Books for Prep | |
 - The Art of Self-AcceptanceWhile I wouldn't say that I've accepted all of my flaws completely, I'm certainly a lot more forgiving of my imperfections and occassional foibles than I was 10 years ago during what Gail Sheehy refers to as the "Trying Twenties," which are characterized by the "shoulds." I'm sure aging has something to do with my journey toward self-acceptance, but of course I can't negate the wonderful books I read along the way like Veronique Vienne's The Art of Imperfection: Simple Ways to Make Peace with Yourself. I purchased this book from the Strand on a day that started out horribly. I'd just had my second child and was feeling overwhelmed and overweight. I plucked this book off the shelf and read half of it right there. Since I was feeling quite unattractive that day I was captured by this line. "The best beauty product is to have a life. A real life. With challenges, disappointments, stress and laughter." After that day, this book became a tool I've referred to extensively for close to 8 years. Rating: - a must haveI received this book as a shower gift for the birth of my third child from an aunt who has 5 children herself. In it, she wrote: "Imperfection is the most you can strive for, Insanity is what you try to avoid." Having 2 little ones in diapers and cribs at the same time I now know what she means. I loved this book because it make me feel like it was okay to not only be myself, but to celebrate it and enjoy it. Rating:  - This book is ok but imperfectI got this book looking for some occasional inspiration on self acceptance. While there's some value in the essays, quite a bit of the text is rather inane. A fairly substantial portion of the essays are geared toward women, a fact not mentioned on the cover of the introduction. On the other hand, the photos are really quite interesting. Retail selling price is a bit high for a 96-page book. Still, it's perfectly acceptable as a coffee table book and worth purchasing if you can get it at a discount. Rating:  - Blah, blah, blah....I was really disappointed with this book - I purchased it with the notion in my head that I would be receiving something enjoyable, relaxing, perhaps even inspirational. I received none of the aforementioned. Dull - perhaps a better word. At times, goofy and just plain boring. This book is a real dud. Rating: - A simple and elegant book.I found this book to be a delightful surprise. After a lifetime of frustration in search of perfection from myself and everything and everyone else around me I realized that could be much happier if I just listened to the philosophies of this writer and just let it go. This is a very pretty and comforting book and one that I intend to keep on the bedside table in case I need a gentle reminder. I would buy all Veronique Vienne's books. In association with Amazon.com | |