Listen free for 30 days
-
Present over Perfect
- Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
- Narrated by: Shauna Niequist
- Length: 4 hrs and 44 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Present over Perfect
Buy Now for $28.59
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Buy it with
-
I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet
- Discovering New Ways of Living When the Old Ways Stop Working
- Written by: Shauna Niequist
- Narrated by: Shauna Niequist
- Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 8
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 7
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 7
Just after her fortieth birthday, author Shauna Niequist found herself in a season of chaos, change, and loss unlike anything she'd ever faced. She discovered that many of the beliefs and practices that she usually turned to were no longer serving her.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Beautifully written but lacking meaning
- By Alana on 2023-07-08
Written by: Shauna Niequist
-
Decluttering at the Speed of Life
- Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff
- Written by: Dana K. White
- Narrated by: Dana K. White
- Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 247
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 216
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 212
While the world seems to be in love with the idea of tiny houses and minimalism, many of us simply can't purge it all and start from nothing. Yet a home with too much stuff is difficult to maintain, so where do we begin? Add in paralyzing emotional attachments and constant life challenges, and it can feel almost impossible to make real decluttering progress.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Amazing!!
- By Jimbob71 the Dark Slayer on 2019-03-29
Written by: Dana K. White
-
Rewire
- Change Your Brain to Break Bad Habits, Overcome Addictions, Conquer Self-Destructive Behavior
- Written by: Richard O'Connor Ph.D.
- Narrated by: Fred Stella
- Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 97
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 66
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 66
We humans tend to get in our own way time and time again - whether it comes to not speaking up for ourselves, going back to bad romantic partners, our umpteenth diet, or engaging in any of a range of bad habits we just can’t seem to shake. In Rewire, renowned psychotherapist Richard O’Connor, PhD, reveals why our bad habits die so hard. We have two brains - one a thoughtful, conscious, deliberative self, and the other an automatic self that does most of the work without our attention.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Very little, unclearly presented actionable advice
- By Elektra N. on 2018-11-21
Written by: Richard O'Connor Ph.D.
-
When Less Becomes More
- Making Space for Slow, Simple, and Good
- Written by: Emily Ley
- Narrated by: Emily Ley
- Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 19
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 15
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 15
In her newest audiobook, best-selling author and founder of Simplified Emily Ley brings a revolutionary exploration of how to live a life of more in a world that often overwhelms to the point of burnout. Emily empathizes with listeners in the throes of exhaustion and provides tools for nourishing their spirits and achieving a life where less becomes more.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Very inspiring
- By Emma David on 2021-05-08
Written by: Emily Ley
-
Everybody, Always
- Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People
- Written by: Bob Goff
- Narrated by: Bob Goff
- Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 237
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 207
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 207
In his entertaining and inspiring follow-up to Love Does, Bob Goff takes listeners on a journey into the secret of living without fear, constraint, or worry. This liberated existence we all long for is as simple to say as it is difficult to do: We are called to love everybody, always – even when it’s really difficult.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
One of the best books EVER
- By Gail and Paul Fraser on 2021-10-23
Written by: Bob Goff
-
The Power of Intention
- Learning to Co-Create Your World Your Way
- Written by: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
- Narrated by: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
- Length: 4 hrs and 27 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 248
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 208
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 206
Intention is generally viewed as a pit-bull kind of determination propelling one to succeed at all costs by never giving up on an inner picture. In this view, an attitude that combines hard work with an indefatigable drive toward excellence is the way to succeed. However, intention is viewed very differently in this audiobook.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
The narration to my life...
- By Kyle T. on 2018-09-19
Written by: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
-
I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet
- Discovering New Ways of Living When the Old Ways Stop Working
- Written by: Shauna Niequist
- Narrated by: Shauna Niequist
- Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 8
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 7
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 7
Just after her fortieth birthday, author Shauna Niequist found herself in a season of chaos, change, and loss unlike anything she'd ever faced. She discovered that many of the beliefs and practices that she usually turned to were no longer serving her.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Beautifully written but lacking meaning
- By Alana on 2023-07-08
Written by: Shauna Niequist
-
Decluttering at the Speed of Life
- Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff
- Written by: Dana K. White
- Narrated by: Dana K. White
- Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 247
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 216
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 212
While the world seems to be in love with the idea of tiny houses and minimalism, many of us simply can't purge it all and start from nothing. Yet a home with too much stuff is difficult to maintain, so where do we begin? Add in paralyzing emotional attachments and constant life challenges, and it can feel almost impossible to make real decluttering progress.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Amazing!!
