This book wasn’t at all what I expected. I thought it would be about being different in personality I suppose, and how to make that work for you. Instead it is really many, many profiles of people who felt like outsiders for one reason or another, such as being an immigrant or dwarf. We get their profiles and quite a lot about the author’s journey but not the actual advice I was expecting. I kept picking it up over time and losing interest so it took me much longer to read than is typical. I am unapologetically weird but this isn’t a book I personally will recommend.

Full disclosure: I received an advance copy of Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World by Olga Khazan from the publisher in exchange for possibly writing a review.

Do you ever feel like an outsider? Are you the one bucking some trend? Have you ever used "weird" to describe yourself? Would "fish out of water" be a good way to describe your life? If you answered yes, this book was written for/about you. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because I self-identify as weird. I'm not ashamed to let my freak flag fly and so, it was entertaining to read the stories of others doing the same. I think she found an interesting mix of people from various walks of life. You can probably find at least one of them relatable.

I subscribe to The Atlantic, so I wasn't really surprised that this was so well-written. I did go back and see how many of Olga Khazan's articles I had read (not really paying attention to who wrote them at the time). Not surprisingly, I'd read most of them. Now, I will be looking for articles from her.

This was also great to read after taking an introduction to social psychology class during the stay-at-home order because it references much of what I learned. It really helped me further understand many of the concepts. So even if you aren't really weird, you might like learning more about people who are.

Way back a few lives ago I was an academic Psychologist, researching social psychology and personality, so it was a joy to read this book that focused on difference and its positive and negative consequences through a social science (and mostly social psychology!) lens. It's a very interesting narrative, looking at the reasons why differences noticed and often punished, the positives of difference (such as creativity), the negatives of difference (such as feeling like an outsider leading to anxiety and depression), and ways to cope when you're different (leave and find your tribe, stay and develop resiliency). The author did a ton of reporting in both the published literature and to find individuals that demonstrate many, many, many kinds of differences. At times the sheer number of people profiled can make it hard to keep track, but it does make the point that there are lots of ways to be outside the norm. I especially liked how she was upfront about her life being the genesis of her interest in those who are different. Growing up in Midland, TX as an immigrant atheist Russian Jew gave her a strong sense of her difference and the consequences it had for her and it was interesting to her make sense of her life through the larger research literature and the experiences of others. Fun, interesting, informative.

I liked the concept a lot but I don't know if I was expecting some of what she considered to be "weird" like physical disabilities. It was, weird, for lack of a better term. The bulk of the book was just vignettes about successful people whose differences did not hold them back which I guess was helpful? I don't know. I just felt like the title and some of the press led me to think this book would be different than what it was.

As someone who's been called "weird" before (both in a kind and not-so-kind way), this book was a fascinating take on what it means to differ from the norm. And I love how the book sets it up as not a weakness or an abnormality but an advantage that can bring positive things to the world. Would recommend to anyone who's felt like they don't belong or see things in a way that others don't.

Are you a non conformist ? A person who has been bullied all your life for not "conforming" to what others false ideal of normal is ? Have you been called "weird" as a slur throughout your life for having special gifts and talents that others are jealous of ? Then this book is for you , for all of us that have been abused in society for being true to ourselves and our gifts. Thank you to the author for this wonderful body of work.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.,

I was not familiar with the author's work prior to reading this book. I have to say that this is "exemplary" . The author writes of her own experiences and has included wonderful experiences of others that also were bullied and treated badly by society for not being "normal". Normal is narrow minded and ignorant. Being true to yourself and your talents, your own gifts is what the author wants us to embrace . I was very impressed with the depth of research here and how she included people's experiences from all backgrounds. She "includes a doctor that has dwarfism. a trans woman who rose to become mayor of her town, Amish women who rejected their narrow way of life and former Mormon men brave enough to leave their religion and be true to themselves. . All drawing upon their unique experiences that are so similar to all of us that were rejected by society and by people for being weird just for having talent, being more intelligent and not confirming to a narrow minded ideal of normal . I love that the author suggest we wear our slur as one of a badge of courage and embrace who we truly are. A very enjoyable, educational read that I highly recommend.

A excellent book !

First off, a big thank you to Hachette and NetGalley for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest review. I love Olga Khazan's articles in the Atlantic so it was an honor and a privilege to review her first book.

