Present Over Perfect

Present Over Perfect

2016 • 240 pages

Ratings12

Average rating3

15

I struggled initially to get into this book. The chapters are very short essay reflections, and I felt continually like the thought hadn't been completed. On the other hand, it also felt like the same points were being made over and over again. As I continued to read, this repeated-thought aspect made more sense: it was almost a picture of Niequist's mind as she ruminated over and over about her struggle. As the book progressed, her revelations got deeper and struck closer to my own heart. However, as I came to the end, I struggled with her emphasis on needing to choose to not give her energy out everywhere else so she could be present with her husband and sons; this, of course, is a beautiful decision, but what do I personally do with that? As an unmarried, non-parent, I also feel weary. So what choice do I have in being present over perfect? Overall, a good book with interesting things to think about, but not as life-changing as I might have hoped.

January 24, 2017