Present over Perfect

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.

356 of 370 people found this review helpful

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.

317 of 331 people found this review helpful

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.

76 of 79 people found this review helpful

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.

17 of 17 people found this review helpful

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.

17 of 17 people found this review helpful

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.

138 of 145 people found this review helpful

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????

32 of 34 people found this review helpful

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.

50 of 55 people found this review helpful

Lovely concept but lacking

Loved the whole concept of this lovely book. To be honest, it felt like it was mostly her telling her story, which was nice. Yet- there wasn't a ton of help for the listener. I wanted to be guided, not just listen to author share her story.

34 of 38 people found this review helpful

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.

57 of 65 people found this review helpful