I would say that occasionally feeling "weird" is part of the human condition, but fitting in is undoubtedly more challenging for some of us. As a Russian Jew growing up in the Bible Belt, Olga Khazan has firsthand knowledge of how difficult it can be to be different. Khazan uses her experience to identify and empathize with others who feel like outsiders. From a doctor with dwarfism to a transgender mayor in a small town near Dallas, Khazan interviews a wide range of people who have embraced their "weird" and triumphed in the face of adversity. Through careful examination of character traits such as perseverance and creativity Khazan shows how "weird" people can use the qualities that make them unique as a kind of superpower. As a person with a chronic illness I felt that the author did a wonderful job of getting to the heart of what makes us feel "weird" and showing how to use what we often see as weaknesses to our own advantage. We all know what it's like to feel weird, but Khazan's work shows that being different isn't necessarily a disadvantage. By reclaiming the word "weird" Khazan inspired me to embrace the things that make me extraordinary and to share my unique perspective with the world.

Weird is Olga Khazan's debut novel, but her years of writing for the Atlantic give her writing a readability that nonfiction authors sometimes lack. Khazan has a gift for providing information in a way that is not only entertaining, but totally engrossing. I felt a connection with both the author and the various interviewees and I know that their stories will continue to inspire me for some time to come.

I thought this book was interesting but, disappointing. At times, I felt like I was reading a textbook seeking a clinical definition of 'weird.' You can tell the Author is a Science writer, it was all concepts and "psychological connections" that I had difficulty relating to. It was not an easy read. I was hoping the book would be more nuanced-with less 'heady' examples and much more relatable. I don't agree with the description provided that the Author describes the concept of being 'weird' it as a 'badge of honor' rather than a racial slur." I found that comment offensive.
Thank you NetGalley & Hachette Book Group for the opportunity to read & review this book.

janne boswell
https://seniorbooklounge.blogspot.com/

The question at the heart of Olga Khazan's book is this: "how can people who are different embrace whatever it is that makes them unusual... and use it to power them?" Examining the ways we all sometimes feel like outsiders, why we want, so much, not to be outsiders, and what we can learn from those who have overcome rigid boundaries like race, location, political party, class, and sexual orientation, Khazan surveys just what it means to be weird (and there's a spectrum). If you've ever felt like the round peg in a square hole, I'm happy to report that Khazan has good news from the front lines of weird where she has interviewed all of those who don't match a typical mold: it's good to be weird... it just doesn't always feel that way. I enjoyed Khazan's case studies, but my only complaint is that Khazan's personal quest to fit in (or accept not fitting in) takes over the narrative.

While it wasn't quite as engaging and interesting as I had hoped, I didn't totally dislike Weird by Olga Khazan. I think it will still find readership at my library, so I have purchased a copy for our patrons.

This is an enjoyable book about people who are somehow outsiders or "other." The author presents some of her own life story, as a Russian immigrant who grows up in a small town in west Texas, and about how being "weird" has impacted her; additionally, she has several interviews (or case study-type stories) about a variety of people who have been viewed or perceived as weird because they are different.

She presents a lot of positive spin on being weird: "It's good to be a weirdo. Being different from other people around you confers hidden advantages that can help you in life and in work," and "Weirdness [is] a strength rather than a hindrance--even if aspirationally," and " 'Weird,' then, is your potential."

As someone who has often felt outside of the norm, and as someone who enjoys weird (unusual, atypical, strange, absurd, abnormal, etc.) things, I found myself asking as I read: is being weird the same thing as being other? And if not, is this book about weirdness or otherness? (Personally, I found it to be more about "otherness" -- maybe because my perception of "weird" is deeply tied in my psyche to high levels of creativity.) If you are an outsider does that automatically make you weird? Is the current connotation of weird that of being a nerd, or being a person of high intelligence? Note that the author doesn't actually discuss these questions, but reading this book prompted me to think about them -- and isn't that what all good books do, make you reflect and ask questions.

This book wasn't what I expected. It was not really about the weirdness referred to in the title but about more obvious physical traits, upbringings, or careers that leaves one socially unable to fully relate and make friends. Somehow standing in the authors mind on the fringe of social acceptance. But some categorize as weird are simply people from other cultures or with health concerns and I see nothing weird about that beyond the fact I don't think it is weird but just cruel.

Having a different cultural upbringing or unconventional career is also not necessarily weird. Nor are physical disabilities. I found this book lacking in what I expected and is more a portrayal of how to be more accepting of social differences.

However, I don't think that was the authors intent. I am, I guess disappointed and somewhat confused as to what the actual point of the book is.

What is the benefit or the intended theme of the book? I am left unsure and find it sits uncomfortably with me.

I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

"But believing that your weirdness is your superpower can also be hugely beneficial. There is evidence that thinking about your circumstances in a different way—a process called cognitive reappraisal—can help you cope with challenges better. Perceiving what makes you weird as being what gives you strength can, ultimately, make you happier. If you already possess the lemons of social rejection, you might as well make a really odd lemonade."

I've had a mixed relationship with this book. From the get-go, I should have realized that maybe I was putting too much pressure and had too high expectations. I have always, always felt weird and lacked a sense of belonging regardless of where I was and how I got there. It didn't matter if I passed exams, if I got promoted, if I made it through an interview, or if I was invited. I have constantly had a voice in my head that repeated that I just didn't belong there. Regardless of where "there" was. And that I was different, weird, and would never just be like others.