- By Jimbob71 the Dark Slayer on 2019-03-29
Written by: Dana K. White
-
Rewire
- Change Your Brain to Break Bad Habits, Overcome Addictions, Conquer Self-Destructive Behavior
- Written by: Richard O'Connor Ph.D.
- Narrated by: Fred Stella
- Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 97
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 66
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 66
We humans tend to get in our own way time and time again - whether it comes to not speaking up for ourselves, going back to bad romantic partners, our umpteenth diet, or engaging in any of a range of bad habits we just can’t seem to shake. In Rewire, renowned psychotherapist Richard O’Connor, PhD, reveals why our bad habits die so hard. We have two brains - one a thoughtful, conscious, deliberative self, and the other an automatic self that does most of the work without our attention.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Very little, unclearly presented actionable advice
- By Elektra N. on 2018-11-21
Written by: Richard O'Connor Ph.D.
-
When Less Becomes More
- Making Space for Slow, Simple, and Good
- Written by: Emily Ley
- Narrated by: Emily Ley
- Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 19
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 15
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 15
In her newest audiobook, best-selling author and founder of Simplified Emily Ley brings a revolutionary exploration of how to live a life of more in a world that often overwhelms to the point of burnout. Emily empathizes with listeners in the throes of exhaustion and provides tools for nourishing their spirits and achieving a life where less becomes more.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Very inspiring
- By Emma David on 2021-05-08
Written by: Emily Ley
-
Everybody, Always
- Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People
- Written by: Bob Goff
- Narrated by: Bob Goff
- Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 237
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 207
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 207
In his entertaining and inspiring follow-up to Love Does, Bob Goff takes listeners on a journey into the secret of living without fear, constraint, or worry. This liberated existence we all long for is as simple to say as it is difficult to do: We are called to love everybody, always – even when it’s really difficult.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
One of the best books EVER
- By Gail and Paul Fraser on 2021-10-23
Written by: Bob Goff
-
The Power of Intention
- Learning to Co-Create Your World Your Way
- Written by: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
- Narrated by: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
- Length: 4 hrs and 27 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 248
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 208
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 206
Intention is generally viewed as a pit-bull kind of determination propelling one to succeed at all costs by never giving up on an inner picture. In this view, an attitude that combines hard work with an indefatigable drive toward excellence is the way to succeed. However, intention is viewed very differently in this audiobook.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
The narration to my life...
- By Kyle T. on 2018-09-19
Written by: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
-
Bittersweet
- Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way
- Written by: Shauna Niequist
- Narrated by: Shauna Niequist
- Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 3
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 3
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 3
Join New York Times best-selling author Shauna Niequist as she invites you to experience the precious gifts and wisdom that only come the hard way - through change, loss, and transition. In this collection of poignant essays, Shauna reflects on her own journey of making peace with change, the nuanced mix of excitement and heartbreak that comes with it, and the practices that offer us strength and hope along the way. A tribute to life at the edges, Bittersweet is a love letter to the bittersweet and sacred work that change does in us all.
Written by: Shauna Niequist
-
The Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs
- Elevate Yourself to Elevate Your Business
- Written by: Hal Elrod, Cameron Herold, Honoree Corder
- Narrated by: Rob Actis
- Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 68
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 57
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 56
These six daily practices will fuel your efforts to create and sustain positive change in your life. Now The Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs brings you these principles in a whole new light - alongside the entrepreneurial elevation principles and the entrepreneur's elevation skills. These are essential skills that you need to create a successful business and personal life.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
talk about obvious things and repeats it self
- By Kamran on 2019-11-10
Written by: Hal Elrod, and others
-
Brain Maker
- The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain - for Life
- Written by: David Perlmutter, Kristin Loberg
- Narrated by: Peter Ganim
- Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 112
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 88
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 87
Debilitating brain disorders are on the rise - from children diagnosed with autism and ADHD to adults developing dementia at younger ages than ever before. But a medical revolution is underway that can solve this problem: Astonishing new research is revealing that the health of your brain is, to an extraordinary degree, dictated by the state of your microbiome - the vast population of organisms that live in your body and outnumber your own cells 10 to one.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Should have been a pamphlet
- By Devin Tompkins on 2019-01-15
Written by: David Perlmutter, and others
-
The Matriarch Rules
- How to Own Your Power, Know Your Worth, and Lead the Life You've Always Wanted
- Written by: Randy Patterson
- Narrated by: Randy Patterson
- Length: 4 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 9
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 9
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 9
The matriarch's vision for her career is as big as her love for her family, and she's paid her worth for work she's passionate about. The matriarch knows exactly what she wants the end game to be and she has the power to make it come to fruition. Simply put: She has her act together and you feel safer and more secure when you're in her presence. So, the question is, how does one become her? This book answers that question and more.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Great inspirational read!
