Weird

The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World

By: Olga Khazan

Narrated by: Renata Friedman

Length: 9 hrs

Publisher's summary

Learn why the concept of "weird" is being reclaimed and turned into a badge of honor, used to show how being different—culturally, socially, physically, or mentally—can be a person's greatest strength.

Most of us have at some point in our lives felt like an outsider, sometimes considering ourselves "too weird" to fit in. Growing up as a Russian immigrant in West Texas, Olga Khazan always felt there was something different about her. This feeling has permeated her life, and as she embarked on a science writing career, she realized there were psychological connections between this feeling of being an outsider and both her struggles and successes later in life. She decided to reach out to other people who were unique in their environments to see if they had experienced similar feelings of alienation, and if so, to learn how they overcame them. Weird is based on in-person interviews with many of these individuals, such as a woman who is professionally surrounded by men, a liberal in a conservative area, and a Muslim in a predominantly Christian town. In addition, it provides actionable insights based on interviews with dozens of experts and a review of hundreds of scientific studies.

Weird explores why it is that we crave conformity, how that affects people who are different, and what they can do about it. First, the book dives into the history of social norms and why some people hew to them more strictly than others. Next, Khazan explores the causes behind—and the consequences of—social rejection. She then reveals the hidden upsides to being "weird," as well as the strategies that people who are different might use in order to achieve success in a society that values normalcy. Finally, the book follows the trajectories of unique individuals who either decided to be among others just like them; to stay weird; or to dwell somewhere in between.

Combining Khazan's own story with those of others and with fascinating takeaways from cutting-edge psychology research, Weird reveals how successful individuals learned to embrace their weirdness, using it to their advantage.

©2020 Olga Khazan (P)2020 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Olga Khazan takes any topic she writes about and infuses it with so much humor and personality that you immediately want to read about it. With Weird, she weaves together fascinating profiles and research with her own experience to reveal the secret strength of being different."—Susan Cain, author of Quiet

"An insightful ode to oddballs... [Olga Khazan's is] a voice unlike any I can remember encountering on the page. By turns insouciantly candid, calmly authoritative, and poignantly insightful, Khazan's persona has a startling freshness."—The Washington Post

"[A]nimating, specific, rich, and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny.... For readers who love a well written, thoroughly researched social science book, Weird hits the spot. And for those who grew up like Khazan or see themselves in her story, it may be a balm for the soul."—Washington City Paper

Awesome book if you feel weird

This was my first introduction to Olga Khazan, and this was a really good book. I know most of us felt “weird” growing up, or we’ve felt out of place in new environments. This was super true for me growing up, and as an introvert with social anxiety, I’ve spent a lot of my life stuck in my head feeling different. Olga starts the book sharing her personal experience moving from Russia to the United States as a child and trying to adapt, and throughout the book she shares more stories from others who have felt weird. The book has an incredible blend of stories and scientific research, so it keeps your attention throughout the book, which explains why I couldn’t stop reading it for hours on end. While reading, you’ll feel less alone, but more importantly, you’ll start to feel empowered. Khazan shares some great stories and studies about how your weirdness can be a massive advantage in this world, and she also dedicates some time to discussing how therapy can help us cope and rewrite our narrative. So, if you can relate to being “weird” or have ever felt alone, this is a must-read book, and I can definitely see myself reading it again in the future.

weird

I thought it was a book that basically helping u out going through life thinking your weird & it was cool to be weird, a critical thinker, you know stuff like that,but no, it was her going on on about people, she was all over the place with it, she seems nice. but it went no where & I was bored & had to give up. its like someone said just talk.
this just my opinion/ just not for me.

It's entertaining, but...

The author does a good job capturing the emotions of people who have been labeled weird (trangender, a plus sized model, etc), but the book would have been better if the author didn't spend so much time on her autobiography and spent more time on examples of famous people or historical figures who have also been labeled.

Interesting read - Not what I expect

This was an interesting book that I almost turned off plenty of times. I made it through the end and have a better understanding of myself maybe, but did not end up with the concrete action plan I had expected. The stores we interesting, and I really admired the strength of those who took charge in their lives.

I have a hard time with subject matter broken down along race, gender, and LGBTQ areas. Not that I don't understand some of the social issues around the area, but sometimes I feel like it hurts the analysis to use that as the main starting point. I am not saying there are no issues in this area, but as a weird straight old white guy, I had to use a lot of identification skills to convert stories and ideas into my own life.

This was possible, though as I said not what I had expected. I did tell my boss - who always looks at me like I am strange, I now understand why I communicate the way I do and why conversations end awkwardly. He said why is that, I said because I am not very practiced in that area. I am sure this makes me seem a little strange. he said, "oh". After a brief silence, I walked away wondering why I felt the need to even share that fact.

These types of things are what allowed me to find common ground.

I still do not have the step-by-step guide I sought, but I have stories of people who preserved.

worth the read.

Good points, great storytelling but a bit long

Many great points are made throughout the book but the overall impression is that the book could have been half the length

Weird is An Appropriate Title

Could've been much shorter. I think the author took too much time to establish the fact that some people, a good number of people, are weird (I prefer the word "different"). I would've liked for her to spend much more time on what you do to survive when you are different. what she did provide was excellent. Narrator not appealing.

okay. but not earth-shattering

she weaves together a decent narrative combining social science research that is easily available along with some interesting personal insights. fine, but not great.

Feel the name - read the book

Whatever your weird is - you will find yourself. The author is weird and so am I. She nails my stuff from poor me to f**k your attitude.

everyone 's weird especially me!

a learning experience from different points of view! I would recommend for all to see perspective.

Weird/different meaning immigrant/ethnicity

The authors personal story is about being an immigrant. And much of what she talks to relates to ethnicity differences. I only made it a third of the way through. Maybe it gets better. But I was hoping for a broader use of the word “weird,” not just ethnicity/immigrant differences. Nevertheless, I think it is well written and read just too... well, focused on ethnicity as the focus for what she considers weird. If that’s something that you can relate to then I think you will enjoy this book. If you looking for a different definition of weird, then not so much.