Get Weird by CJ Casciotta

I am a senior citizen and I just did not identify with this book. The intent of the book is to give the reader freedom to be weird in the true sense of the word, to be inspired, to create. I found it to be a rather self focused book. I certainly missed the encouragement to be weird to the glory of God.

“Your weirdness is your worth,” Casciotta writes. “It is the value you bring to this universe...” (239/2504) I would have rather had individual value be related to our relationship to God. “...[T]he primary purpose of any kind of art is to awaken what needs to be expressed in us and those around us.” (605/2504) I would think that the primary purpose of any activity would be to glorify God.

Casciotta tells lots of stories about himself and others. People who enjoy story telling as a way of transferring information will like this book. I found it interesting that he writes, “Your story is not as important as your identity,” yet tells so many stories in this book and does not write about our identity in Christ. (1113/2504)

He uses many examples from movies, music, and television, making me think this book is aimed at unchurched readers. But then he writes, “...I paused to remove a tree trunk from my eye socket.” (503/2504) Understanding that reference takes some Bible knowledge. A seasoned Bible reader like me, however, might notice the general lack of Scripture as a foundation for the teaching in the book. He writes about creating from that “divine place,” accessing the “Sacred Weird.” (1405/2504) That would mean this book is only for people who have been made alive in Christ.

Casciotta writes, “I'm supposed to tell people they're OK.” (1130/2504) I would rather tell people they are not OK and are in need of the gospel and salvation. He also writes, “Your weirdness, the ideas that come from your own imagination and the rhythms that rumble in your own soul, are everything you need to create what only you can...” (1211/2504) I would rather emphasize the inspiration of the Spirit of the Creator. He says we “all need a renaissance, a brave awakening of our weary imagination. Christ called it the process of being 'born again'...” (2272/2504) I think being born again is not a mere awakening of one's imagination!

I tend to think this book must be for readers who desire encouragement to express the uniqueness in and of themselves without the over arching canopy of considering glorifying God in the process. You'll find out how to be weird and make the best of it and you won't have to really think about glorifying God in the process.

My rating: 3/5 stars.

CJ Casciotta is a writer and serial media maker passionate about helping people discover and own their unique identity. He has traveled all over the world inspiring communities. He created the popular podcast Sounds Like a Movement. He lives in Nashville with his wife and children.

FaithWords, 240 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.