- By Tara Mehrer on 2020-05-18
Written by: Randy Patterson
-
True Self, False Self
- Written by: Richard Rohr O.F.M.
- Narrated by: Richard Rohr O.F.M.
- Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 79
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 67
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 66
Franciscan priest Richard Rohr feels that there is no more challenging spiritual issue than the “problem of the self". Most of contemporary spiritual teaching, he believes, is still trying to inspire and fortify the private self, the autonomous "I". Even much church work is trying to evangelize and sacramentalize what many would call "the false self." Basic transformation is not expected, but merely a new set of beliefs and practices or loyal membership in a new group.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
When you tire of the grind.
- By Anonymous User on 2020-07-20
Written by: Richard Rohr O.F.M.
-
How We Change
- (And Ten Reasons Why We Don't)
- Written by: Ross Ellenhorn
- Narrated by: Nathan Agin
- Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 6
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 5
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 5
We all have something we want to change about ourselves. But whether it's quitting smoking, losing weight, or breaking some common bad habit or negative behavior pattern, we feel a sense of failure when we don’t succeed. This often sets off a cascade of negative feelings and discouragement, making it even harder to change. The voice in our head tells us: Why bother.
Written by: Ross Ellenhorn
-
Call of the Wild
- How We Heal Trauma, Awaken Our Own Power, and Use It for Good
- Written by: Kimberly Ann Johnson
- Narrated by: Kimberly Ann Johnson
- Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 17
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 16
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 16
From trauma educator and somatic guide Kimberly Ann Johnson comes a cutting-edge guide for tapping into the wisdom and resilience of the body to rewire the nervous system, heal from trauma, and live fully.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Revolutionary For Women’s Health!
- By Elly Hamilton on 2021-04-28
Written by: Kimberly Ann Johnson
-
The Universe Always Has a Plan
- The 10 Golden Rules of Letting Go
- Written by: Matt Kahn
- Narrated by: Matt Kahn
- Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 211
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 180
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 177
Do you feel an insatiable drive to fulfill a mission greater than yourself? To be reacquainted with a long-lost desire to follow the excitement of passion, inspiration, and playfulness? Have you reached a turning point in your reality? In this powerful work, spiritual teacher and intuitive Matt Kahn explores the 10 Golden Rules for emotional freedom - divinely curated and practical to the demands of everyday life. Infused into each rule is Matt's loving, heart-centered perspective, to help guide you through your own profound spiritual transformation.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Wonderful
- By Nancy on 2020-04-01
Written by: Matt Kahn
-
The ADHD Advantage
- What You Thought Was a Diagnosis May Be Your Greatest Strength
- Written by: Dale Archer MD
- Narrated by: Walter Dixon
- Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 89
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 70
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 69
Sharing the stories of highly successful people with ADHD, Dr. Archer offers a vitally important and inspiring new way to recognize ADHD traits in oneself or in one's loved ones, and then leverage them to great advantage - without drugs. As someone who not only has ADHD himself but also has never used medication to treat it, Dr. Archer understands the condition from a unique standpoint.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Really disappointed
- By Roxane Désilets on 2021-01-01
Written by: Dale Archer MD
-
Stress Management
- Fast Proven Treatment for Stress & Anxiety
- Written by: Sarah Wright
- Narrated by: Rachel Perry
- Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 72
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 66
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 65
Don't let stress and anxiety ruin your life - overcome it fast with easy, practicable, and proven steps. Stress can have a negative effect on every area of our lives including work, family and friends, romantic partners, and our general health and happiness. Thankfully it is something that can be beaten. Stress can be abolished and happiness increased with the much praised best-seller by Sarah Wright.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
love ot
- By matthew p. on 2020-12-17
Written by: Sarah Wright
-
Three Simple Steps
- A Map to Success in Business and Life
- Written by: Trevor Blake
- Narrated by: Matthew Dudley
- Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 89
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 71
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 72
