I thoroughly enjoyed the book!

"Everybody's normal till you get to know them" vividly describes how people are far from being truly normal. We often label ourselves as normal and expect the same from others. Instead of using the term "normal," the author cleverly alludes to the "As-is tag" in grocery stores. This implies that everyone has unique qualities or flaws, such as poor anger management, stubbornness, or a tendency to tell little lies. Throughout the book, I was impressed by the author's ability to describe these truths in a non-offensive manner. The quote "You may see these flaws in the person you most love and know" really caught my attention and drew me into the author's stories. I realized that because everyone has their own "as is tags," it is these differences that make us love and appreciate others.

With this understanding established, the author then emphasizes the importance of community. He makes numerous allusions to the Bible, along with personal stories from his life and those of his friends, as well as some scientific facts. The author eloquently explains how community is vital to us and provides guidance on how to build a good community. This is definitely a Christian book, as more than 40% of it is related to or refers to the Bible. However, this was one of the aspects that I really liked about the book. The author shows how the Bible stories are relevant to the lessons he is teaching, and in doing so, he delves deeper into the Bible stories that I was already familiar with. Through the use of vivid imagery, I was able to learn and understand the Bible on a deeper level without much difficulty. My favorite biblical allusion was from Matthew 9, as it allowed me to gain a much deeper understanding of the story. This experience taught me that the Bible has profound meanings that can be discovered by reading it multiple times.

I enjoyed the book even more because I was learning about the concept of an ideal community in school. This book has enhanced my understanding of ourselves and our communities, and has taught me valuable lessons on how to create better communities. The author's use of imagery and examples makes the book very engaging and informative. I would highly recommend this book to anyone over the age of 12, as learning about ourselves and the community is of great importance. I am truly grateful to have read this book at this time, as my interest in communities was at its peak due to my studies at school.

In conclusion, everyone is not normal, and it is precisely these differences that contribute to the formation of a good community.

Third quarter goodreads review; Karin Yamada.

In the past, I have had the pleasure of reading several captivating books penned by John Ortberg. So, when I chanced upon "Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them" (Zondervan, 2003) on the shelf of the thrift store, I decided to give it a try.

To cut to the chase, I informed a friend that this book was truly a gem. In fact, when I was only halfway through the book, I promptly purchased two additional copies to gift to others. I have already presented one of them.

Ortberg possesses an engaging writing style that not only showcases his extensive knowledge but also has the ability to hold the reader's attention firmly. In this particular book, he delves into the profound concepts of loneliness, community, and boundaries. Essentially, he serves as a reminder of the crucial need for a healthy community.

One aspect of this book that I truly cherished was his exploration of the story of the Canaanite woman who approached Jesus,恳求 him to heal her daughter. Jesus told her that "it's not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." I have always loathed that verse as it didn't align with my perception of Jesus. However, Ortberg utilized it as a valuable lesson, not so much for her but for his disciples, highlighting the significance of faith over lineage. I had never considered it from that perspective before.

Just this morning, as I was perusing John 17, I read that Jesus is praying that we would be one, just as he and the Father are one, and that we may be in them (the Father and Son) as they are in each other. This is a powerful call to Trinitarian community, and Ortberg articulates this idea beautifully in his book.

This is an extremely encouraging book that serves as a powerful motivation for us to learn the art of living in a Christian community with others. Ortberg urges us to interact with others in a manner that we ourselves would desire to be treated, and he does so with great warmth and humor. His fundamental premise is that we all bear an "as is" tag in relation to our true nature, something that we all strive to conceal from others.

My favorite chapter, titled "The Fellowship of the Mat," delves into Christ's healing of the paralytic man whose friends were willing to lower him down from a rooftop so that Jesus could heal him. The following is a quote from this chapter: "It is a very vulnerable thing to have someone carry your mat. When somebody's carrying your mat, they see you in your weakness. They might hurt you if they drop you. There is this gift between these friends: trusting vulnerability and dependable faithfulness. This mat, which according to society should have created a gulf between him and them, instead became an opportunity for servanthood and acceptance. This group becomes the Fellowship of the Mat. Wherever human beings love and accept and serve each other in the face of weakness and need, there is the Fellowship of the Mat."

This chapter beautifully illustrates the power of true friendship and community within the context of Christianity. It shows how our weaknesses can actually bring us closer together and create opportunities for us to serve and love one another. Ortberg's words are both inspiring and thought-provoking, challenging us to examine our own relationships and how we can better live out the principles of the Christian faith in our interactions with others.

An excellent and thorough treatise on the nature of community and grace awaits within the pages of this remarkable book. It is not only easy to read, but also highly entertaining. The profound insights it offers into the concept of community and grace are truly eye-opening. What makes this book even more valuable is its practical application. It provides readers with real-world examples and actionable steps that can be implemented in their daily lives.

For any Christian living in community, and that indeed means you too, this book is an absolute must-read. It will help you to better understand the importance of community and grace in your spiritual journey. It will also give you the tools and inspiration you need to build stronger relationships with your fellow believers and to grow in your faith.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of community and grace. Pick up this book today and start your journey towards a more fulfilling and meaningful Christian life.

This book is truly excellent for highlighting the significance and challenges within the Christian community.

