Title: Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
Author: Brené Brown
First published August 9, 2016
240 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780310342991 (ISBN10: 0310342996)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
TIRED OF THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE? IT’S TIME TO FIND YOURSELF AGAIN.
Are you constantly striving for perfection and feeling burned out on busy? Do you long for deeper connections and meaning in your life?
You’re not alone. Author Brené Brown has been there and knows how exhausting it can be.
But she’s discovered a new way of life, one marked by grace, love, rest, and play, and she wants to invite you on this journey with her.
Present Over Perfect is a collection of essays that will transform your life. Brené offers an honest account of her own journey toward leaving behind busyness and frantic living to rediscover her true self.
She presents a compelling vision for an entirely new way to live, one that’s soaked in grace, rest, silence, simplicity, prayer, and connection with the people who matter most to us.
Written in Brené’s warm and vulnerable style, this book is a hand reaching out to pull you free from the constant pressure to perform and produce more, all while maintaining an exhausting image of perfection. In these pages, you’ll be invited to consider the landscape of your own life and 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.
If you’re ready to let go of the hustle and bustle and find your true self, this book is for you. Join Brené on this journey to a simpler, more soulful way of living.
About the Author
Meet Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, who holds the Huffington Foundation – Brené Brown Endowed Chair at The Graduate College of Social Work, and is a visiting professor in management at The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. For the past 20 years, Brené has been studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy – topics that she has written about in her five #1 New York Times bestselling books: The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, Braving the Wilderness, and her latest release, Dare to Lead.
In addition to her books, Brené hosts the Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead podcasts. Her TED talk, The Power of Vulnerability, is one of the most viewed TED talks in the world with over 50 million views.
Brené was also the first researcher to have a filmed lecture on Netflix, with her special The Call to Courage debuting on the streaming service in April 2019.
When she’s not lecturing, writing, or podcasting, Brené lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband Steve and their two children, Ellen and Charlie.
Editoral Review
Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living is a self-help book by Bren Brown, first published in August 2016. Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, is known for her work on shame and vulnerability, and has previously written bestsellers such as Daring Greatly and Rising Strong.
The book falls under the genre of self-help and personal growth, and shares many themes with Brown’s previous works, including overcoming perfectionism and prioritizing authenticity. The book is divided into ten chapters, each exploring a different aspect of the central theme of present over perfect.
Brown shares personal anecdotes and insights gleaned from her research and interviews with others, as well as offering practical tips for readers to apply in their own lives. She explores topics such as overcommitment, busyness, numbing, and the importance of saying no.
She also discusses the role of spirituality in finding peace and purpose in life, without necessarily adhering to any one religious tradition. The book is aimed primarily at readers who feel overwhelmed and dissatisfied with the frantic pace of modern life, and who yearn for a simpler, more fulfilling existence.
Those who have struggled with living up to the expectations of others, or who feel disconnected from their own values and desires, may find the book particularly resonant. While the book does not offer a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution, it encourages readers to reflect on their own priorities and values, and offers practical guidance for making changes in their lives.
One of the book’s strengths is its accessibility. Brown’s writing is clear and engaging, and she peppers the text with relatable anecdotes and quotes from others she has interviewed.
The book is also visually appealing, with plenty of white space and attractive typography. The themes are universal and timeless, making the book relevant to readers of all ages and backgrounds.
However, the book may not be for everyone. Some readers may find Brown’s style overly simplistic or repetitive, and the advice she offers may seem obvious or lacking in nuance.
Additionally, the book may not be helpful to those who are dealing with more severe mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Overall, Present Over Perfect is a valuable addition to the self-help genre, offering a refreshing perspective on the importance of slowing down and living with intention.
While it may not be a groundbreaking work, it is a well-crafted and thoughtful exploration of themes that are relevant to many readers. For those looking to live a more authentic and fulfilling life, it is worth a read.
Rating: 4/5 stars. While the book is not perfect, it is a valuable contribution to the genre and offers practical guidance for those seeking to live with more purpose and intention.