How many self-help books are written by authors whose biggest success is selling self-help books? Three Simple Steps is different. Despite stock market crashes, dot-com busts, and the specter of recession, the author started a virtual company from home, using a few thousand dollars of his savings. A few years later, without ever hiring an employee or leaving his home office, he sold it for more than $100 million. As the economy slipped into another free fall, he did this again with a company in a different field. He accomplished this through no particular genius.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Three Steps in One Fantastic Listen
- By Paul Malfara on 2018-09-14
Written by: Trevor Blake
-
Get Out of Your Own Way
- A Skeptic's Guide to Growth and Fulfillment
- Written by: Dave Hollis
- Narrated by: Dave Hollis, Rachel Hollis
- Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 268
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 218
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 218
When a looming career funk, a growing drinking problem, and a challenging trek through therapy battered Dave Hollis, a Disney executive and father of four, he began to realize he was letting untruths about himself dictate his life. As he sank to the bottom of his valley, he had to make a choice. Would he push himself out of his comfort zone to become the best man he was capable of being, or would he play it safe and settle for mediocrity?
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Lots of hot air
- By Alvaro Siza on 2020-07-26
Written by: Dave Hollis
Publisher's Summary
New York Times best-selling author Shauna Niequist invites you to look at the landscape of your own life, consider what it might look like to leave behind the pressure to be perfect, and begin the life-changing practice of simply being present in the middle of the mess and the ordinariness of life.
A few years ago, Shauna found herself exhausted and isolated, her soul and body sick. She was tired of being tired and burned out on busy. It seemed like almost everyone she talked to was in the same boat: Longing for connection, meaning, and depth, but settling for busy.
But then something changed: She learned a new way to live. She decided to trade the hustle and bustle for grace, love, stillness, and play, and it changed everything. Shauna offers an honest account of what led her to begin this journey and a compelling vision for an entirely new way to live: Soaked in rest, silence, simplicity, prayer, and connection with the people who matter most to us.
As you witness Shauna's journey, you'll be inspired to embark on one of your own. She gives you the encouragement you need to:
- Put an end to people-pleasing tendencies
- Embrace moments of simplicity, quiet, and stillness
- Accept that you are worthy of love, belonging, and joy
Written in Shauna's warm and vulnerable style, this collection of essays focuses on the most important transformation in her life, and maybe yours too: Leaving behind busyness and frantic living and rediscovering the person you were made to be. Present Over Perfect is a hand reaching out, pulling you free from the constant pressure to perform faster, push harder, and produce more while maintaining an exhausting image of perfection.
Join the over 500,000 others who have already started walking this new path away from frantic pushing and proving and toward their true selves.
More from the same
What listeners say about Present over Perfect
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall1 out of 5 stars
-
Performance2 out of 5 stars
-
Story1 out of 5 stars
- J. Robertson
- 2018-11-10
Not perfect
Didn’t realize it had such a big religious component to the book. That ruined it for me. Painful in places.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance3 out of 5 stars
-
Story3 out of 5 stars
- kaleigh burnet
- 2017-10-22
VERY whimsical
It is a good book if you want to curl up somewhere and imagine everything that she is saying because there is so much detail. It is her story, not a helping book. There was a couple of moments for me where I was like "I really understand how you feel" but I found it quite hard to finish because I felt like she was just repeating herself over and over in different ways.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2022-02-04
Sometimes you just need to know
This book is unbelievable. It's really something. I am blown away.
It's one my favorite book when I feel like shit.
I did pass through so many rough times in my life. Today I have problems to deal with people.
I prefer to be my own or with my cats. It's so liberating.
I feel so much better after listening to this book.
I needed this so much. So much that I did listen to it several times during a week.
It's like I don't hold something on my back anymore.
It was time. A part of me is healed.
I just needed to find myself again.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dustin
- 2021-09-26
life changing
life changing. can't wait to start implementing some new boundaries and standards for myself.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Kali Dawson
- 2020-04-17
Beautiful. One I will listen to again and again.
