Awed

There are just some words that don't work when you are listening to books being read out loud. Mom is currently reading the third Mysterious Benedict Society book out loud and I have noticed a disgusting overuse of the word "awed." For example: "Wow Constance! You are clearly the smartest person ever!" Sticky said with an awed tone. Not only is this word pretty dull and non-descriptive, it is a homonym for the word "odd." Since both words are adjectives, I always have a double take when I hear this word out loud as I try to figure out what they are saying. Are they saying Sticky is impressed or that he is acting suspicious?