So when I came upon this book, I was like: I will finally have all the answers.

I assume you can see why it might not be possible for this book to meet my expectations. And, alas, while it did not, it was quite a good book to read.

"When we hear a dissenting view, we think more critically about what we’re hearing."

The book is full of stories. Many of the people in the book are different because of an outwardly visible trait. There are a handful of examples where it's an invisible difference but many of those are also things like religion or cultural background, etc. and even though I am also outside of my country and culture, I felt this way when I was back home, too. The closest, maybe, example for me was the author herself and I appreciated her honest account of her own life and her own journey with feeling weird and the anxiety this has created for her.

There were some really wonderful bits in the book, ideas for me to try, ways in which for me to feel less alone about who I am and how I feel (which is where the comparisons to the book "Quiet" come from, I assume.) Seeing the ways in which others have found their ways around has been tangibly helpful to me. But, of course, there wasn't the one true answer to how I could either feel differently or suddenly just be ok with who I am. No such answer exists.

'I told Chloe that my boyfriend naturally takes criticism in the Joyable-approved way. “When you criticize him, he seems to say, ‘That’s interesting! I’ll assess your viewpoint along with all the other evidence,’” I said.'

I loved this because it's a similar experience to how I feel with my husband. I think there's a fundamental sense of belonging that many have which makes taking this type of feedback more palatable but if you don't have that grounding sense of belonging, well everything is up for grabs.

There are two things I wish this book had more of. One is stories of people more like me. People who feel weird and different but not for any obvious reasons. That might be too much to ask and I understand that.

The second thing that I missed was the author's summary of her findings, the book ends with a story and I found myself craving for the author's distillation of all she learned, all she'd recommend, just one more reiteration for me. Many non-fiction books have this and sometimes it does get on my nerves but alas this time I found myself looking for it.

with gratitude to netgalley and Hachette Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read if you: Enjoy books like Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon or have ever felt out of place.

This is a fascinating look at those who, for various reasons, are non-mainstream--from a doctor born with a form of dwarfism, a transgender woman who became the mayor of a small town, a female NASCAR driver, a former Amish woman and former Mormon man, a conservative social psychologist, and more. Drawing from her own feelings of "otherness" stemming from growing up Russian-American in a small Texas town, Olga Khazan offers insight, understanding, and support to those who have been "out of sync" with their core group or have arrived in a situation/community in which they are different.

Librarians and booksellers: Buy this to expand your social psychology collections, for your patrons/customers who are different from mainstream society, and for everyone to gain more understanding and empathy of those who are different.

Many thanks to Hachette Books and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Better titles for the book might have been "Unusual" or "Different." Leading us to believe we'd be reading about truly weird people was misleading. Little people, transgenders, female race-car drivers, plus-sized models, male teachers, and those with deformed appendages are not weird. And let's not forget Russians, who are mentioned repeatedly throughout the book.. Russians in Russia, Russians in the U.S., Russians in Texas, and Russians in small towns in Texas. Russians are not necessarily weird.

Where's the weirdness the title promised? Wasn't the presentation of weirdness and its benefits the intended theme of the book?

My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

A book about the weird the nonconformist. Unusual quirky people,Informative entertaining the author introduces us to people who do not conform to the norm.Thevauthor has a wonderful writing style drawing you in highly recommend this book everyone has a little weird in All of usus.#netgalley#hatchettebooks

A celebration of the “weird” - those who are misfits or outsiders for one reason or another. She draws on her own personal experience as well as numerous interviews with other “weirdos” [it’s a term of endearment here] to depict life among the “different”. Accounts of these outsiders are interspersed with the latest research of nonconformists. I found this book difficult to get through; if you really love reading stories of other people’s lives, this one might be for you.

What does it mean to be socially different ("weird")? How does this label and the social experiences that go along with it shape us? Which lens should we look at it through? These are some of the questions Khazan explores in her book, Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World.

The pivotal question of course is this: Is being weird such a bad thing? Certainly, it can lead to feelings of discomfort, alienation and being misunderstood or marginalized. However, when we embrace “weird” with certain mindsets, we become empowered and garner the benefits of being unconventional. We blaze out authentic trails with an independent self-concept. In fact, the many advantages of being “weird” might just surprise you!

Whether you have felt the stresses and strains of being nonconforming or are blessed to have effortlessly fit in wherever you go, Weird, is worth a read. It reminds us of our humanity. It reminds us that unconventional never has and never will equate to inferior. It reminds us that conformity, despite all the benefits it confers, also confines.

Weird is written wonderfully. It flows, it connects with the reader, it educates, and best of all, it inspires.