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  • Present over Perfect

  • Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
  • Written by: Shauna Niequist
  • Narrated by: Shauna Niequist
  • Length: 4 hrs and 44 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (120 ratings)

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Present over Perfect cover art

Present over Perfect

Written by: Shauna Niequist
Narrated by: Shauna Niequist
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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.

©2016 Shauna Niequist (P)2016 Zondervan

What listeners say about Present over Perfect

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Not perfect

Didn’t realize it had such a big religious component to the book. That ruined it for me. Painful in places.

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4 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

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.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.



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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

life changing

life changing. can't wait to start implementing some new boundaries and standards for myself.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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My soul is full!

simply the best book ever! This is a game changer. I cried and laughed. this was just what I needed.

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