It delves deep into the importance of coming together as believers, sharing in each other's joys and sorrows, and supporting one another in the faith journey.

The author presents a vivid picture of the various struggles that can arise within a Christian community, such as differences in beliefs, conflicts over leadership, and the need to balance individual needs with the collective good.

Despite these challenges, the book also emphasizes the power and beauty of a strong Christian community. It shows how, through love, forgiveness, and mutual respect, believers can overcome their differences and build a community that is a source of strength and inspiration.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the importance and complexity of the Christian community. It offers valuable insights and practical advice for building and maintaining healthy relationships within the body of Christ.

While this book does possess some very good points, it has unfortunately been my least favorite John Ortberg book to date. I, for one, firmly believe that I am not normal, and I am completely cool with that fact. This immediately contradicts the central premise of the book, as I like to think that I have a good understanding of myself. Additionally, as an introvert, I find myself strongly opposed to the idea that this book encourages one to get to know people. It just doesn't sit well with me. I have always preferred my own company and the peace and quiet that comes with it. The thought of having to engage with others on a regular basis is rather unappealing to me. I understand that there may be some benefits to getting to know people, but for me, it's just not something that I am interested in doing.

This is truly one of the finest books that delves into the art of nurturing and fortifying one of God's most precious presents to us, which is the Christian community.

It holds the power to inspire you in a profound way, compelling you to embark on a journey of growing deeper within the community of your Christian brothers and sisters.

The pages of this book are filled with valuable insights and practical wisdom that can transform your understanding and experience of being part of the Christian community.

Whether you are a long-time member or a newcomer, this book offers something for everyone.

It will encourage you to reach out, build stronger relationships, and support one another in your spiritual walk.

So, if you are seeking to enhance your connection with the Christian community and grow closer to God, this book is a must-read.

So, I think I have a clear understanding of why this book is receiving such high ratings.

If you rate this book, it implies that you have completed reading it. This is likely because you are a devout Christian who has a penchant for sermons, and everything within the book seems to be "preaching to the choir."

Had the book solely consisted of humorous anecdotes and accounts of his life experiences as a pastor, I would have assigned it a rating of 2.5.

However, when a book is titled in such a way, one does not anticipate that it will utilize passages from the Bible as evidence for all of its conclusions.

Perhaps a rating of 1 star is even too generous.

This makes me question the objectivity of the ratings and wonder if they are influenced more by the religious beliefs of the readers rather than the actual literary merit of the book.

It also makes me think about how different people can have such diverse interpretations and evaluations of the same piece of work based on their personal biases and perspectives.

Overall, this experience has made me more cautious when it comes to relying on ratings and reviews to judge a book.

I truly adored this book. Ortberg's titles initially captured my attention. (In addition to this particular one, I also have If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat.) His unique sense of humor significantly enhances the profound message within the book. It is truly remarkable how his light-hearted approach manages to convey such important ideas.

I found myself constantly highlighting passages and jotting down notes in the margins. The content was so engaging and thought-provoking that I couldn't help but want to mark those especially meaningful parts. Each page seemed to offer something new and valuable, making it a truly enriching reading experience.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a combination of entertainment and inspiration. Ortberg's writing style is both accessible and engaging, making it suitable for a wide range of readers. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance or simply a good read, this book is sure to deliver.

Basically, this is a book that is specifically designed for those who are engaged in the counselling ministry.

It comprehensively covers a wide range of subjects, including authenticity in relationships, acceptance, conflict, self-image, and other personal dilemmas that people commonly face.

The author has written this book in a warm and pastoral manner, which makes it very engaging and easy to read. There are plenty of illustrations and humorous anecdotes throughout the text, which not only add to the readability but also help to drive home the key points.

It is evident that the author has a great deal of experience in helping people with their social and spiritual lives, as the book is filled with practical advice and insights.

Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in the counselling ministry or who simply wants to gain a better understanding of how to deal with the various challenges and difficulties that we all face in our lives.

Must reread every year

This book is truly a remarkable piece of work. It serves as a light, heartwarming yet incredibly powerful reminder of our reality. John Ortberg's writing style is simply captivating. It feels as if you are engaged in a conversation with a dear friend. Not just any friend, but a real one. One that truly cares about you and has the courage to be honest with you. His words have the ability to touch your soul and make you reflect on your life. Each time you reread it, you discover new insights and perspectives. It's like a treasure trove that never loses its value. Whether you're going through a difficult time or simply looking for some inspiration, this book is a must-read. It will leave you feeling uplifted and motivated to face whatever comes your way.

The title of this book truly caught my interest. As I delved into its pages, I discovered that it contains a wealth of profound truths. It emphasizes the significance of community, highlighting how our connections with others can bring meaning and fulfillment to our lives. The book also explores the importance of building and maintaining healthy relationships. It shows that by being vulnerable and true to those around us, we can foster deeper and more genuine bonds.

These truths are not only relevant but also essential in today's fast-paced and often disconnected world. They remind us of the value of human connection and the power of being our authentic selves. Through the stories and examples in the book, we are inspired to reach out, to listen, and to share with others.

In conclusion, this book serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of community, relationships, vulnerability, and authenticity. It encourages us to look beyond ourselves and to embrace the beauty and complexity of the human experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of these fundamental aspects of life.