📖 Overview
Awkward Family Photos presents a collection of real family photographs submitted by people around the world. The images capture cringe-worthy moments, questionable fashion choices, and uncomfortable poses that many families will recognize from their own photo albums.
The book originated from Bender and Chernack's popular website of the same name, which began after they shared their own embarrassing family photos. Each photograph includes brief commentary and backstory, providing context for the captured moments.
Beneath the humor, the collection speaks to universal experiences and the shared human condition of family life. The photos reveal how documented memories, even the imperfect ones, connect people across generations and cultures.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this book as a quick, lighthearted read that delivers consistent laughs through its collection of cringe-worthy family photographs. Many note it serves as an ideal coffee table book that guests repeatedly pick up and browse.
Likes:
- Photos include detailed backstories and captions
- Brings back memories of readers' own awkward family photos
- Photos are organized into clear categories
- Works well as a gift book
Dislikes:
- Some photos appear staged rather than naturally awkward
- Content can be viewed free on the website
- Book is short for the price
- Several readers wanted more photos
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.5/5 (570+ ratings)
"Perfect for when you need a quick laugh," notes one Amazon reviewer. "The captions make it," writes another. Multiple reviewers mention the book helps normalize embarrassing family moments: "Makes you feel better about your own family photos."
📚 Similar books
I Can't Believe It's Not Better: A Woman's Guide to Coping With Life by Monica Heisey
Collection of personal embarrassments and social faux pas paired with family photographs creates the same blend of humor and relatability found in Awkward Family Photos.
Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Hilariously Wrong by Jen Yates Compilation of professional cake decorating disasters documents real-life mishaps that match the unintentionally humorous spirit of family photo fails.
People of Walmart: Shop and Awe by Adam Kipple, Andrew Kipple, Luke Wherry Photo collection captures the unusual fashion choices and memorable moments of Walmart shoppers that echo the candid, unfiltered nature of awkward family portraits.
Passive Aggressive Notes: Painfully Polite and Hilariously Hostile Writings by Kerry Miller Archive of real-life passive-aggressive communications shares the same documentation of uncomfortable human moments found in family photo collections.
Pets Who Want to Kill Themselves: Featuring Over 150 Suicidal Pets by Duncan Birmingham Photographs of pets in unfortunate costumes and situations mirror the forced poses and uncomfortable moments captured in family portraits.
Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Hilariously Wrong by Jen Yates Compilation of professional cake decorating disasters documents real-life mishaps that match the unintentionally humorous spirit of family photo fails.
People of Walmart: Shop and Awe by Adam Kipple, Andrew Kipple, Luke Wherry Photo collection captures the unusual fashion choices and memorable moments of Walmart shoppers that echo the candid, unfiltered nature of awkward family portraits.
Passive Aggressive Notes: Painfully Polite and Hilariously Hostile Writings by Kerry Miller Archive of real-life passive-aggressive communications shares the same documentation of uncomfortable human moments found in family photo collections.
Pets Who Want to Kill Themselves: Featuring Over 150 Suicidal Pets by Duncan Birmingham Photographs of pets in unfortunate costumes and situations mirror the forced poses and uncomfortable moments captured in family portraits.
🤔 Interesting facts
📸 The Awkward Family Photos phenomenon began as a website in 2009 after Mike Bender saw an awkward vacation photo hanging in his parents' house, inspiring him to create a platform where people could share similar memories.
🌟 Within just one week of launching, the website received over 1 million hits, demonstrating how deeply these candid family moments resonated with people worldwide.
📚 The book features both vintage and contemporary photos, showcasing how certain awkward family photo traditions—like matching outfits and unusual poses—have persisted across generations.
🤝 Authors Mike Bender and Doug Chernack were childhood friends who went on to work in the entertainment industry before collaborating on this project.
🏆 The success of the original book led to multiple follow-up titles, including "Awkward Family Pet Photos" and "Awkward Family Holiday Photos," creating a beloved series that celebrates family imperfection.