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Peculiar, in a Good Way
Being peculiar is not about horns,” begins bestselling author Mary Ellen Edmunds. In this humorous but thought-provoking book, she explores what really makes “a peculiar people” and what sets us apart as distinct and different from the rest of the world. “Others surely do notice things about us,” she states, “so what would it be like if we could be depended upon to live what we believe every inch and minute of our lives?” Using the scriptures and personal experiences to help explain our uniqueness, Mary Ellen presents a positive and upbeat approach to making little changes that will help us strive to become better when we’re already pretty good.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2006
14 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 2, 2025
This book is full of MEE’s inside thoughts! It is like you are in her brain with well thought out side tangents around every corner. So many great sources for further personal studies on the topics! I am honored to be a peculiar person!
September 26, 2017
"Please don't let anything I've shared in this book cause you to add to your list of 'things I've not done,' or 'things I'll probably never be able to do,' or 'stuff that's going to keep me out of Heaven,' or 'why God is mad at me.' Quit it!" (p. 187)
I love Mary Ellen Edmunds' sense of humor as she explores the topic of making ourselves a little better (a little more peculiar!). This book wasn't particularly life-changing for me, but it was an uplifting read for sure.
I love Mary Ellen Edmunds' sense of humor as she explores the topic of making ourselves a little better (a little more peculiar!). This book wasn't particularly life-changing for me, but it was an uplifting read for sure.
August 6, 2012
I loved this book! Mary Ellen Edmunds is an amazing writer. She keeps her subject matter very informal and funny, but underlying all of that is an important message, that we can be who we are supposed to be, no matter what situation surrounds us. Many evenings when I was feeling discouraged, I would pick up this book, read a chapter, and feel empowered and ready to get back in the game. Her simple analogies (who knew an arrow could have so much meaning?) bring to light some very complex themes in a way that anyone can relate to. This is a book that I highly recommend reading (and rereading) to better yourself and the world around you.
March 4, 2009
I LOVED this book. I've read others from this author as well as heard her speak, she has a delightfully goofy sense of humor and is a kindred spirit to my optimistic outlook on life. She is LDS and truly 'gets' what is SHOULD mean to be LDS, not the 'culture' but the GOSPEL. Whether or not you are LDS, this book can help adults and children live better. I especially recommend reading chapter 3, Arrows, and chapter 6, Row, Row, Row your boat. But all the chapters are worth reading and beneficial.
August 23, 2008
Mary Ellen Edmunds just cracks me up sometimes. She just says things in her own way about life and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I find a lot of her thoughts very enlightening and find that they encouraged me to look deeper into my path in life and who I am. I think what I mostly took away from the book is that I should always be looking for ways to improve in every aspect of life. Somehow she inspired me to want to do that without feeling overwhelmed.
March 10, 2017
I was watching the BYU channel one night and MEE gave a GREAT talk. Then I went to TOFW and she was there and that talk was even better. So I ended up picking up every book they had of hers (living in CT I don't really have alot of opportunity to check out or purchase LDS books, so I have to grab them when I get the chance!). They are all fantastic. MEE is witty, charming, and she speaks the truth! I love her energetic spirit and her very origional sence of humor!
February 13, 2009
This book is aimed at an LDS audience. I wasn't sure I would like it but after the first chapter I felt I would love to meet the author. The book talks about many different ways we can try to become better as an LDS people. I found it inspiring and hope to try some of the activities she outlines to help recognize where to improve.
April 16, 2009
I'd never read one of her books, but I've heard her speak several times. Her personality shows through her writing. It was fun to imagine her saying the little jokes, etc. I tried to think about & personalize the questions she asked (although I didn't write letters:) It was very thought provoking and inspiring and at times even funny!
August 10, 2007
Loved this book!
It focuses a lot on becoming better when you're already good. She gives great little tidbits of how to make little changes to become the best we can be. It's a very uplifting book.
It focuses a lot on becoming better when you're already good. She gives great little tidbits of how to make little changes to become the best we can be. It's a very uplifting book.
January 7, 2008
This was such a great book and was super inspiring. It has the greatest exercise where you write letters to I think ten people who've inspired you. It was fun to do. I even got a letter from an old visiting teaching companion and it made my day!
April 2, 2019
This is the first book I've read by MEE before, but I can tell already that it isn't going to be the last! I'm only a couple chapters into it and I already feel inspired, and I've laughed a LOT! A fantastic read if you're looking for a feel-good, inspirational light read!
July 4, 2008
Mary Ellen Edmunds is a great author. She's an old single lady with lots of interesting experiences, as she has served multiple missions all over the world. This book helps us remember that being a member of the LDS Church is something to enjoy.
May 27, 2020
I enjoy Mary Ellen Edmunds. She's a very happy, enthusiastic, passionate person.
She's preachy - without being annoying.
This was my second time through...and I learned more from her. It's a keeper.
She's preachy - without being annoying.
This was my second time through...and I learned more from her. It's a keeper.
January 15, 2010
This book is funny, while remaining spiritually uplifting. It is motivating, but still practical. Mary Ellen Edmunds's personality shines through - she comes across as an honest, real person trying to help other 'good' people be even better.
April 12, 2010
I love Mary Ellen Edmunds. She has a great sense of humor. It reminded me that we always should be striving for perfection...but to not get down on ourselves just try harder to do better! Thanks to my friend Ruth Ann for letting me borrow this! I needed it!
February 21, 2011
There was not really anything I did not already know, but she presented it in a fun way. I had a hard time keeping involved in the book and found my mind wandering and finding other books to read before this one. I own this book if anyone wants to read it.
August 30, 2007
I thought this book was about standing out in the world. It's not. It's about standing out in the church. I was fun to read and very motivating.
September 26, 2007
I loved it and recommend it!
October 1, 2007
I really like the way Mary Ellen Edmunds writes. She is humorous and easy to read while trying to get you to think about your own goodness and become better than you are now.
November 30, 2007
easy reading, a good bit of comedy plus practical tips
February 3, 2008
I've read the first few chapters and enjoy the insight the author gives on the joy of being peculiar:)
February 28, 2008
Another one of my favorites! I love her!
March 2, 2008
excellent. there are passages I want to memorize--
March 30, 2010
A delightful read. Funny and uplifting. Pithy too. Just right for Sunday afternoons.
April 4, 2008
A good book with good values as she discusses what women in the LDS faith stand for.
April 7, 2008
MEE has such a great writing style!
April 29, 2008
Edmunds underscores the idea that it's alright to believe in God and encourages people to find joy in it as well
December 3, 2010
I always love Mary Ellen Edmunds' books and I think this is one of my favorites. A fun and enjoyable read!
May 29, 2008
MEE has a great talent of "telling it like it is" on how to live our lives more intune with the gospel. I love her humor, how she can make me feel that I am OK, but I can be so much better.
December 3, 2009
Always a good read, her books are feel good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews