Book 1-Weird

Of course, I would like a book with this title. My name is Weirdo Daddy, so basically the book is about me. Well not exactly. I do think that the author, Olga, has a unique but likely common experience of living in this world and not quite fitting in. Her experience from moving to Midland, then Dallas area as a Russian Immigrant carried some painful memories of how she grew up and how those experiences effected her, still to this day. Her vulnerability of her own thoughts and feelings as well as the numerous other individual who had their own “weirdness”, does make you think who feels like an outcast in each group you are in. This outcast feeling most of the time brings a pain and a hidden stance to others, so that they can blend in, but the sadness occurs when those individuals do not get to experience the fullness of themselves in this world and all that they can bring to the table.

Biases are real and we all have them. The key take away for me is to better understand where my biases lie, how they can be uncovered, and the boldness to pursue those that may be on the outside. I also loved the fact that true breakthroughs in society only can come when unique perspectives, thoughts and action plans can be brought to an issue. Through diverse opinions, we likely will be able to come up with dynamic results that are well rounded and well thought out.

Ultimately, I recongize my weirdness is mild. I am white. I am male. I am straight. I am married. I am middle, to upper middle class. There are true “weird” people in the sense of how they barely check off any one box let alone multiple. Those people are beautiful, they deserve full respect, they deserve love and appreciation and I can be a factor in their acceptance.

Strong book, strong message and worth contemplating.