Easy-Listening, so insightful, I didn't want it to end. Eloquent Writer. Spoke directly to my heart. -Kali
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Faith
- 2019-04-11
Great listen
Well writen & narrated. I liked the compilation of relatable stories. They kept me wanting to hear more. I cought myself thinking "really? Me too", more than once.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- N. Rover
- 2018-09-19
Loved it!
I loved hearing Shauna’s experiences and really identified with what she has gone through. I loved hearing her read it on audible too. It really felt like I was in her story! We studied this book in our book cub and all of us loved it and could relate to many different elements of what and how she writes. I have fallen victim to the expectation of wanting to be perfect and this book was a great journey through Shauna’s experience of finding her own ground. It is relatable and inspiring. #Audible1
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance3 out of 5 stars
-
Story3 out of 5 stars
- Anna A.
- 2018-06-09
A little long.
I really enjoyed parts of this book, but found themes repeated too often. Shauna’s points could have been just as effective in half the length.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Caroline Marie Kim
- 2017-12-06
My companion for a more present life
I have listened to this audiobook three times now, on my work commutes. Previously, I had read the book, but this recording, read by Shauna Niequist herself has been such a gift. To hear her words, spoken into my heart, has a power all its own. Her presence through this book walked me through important decisions for me and my family that will change an entire season of life for us.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- nicole gerhardt
- 2017-10-18
My soul is full!
simply the best book ever! This is a game changer. I cried and laughed. this was just what I needed.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall1 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story1 out of 5 stars
- Meeseeks
- 2017-02-13
A long, curious blog post
This book follows a current theme of blog writers attempting to write books that often turn into extremely long blog post that seem to get lost in themselves. Another reviewer commented that it seems like a diary that has simply been put into book form, and I think that's accurate. The book Manders and drags on and many parts and leaves me baffled at the good reviews.
I had a hard time relating to much of what was said including an upscale School having a beach house and it just a life that is only hard because the author feels like having a hard life. It's clear that most of everything that the author struggles with can be dropped unlike my own life or, I'm guessing, the life of many other readers.
I have to wonder if most of the good reviews are simply people were already fans in the blog and read the book knowing what they were going to get. I struggled to finish the book, many parts of Simply seem to drag on with unnecessary descriptions. And one part the author even talks about how they are having trouble finishing the book. Clearly, placing emphasis on word count in book length is not a good way to create a readable book. The author seems like a really good person and I'm likely to check out her blog, however this book was dreadful.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
411 people found this helpful
-
Overall1 out of 5 stars
-
Performance1 out of 5 stars
-
Story1 out of 5 stars
- Sunshinegirl
- 2017-11-03
Aimless and humble bragging
If you want to hear an entire book about her “humble bragging” accomplishments and her extravagant life- mixed with a handful of random babbling that makes no sense and has no direction, with uncertainty about which religion she associates with (she mentions going to temples, rabis, pastors, spiritual director, cathedrals..) - then this is the book for you!
Honestly this book is written for wealthy stay at home trophy wives who brag about all “the hardships” in their life like going on extravagant retreats and vacations to Hawaii... also, this book is SO random... she goes from talking about “don’t say yes to everything” to “say yes to everything!” And then, randomly includes stories about her friends affairs and just all around I don’t recommend this book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
363 people found this helpful
-
Overall1 out of 5 stars
-
Performance2 out of 5 stars
-
Story1 out of 5 stars
- Michelle
- 2018-01-24
oh where to begin..
