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Being Weird Is a Wonderful Thing: Inspiration for Living Your Truest Self
A gift that celebrates being yourself, in your own unique way.
Do you ever feel different? A little weird, a little wacky? It’s time to own it, because, as Meryl Streep proclaimed, “what makes you different or weird, that’s your strength.” In this inspiring collection, singers, poets, actors, activists, comedians, designers, athletes, and philosophers share wise and pithy reflections on what it’s like to march to the beat of a different drummer. Every statement is a powerful, positive reminder that to live successfully is to be completely unapologetically you.
“We are not what other people say we are. We are who we know ourselves to be, and we are what we love. That’s OK.” —Laverne Cox
“All the colors I am inside have not been invented yet.” —Shel Silverstein
“I am different, not less” —Temple Grandin
“The more I feel imperfect, the more I feel alive.” —Jhumpa Lahiri
“Self-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward.” —Ai Weiwei
Do you ever feel different? A little weird, a little wacky? It’s time to own it, because, as Meryl Streep proclaimed, “what makes you different or weird, that’s your strength.” In this inspiring collection, singers, poets, actors, activists, comedians, designers, athletes, and philosophers share wise and pithy reflections on what it’s like to march to the beat of a different drummer. Every statement is a powerful, positive reminder that to live successfully is to be completely unapologetically you.
“We are not what other people say we are. We are who we know ourselves to be, and we are what we love. That’s OK.” —Laverne Cox
“All the colors I am inside have not been invented yet.” —Shel Silverstein
“I am different, not less” —Temple Grandin
“The more I feel imperfect, the more I feel alive.” —Jhumpa Lahiri
“Self-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward.” —Ai Weiwei
- GenresSelf HelpNonfiction
348 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 5, 2023
A collection of quotations that center on encouraging your individuality.
“Being Weird Is A Wonderful Thing” is a small format, (6.25” x 4”) paperback book, currently offered at $9.95. It will easily fit in your pocket, backpack, briefcase, handbag or whatever you use to carry stuff for the day. The font is mostly very large, (see pic). I think most folks could read this without using glasses. It’s well bound and should hold up for a long time if you take reasonable care.
The collection of quotes come from artistic types: writers, musicians, poets, actors, fashion people, a very few business types and philosophers. There is no representation from the religious communities, which I found odd considering the subtitle is: “Inspiration for Living Your Truest Self”
With most quotes only being a line or two, it’s easy to read quite a few pages at each opportunity. I read the 340 pages in about 25 minutes, but didn’t spend any time reflecting on the quotes. One that did catch my interest is on page 116 by Dita Von Teese, who says: “I’ve always loved the idea of not being what people expect me to be.” She was a famous burlesque star.
All things considered, a great stocking stuffer or gift idea for the right person📚
“Being Weird Is A Wonderful Thing” is a small format, (6.25” x 4”) paperback book, currently offered at $9.95. It will easily fit in your pocket, backpack, briefcase, handbag or whatever you use to carry stuff for the day. The font is mostly very large, (see pic). I think most folks could read this without using glasses. It’s well bound and should hold up for a long time if you take reasonable care.
The collection of quotes come from artistic types: writers, musicians, poets, actors, fashion people, a very few business types and philosophers. There is no representation from the religious communities, which I found odd considering the subtitle is: “Inspiration for Living Your Truest Self”
With most quotes only being a line or two, it’s easy to read quite a few pages at each opportunity. I read the 340 pages in about 25 minutes, but didn’t spend any time reflecting on the quotes. One that did catch my interest is on page 116 by Dita Von Teese, who says: “I’ve always loved the idea of not being what people expect me to be.” She was a famous burlesque star.
All things considered, a great stocking stuffer or gift idea for the right person📚
October 17, 2022
In "Being Weird is a Wonderful Thing," Kathryn and Ross Petras assembled a thoughtful but wild collection of quotes from writers, philosophers, artists, poets, creatives, scholars, and influencers touting the value of celebrating one’s own uniqueness and idiosyncrasies. Contained in this compact book are affirmations about embracing the “inner oddball,” the idiosyncratic self that yearns to be free of judgment from the outside world.
In an age of constant social comparison, when the need to conform to be just like others is so strong, it’s not surprising that this book is needed at all. The themes of standing out, non-conformity, authenticity, and self-censure are prominent in the quotations. People from diverse racial, ethnic, and gender identities may feel the need to assimilate to be accepted, and it’s helpful to heed advice from queer and/or icons of color like Laverne Cox, Audre Lorde, Megan Rapinoe, and Margaret Cho.
Those looking for deeper meanings behind the collection of witty quips may ponder why similar sentiments about differences are shared by people across timeIf you relish your unique approach to life, buy this book for yourself or for that friend who needs a cheerful reminder about valuing their gifts. As Mae Jamison points out: “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”
In an age of constant social comparison, when the need to conform to be just like others is so strong, it’s not surprising that this book is needed at all. The themes of standing out, non-conformity, authenticity, and self-censure are prominent in the quotations. People from diverse racial, ethnic, and gender identities may feel the need to assimilate to be accepted, and it’s helpful to heed advice from queer and/or icons of color like Laverne Cox, Audre Lorde, Megan Rapinoe, and Margaret Cho.
Those looking for deeper meanings behind the collection of witty quips may ponder why similar sentiments about differences are shared by people across timeIf you relish your unique approach to life, buy this book for yourself or for that friend who needs a cheerful reminder about valuing their gifts. As Mae Jamison points out: “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”
February 22, 2022
This is a small sized paperback book of quotes about being yourself, creating your own unique self, and defining yourself. The quotes are from recently famous celebrities, musicians, and going back to famous people quoted a hundred years ago. I found this book inspiring. It is food for a side table or a coffee table or to pull quotes from foe i inspiration in journaling or to share with my students. I took one star off for thin paper that is semi-transparent, which I found distracting and visually unappealing. The design is not fancy and it would not be unappealing for men.
March 9, 2022
Another great book and my favorite of the series! Not sure what it means that I found this one the most uplifting, but I assume it has to do with my own weirdness!
July 2, 2023
A book of quotes. A little repetitive for my tastes. Plus, this book was printed poorly so as to make some quotes unintelligible. I did like this one though:
"Once you know who you are, you don't have to worry anymore." Nikki Giovanni, Poet
"Once you know who you are, you don't have to worry anymore." Nikki Giovanni, Poet
February 28, 2024
I used to read collections of quote books like this all of the time prior to social media. Call me a weirdo, but I still prefer flipping pages to scrolling.
September 12, 2025
Excellent resource to boost self esteem!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews