From Powells.com
Our favorite books of the year.
Staff Pick
In today's instant culture of beautifying and perfecting filters we hide behind, of hustle and strain and anxiety, this book is a breath of fresh air. Told in mini-essays, Niequist's very personal story — about her own awakening to a more present, thoughtful, love-filled way of life — is a suggestion that contentment doesn't come from running ourselves ragged. Recommended By Janelle M., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Present Over Perfect is writer Shauna Niequist’s motto for how to live a rich, engaged, and loving life in the midst of what often feels terribly messy and imperfect. In vulnerable, honest stories and beautifully written short essays Shauna offers an invitation to a new way of living — full of grace, space, and connection.
Review
"Returning to the theme of decluttering everyday life and concentrating on what is truly important Niequist (Savor) weaves together a series of essays concerning her personal experiences overcoming a life overwrought with busyness stress and feelings of inadequacy. After years of frantic living Niequist has come to the realization that she’s missing out on the beauty of everyday life with her husband and children—that it will all speed past her if she doesn’t slow down and simplify learn how to say no to demands on her time and stop worrying about others’ opinions of her. “Present over perfect living is real over image connecting over comparing meaning over mania depth over artifice” she writes explaining along the way that she’s found a new “strength” in embracing quiet surroundings and in spending time alone. To emphasize her points she quotes Scripture but does so sparingly and intentionally—more often than not her included references to her faith are intended only to bolster her own experiences of mindful living. Her style is conversational friendly inviting and never heavy handed making the book accessible to people of all faiths. Women will find the advice hits closest to home. Niequist’s latest book is her most satisfying blend of mindfulness scripture and self help to date offering readers the blueprint for a life lived in the real instead of the ideal. (Aug.)" Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved."
About the Author
Shauna Niequist is the author of Cold Tangerines, Bittersweet, Bread & Wine and Savor. She is married to Aaron, and they have two wild & silly & darling boys, Henry & Mac. They live outside Chicago, where Aaron leads The Practice and is recording a project called A New Liturgy. Shauna also writes for the Storyline Blog, and for IF:Table, and she is a member of the Relevant podcast, and a guest teacher at her church. Shauna’s three great loves are her family, dinner parties, and books, and she believes that vulnerable storytelling, hard laughter, and cold pizza for breakfast can cure almost anything.