I AM Standing Up: True Confessions of a Total Freak of Nature (Invert) [Paperback]

Luke Lang (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 23, 2008 | Series: Invert (Book 44)

Maybe you have days when you don't feel so good about yourself... You're not as tall or thin as you'd like, or maybe you don't quite fit in or you just get left out. Well, you'll start to feel a lot better about yourself once you start reading about Luke! Luke Lang calls himself a freak of nature. He's a grown man who is the height of an average fifth grader---but that's not what makes him a freak. He's also about as wide as the average Sumo wrestler (but sadly, too uncoordinated to actually compete as a Sumo wrestler!). Luke knows what it's like to feel left out or left behind. But he's got a great sense of humor about his life's misadventures, and he's sharing the hysterical stories with you, in the hopes that you'll feel encouraged---not just because you're not as freaky as Luke, but because you'll see that God can do extraordinary things through people who are pretty ordinary. While you're reading Luke's embarrassing stories, like the time he got beat up by a girl in Karate class or the time he was fighting for his life at Boy Scout camp, you'll learn a little about God's love and grace, and you'll be reminded that you were created on purpose, for a purpose.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Maybe you have days when you don't feel so good about yourself... You're not as tall or thin as you'd like, or maybe you don't quite fit in or you just get left out. Well, you'll start to feel a lot better about yourself once you start reading about Luke! Luke Lang calls himself a freak of nature. He's a grown man who is the height of an average fifth grader---but that's not what makes him a freak. He's also about as wide as the average Sumo wrestler (but sadly, too uncoordinated to actually compete as a Sumo wrestler!). Luke knows what it's like to feel left out or left behind. But he's got a great sense of humor about his life's misadventures, and he's sharing the hysterical stories with you, in the hopes that you'll feel encouraged---not just because you're not as freaky as Luke, but because you'll see that God can do extraordinary things through people who are pretty ordinary. While you're reading Luke's embarrassing stories, like the time he got beat up by a girl in Karate class or the time he was fighting for his life at Boy Scout camp, you'll learn a little about God's love and grace, and you'll be reminded that you were created on purpose, for a purpose. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Luke Lang has spent much of his life standing out and feeling left out. He's a self-proclaimed 'freak of nature' who has spent more than twenty years working with teenagers. Throughout his life, Luke has learned to accept and celebrate his weaknesses as he has come to realize that God can do extraordinary things through extremely ordinary people. He is a cartoonist, a speaker at camps and retreats, and currently volunteers in his church's youth group. Luke is married to Diana, and they live in North Carolina with their daughter Delanie, their two beagles, and Luke's extensive Pez dispenser collection.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan/Youth Specialties (December 23, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310283256
• ISBN-13: 978-0310283256
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,155,271 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Luke Lang has spent much of his life standing out and feeling left out. He's a self-proclaimed "freak of nature" who has spent more than twenty years working with teenagers. Throughout his life, Luke has learned to accept and celebrate his weaknesses as he has come to realize that God can do extraordinary things through extremely ordinary people. He is a cartoonist, a speaker at camps and retreats, and currently volunteers in his church's youth group. Luke is married to Diana, and they live in North Carolina with their daughter Delanie, their two beagles, and Luke's extensive Pez dispenser collection.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK, October 8, 2009

By 

Beth "Mom of 2" (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I AM Standing Up: True Confessions of a Total Freak of Nature (Invert) (Paperback)

I highly, highly recommend this book. I read it in one sitting primarily because I could not put it down. It has so many wonderful nuggets that carried with me. I love how Luke interweaves humor, stories, scripture, cartoons, encouragement, honesty and openness with real-life examples. It is great read for someone who's mind tends to wander! Many times I was laughing out loud and nodding my head in agreement. I just loved so much about this book. If you have any insecurities (who doesn't) feel like you've struggled fitting in (who doesn't) or you know someone who struggles with this (who doesn't!) Buy this and read it today.

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and thought provoking, July 9, 2009

By 

George "Carmelbythecorn" (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I AM Standing Up: True Confessions of a Total Freak of Nature (Invert) (Paperback)

This book will definitely make you laugh but it will also make you think. I think everyone has, at some point in their life, dealt with being on the outside looking in. Those uncomfortable, embarrassing or disconcerting situations often change our lives. This wonderful book shows how accepting what God has to say about ones self instead of what others may say about you can bring about a life change of tremendous proportions. Luke uses humor and bravely tells of stories of his life to illustrate his transformation. Highly recommended for people of all ages. I'm going to have my teenagers read this book...

5.0 out of 5 stars Heroic and brave beyond normal definitions., March 6, 2009

By 

Mark lang - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I AM Standing Up: True Confessions of a Total Freak of Nature (Invert) (Paperback)

This book is funny and a great read, but more importantly it could save a young persons life. Luke has opened himself up and is brave enough to discuss things about his teen life that most of us want to forget or ignore. Young people that are struggling and feel like there is no hope can read the true life examples of conquering bad situations with humor and bravery and learn God is always fighting for them. I have seen Mr. Lang speak to young people and seen kids relate to his honesty and compassion for them. This book will speak to kids and adults alike.