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978 reviews for:
Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
Shauna Niequist
3.69 AVERAGE
978 reviews for:
Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
Shauna Niequist
3.69 AVERAGE
Thought this was a beautifully written, thought provoking book that coincided well with where I am at currently. Will be rereading this one!
If you're a mom with her dream job and a happy little family, who's not really experienced anything bad and just needs a couple weeks at her lakeside cottage to remember what's really important in life... this book is for you.
If you're like me- burning out at a job you hate, with an imperfect family, and definitely not the financial resources to take lots of vacations everywhere whenever you get a little bored, you may find this book a bit pedantic. Niequist frequently finds her life changed by poignant quotes you might find on coffee mugs, and gives vague advice about saying no sometimes and making your own decisions. There's nothing new being said here.
On the bright side, this does go to show that if you really want to be a motivational life coach/author, the bar is set real low. Real, real low. So go live your dream!
If you're like me- burning out at a job you hate, with an imperfect family, and definitely not the financial resources to take lots of vacations everywhere whenever you get a little bored, you may find this book a bit pedantic. Niequist frequently finds her life changed by poignant quotes you might find on coffee mugs, and gives vague advice about saying no sometimes and making your own decisions. There's nothing new being said here.
On the bright side, this does go to show that if you really want to be a motivational life coach/author, the bar is set real low. Real, real low. So go live your dream!
a reminder to slow down and consider what in life truly matters.
Slow down, focus on relationships. Stop judging. I’ve been reading a lot of midlife crisis books. This feels like one without the humor and more peace
This was a lovey exploration of quieting down life to find more of what matters. For the author that’s letting work take a back seat to family and God. Being your whole self with the people and faith you rely on and showing up as your best self for the people who matter. I think the application extends beyond the Christian context into a wider faith context. Regardless of belief there is a powerful message of connection, realizing true priorities and being gentle with yourself while changes take time.
Gave up on the book at page 160 (of 236). The book presents some good truths and ideas, but they could have been explained in 10 pages or less. I feel like the book is very repetitive and keeps going back in circles. I kept thinking: “Ok, I get it, move on to the next point!” But then it would just circle back around and instead of adding depth to an idea, Niequist just launches into another story or example from which she draws the exact same conclusion she drew in all previous chapters.
That said, I did enjoy some of the stories and picked up some wonderful truths along the way.
That said, I did enjoy some of the stories and picked up some wonderful truths along the way.
slow-paced
Good messaging about slowing down and how to say no to things, etc. Very god-focused which is not for me but fine for those of that faith. Not information I haven’t heard elsewhere. Nothing groundbreaking in my opinion.
I have loved Niequist's writing from the beginning, and this latest collection of essays did not disappoint! She deals with how busyness was wrecking her life--physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Beautifully written and deeply personal, these essays resonated with me. I loved the themes found throughout and it left me thinking about ways I have allowed busyness to wreck my own life. Thought-provoking and wonderful.
I found this book interesting but not quite what I hoped it would be based on my understanding. It’s quite an easy read but it seems somewhere in the middle of a religious based text and a secular text. It doesn’t seem to know which camp to live in and be comfortable.
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced