeakable crimes against a chip packet, this joyful, inspired debut traverses the divide between confidence and doubt, performance and authenticity. Because most things happen between the extremes. This is an imperfect perfectionist’s account of how all of it counts in the end.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Astrid Jorgensen (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio
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Critic Reviews

"On stage, Astrid Jorgensen transforms from introverted music nerd into a choral colossus. In these pages, she is revealed as a beautiful writer who blends heart, wit and insight with rare skill."—Andrew McMillen, author and national music writer at The Australian

"Astrid is a force of nature. But never has there been a more inappropriately titled memoir. There's nothing average about Astrid Jorgensen. Her memoir is testament to the fact she's a mix of magic, mayhem and sheer brilliance. I loved every line. For anyone who's ever been curious about the phenomenon that is Pub Choir and the crazy woman waving her arms around at the front of the stage–read this book."—Bec Sparrow, writer, podcaster and co-founder of Birds of a Feather Book Club

"Astrid Jorgensen is a national treasure–funny, captivating, and wildly talented. Part maestro, part comedian, she’s transformed group singing into a joyous, unforgettable experience that makes everyone feel like they belong."—Sally Hepworth, author of The Good Sister

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Such a great yarn. Astrid has told a story that is anything but average but so entertaining and honest (maybe too honest… I will never look at a chip packet the same again). Thanks for sharing

Wow!

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Fab memoir recounted with heart and humour. Beautifully narrated by the author. Added bonus of sung chapter titles in multi-part harmonies! We listened to it as a family (kids 10 and 13) and all loved it. Impressive debut!

Brilliant (audio)book

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I loved every minute of this book. Astrid is the best narrator I have ever listened to - and made all the better because the stories were hers. I laughed, I nodded along, I even shed a tear (raises a glass to grandmothers everywhere). Astrid’s hilarious honesty and refreshing perspective contains countless life lessons - mostly how being imperfect is the most perfect thing you can be. My advice to you, buy this book immediately :-)

Hilarious and honest, this book is everything.

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