First off, I resent that it is filled with so many references to Christianity and nowhere in the summary does it say that this book leans so heavily in that direction. I don't have a problem with books about religion, in fact most of the books that I read pertain to religion. But I want to make the choice as to which type of religion I'm reading about and I feel that if someone is quoting Biblical scripture, then it would be nice if the reader knew that going in. Second, I could only get to chapter 9, before I became so sick of listening to this upper middle class woman complain about how unsatisfied she was. She has complained about not knowing whether to have the housekeeper come more often, about sitting by the pool with friends and not having enough time to see friends more, too many travel plans? This has to be one of the most ungrateful people I have ever had to listen to.. Less than 10% of the world's population has enough food, shelter, education, time and money to even PONDER our place in the universe and I am supposed to feel sorry for someone who isn't grateful enough to thank God or the universe that she doesn't have to work 3 minimum wage jobs and still doesn't have enough to feed her kids. I just can't listen to anymore but would love to get my time back.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
174 people found this helpful
-
Overall2 out of 5 stars
-
Performance2 out of 5 stars
-
Story2 out of 5 stars
- Scott Brown
- 2018-04-13
Uninteresting and difficult to connect with
Following the extremely inspirational audiobook, Why Buddhism is True, I was really looking forward to a story (true or not) that would help guide me in my quest to be present. I searched through blog posts, friend recommendations and similar audiobooks to aid my quest. When I came upon Present over Perfect, I thought I had found what I was searching for. I eagerly begun the audiobook with my wife as we started our four hour road trip across the state. After roughly the two hour mark we stopped the audio for a quick discussion. Neither of us could ‘get into’ the story and found the material uninteresting. Now I admit this could potentially be a product of my assumptions, expectations and personal situation but I was still bummed out. We found it really hard to relate to the content and author and, instead of forcing something that clearly wasn’t there, we stopped listening. I soon after returned the audiobook for a refund and chose another title.
I’m sure the message in this audiobook will resonate with others on a number of different levels but for my wife and I, it did not.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
84 people found this helpful
-
Overall1 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story1 out of 5 stars
- Mom4Life
- 2018-08-06
Should be classified as memoir/essays anything but what it is
I guess I expected more of a self help book or tips, advice, something...but what it is, in fact, is her telling us about her experiences and it really felt like reading someone’s personal journal. There were a couple of golden nuggets in there but I wasn’t really caught up in it enough to recommend to my book club or anyone else for that matter. I also was concerned about some of it not settling right with me...like I really felt like the spiritual part was not of sound teaching and could lead people the wrong way. Just my opinion.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
69 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jenna B.
- 2016-08-12
starting over right now
seriously LOVED hearing the author read her own words. i felt like she was snuggled up next to me with a cup of hot coffee, compelling me to listen closely. i finished last night and am restarting this morning. it's that good.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
57 people found this helpful
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2016-11-09
Somewhat repetitive; a lot of "I"
I listened to this book straight through on a road trip. It might better be consumed a bite -- or essay -- at a time. From the beginning, I identified with so much Niequist had to say, and I've already taken many if the steps she suggests to transform my life. However, I can understand how some other reviewers couldn't identify with the lifestyle, opportunities, and choices she presents. I have friends without college degrees working minimum wage jobs to help support the family that would have a hard time relating to the author's life. On the other hand, reading the book for them could spark imagination and broaden their thinking about possibilities in their lives.
On another note, the Niequist's delivery of the Audible version reminded me of Brene Brown. Brown, however, has the benefit of being able to intersperse personal anecdotes and realizations with stories from her research, so listening at length doesn't become tiresome. And she's more humorous and laid back in her delivery.
Overall, a good book in smaller doses than I took.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
52 people found this helpful
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Shannon Martin
- 2016-08-12
Thought provoking.
This book made me re-evaluate my goals and aspirations. For that reason alone it was a good book. If I have a reservation about the book it is that not everyone can do the drastic life change she did. Some people are in a season or station in life where they do not have the option of dropping work, however, the introspection is still healthy. I would recommend this book
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
46 people found this helpful
-
Overall2 out of 5 stars
-
Performance1 out of 5 stars
-
Story1 out of 5 stars
- DH
- 2016-11-14
Ok
What would have made Present over Perfect better?
The whole concept of the book can be summarized in a few paragraphs. Instead the author goes on and on and on with metaphors and imagery that is really not necessary.
What was most disappointing about Shauna Niequist’s story?
The author wants us to believe that she is slowing down yet she tells us the story of how she writes a book, attends church, has speaking engagements, goes out with friends, speaks daily to friends... it's exhausting! And my goodness the whiny voice! Too much.
What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?
Exhaustion
Any additional comments?
Am I the only one who is tired of these bloggers wannabe writers who over flourish/over complicate their language when what they really say is simple? SHe talks about the tenderness of a conversation.... what????
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
40 people found this helpful
-
Overall2 out of 5 stars
-
Performance2 out of 5 stars
-
Story2 out of 5 stars
- Jane
- 2018-05-29
Rambling
I do not recommend this book. Some basic thoughts and ideas were good but were presented in such a rambling way the book was unenjoyable.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
39 people found this helpful