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974 reviews for:
Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
Shauna Niequist
3.69 AVERAGE
974 reviews for:
Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
Shauna Niequist
3.69 AVERAGE
I learned so much from this book! It’s about being present just as you are—with God, with those around you, and with yourself. Niequist has some interesting things to say about prayer that really spoke to my heart. She talks about a model of prayer where you basically get confession and repentance out of the way first before broaching other topics with God so that you can speak freely and focus on connecting with Him. This is such a refreshing approach. I also really liked what she had to say about grace, forgiveness, and shame. Highly recommended! Now I’m trying to get my hands on everything else Shauna Niequist has written.
On the content/personal level: I can appreciate Shauna's story, her message, and how many people have comfort, depth, and direction from her. Personally though, I finished the book because I found some nuggets of her reflections helpful and thoughtful, but not because the book or writing as a whole drew me in. It more alienated me, because I didn't share the author's religious views, or have her financial or social background or means -- and she doesn't address anyone's reality who doesn't fit this criteria.
Most importantly, what threw the whole book off was the dishonestly in presenting the book on the jacket and through marketing as being simply about finding a life of more meaning and connection, when in reality, 50% of the content of the book is wholly about Shauna's Christian experiences. She talks about God. Constantly. Which is fine, except that there is *absolutely no mention* of God, Christianity, or Spirituality *anywhere* in the book description, -- incredibly misleading. The content fits perfectly if it were marketed as a Christian book -- but it wasn't, and so readers are ambushed. For example, the jacket describes "[finding] the voice of love you've been aching to hear." In the book, however, Shauna writes over and over again how this can only be found through God's love. Essentially, if you don't share Shauna's feelings about God, it is hard to absorb the message of the book outside of this.
On the writing level, it was confusing. If it's a memoir, it doesn't really have a cohesive story, but if it's self-help, well, she only talks about her own experiences. I felt like the book never really went anywhere or had narrative arc -- the author simply repeated herself and the same sentiments, over and over and over again. It read more like seperate, disjointed, poetically scribbled journal entries in chapters or sections often only three pages long. had I known this, perhaps I would have only read it one section a day, rather than try to read it as a book or novel, trying to search for some narrative arc. Lastly, the long strings of adjectives and run-on sentences got to be a bit much. It does make it feel more personal, but also, is poor editing. Again: fine for a journal entry, not as fine for a published book.
This isn't meant to be a blasting review. Shauna embraces wholehearted living, and you can hear her heart through her writing, how much she cares about sharing her experiences, and helping others escape the craziness she was stuck in, and find a more soulful way to live. I can appreciate where the author is coming from, and why other's have liked the content. However, on a marketing level, the book is problematic and dishonest, on a content level, repetitive, and on a writing and editing level, also has a lot of issues. So, I wouldn't be able to recommend it, except for a very specific audience. I recommend Brene Brown instead, for some of the same message, without the religious marketing, and with much wider relate-ability and applicability.
Most importantly, what threw the whole book off was the dishonestly in presenting the book on the jacket and through marketing as being simply about finding a life of more meaning and connection, when in reality, 50% of the content of the book is wholly about Shauna's Christian experiences. She talks about God. Constantly. Which is fine, except that there is *absolutely no mention* of God, Christianity, or Spirituality *anywhere* in the book description, -- incredibly misleading. The content fits perfectly if it were marketed as a Christian book -- but it wasn't, and so readers are ambushed. For example, the jacket describes "[finding] the voice of love you've been aching to hear." In the book, however, Shauna writes over and over again how this can only be found through God's love. Essentially, if you don't share Shauna's feelings about God, it is hard to absorb the message of the book outside of this.
On the writing level, it was confusing. If it's a memoir, it doesn't really have a cohesive story, but if it's self-help, well, she only talks about her own experiences. I felt like the book never really went anywhere or had narrative arc -- the author simply repeated herself and the same sentiments, over and over and over again. It read more like seperate, disjointed, poetically scribbled journal entries in chapters or sections often only three pages long. had I known this, perhaps I would have only read it one section a day, rather than try to read it as a book or novel, trying to search for some narrative arc. Lastly, the long strings of adjectives and run-on sentences got to be a bit much. It does make it feel more personal, but also, is poor editing. Again: fine for a journal entry, not as fine for a published book.
This isn't meant to be a blasting review. Shauna embraces wholehearted living, and you can hear her heart through her writing, how much she cares about sharing her experiences, and helping others escape the craziness she was stuck in, and find a more soulful way to live. I can appreciate where the author is coming from, and why other's have liked the content. However, on a marketing level, the book is problematic and dishonest, on a content level, repetitive, and on a writing and editing level, also has a lot of issues. So, I wouldn't be able to recommend it, except for a very specific audience. I recommend Brene Brown instead, for some of the same message, without the religious marketing, and with much wider relate-ability and applicability.
I liked it, but was hoping for some practical advice rather than a series of vignettes. I’ll read more of her work, though.
Such a great read!!! Amazing writing and a great book to help gain perspective!!
This book was enjoyable, but it bothered me a little bit. There was some truth that Shauna wrote about, but she also wrote in a sort of worldly, prosperity gospel way. Like, you can change your life and make it the best life you’ve dreamed of. Yes, you can make changes to love in a way that glorifies the Lord more and brings joy, but also, that isn’t what life is all about. I agreed with some of what she said, but also read it with a careful eye to keep truth in the forefront of my mind. I think she brings up a lot of great points, but I recommend any Christians who read this to read it carefully.
This book resonated with a lot I'm thinking, feeling, and experiencing. Too religious at times for my liking but the takeaways are still good.
The title and synopsis made me optimistic about reading this book.
I was extremely disappointed.
Quick overview: Jesus.
I was extremely disappointed.
Quick overview: Jesus.
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
A really heartfelt work with beautiful nuggets of wisdom throughout. I’m sure I’ll continue to pick it up at various times in my life, as a reminder to stop and be grateful.
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
Very religious. Great at helping identify problems and describing what it feels like to be a high functioning woman with anxiety but not great at actually helping provide concrete solutions.