The Art of Imperfection: Simple Ways to Make Peace with Yourself by Veronique Vienne

The Art of Imperfection: Simple Ways to Make Peace with Yourself Reviews

• 
  Akira Watts

  Every sentence in this book made me pause, wondering if I or the author had suffered a stroke. Each sentence is collection of words that convey no meaning.
  
  For example:
  
  "In order to listen, see. In order to hear, stare at things."
  
  Were this a parody of a weirdly passive-aggressive, New Age help book, it would be a thing of genius. Intended, as it was, as a serious endeavor, it makes me pray for human extinction.
• 
  Tiffany

  So, the funny thing is while I was reading the chapter entitled "The art of Making Mistakes" I missed my metro. When I finally boarded the train I continued reading avidly until I had gone thirty minutes in the wrong direction.
  
  Making mistakes, missing appointments and being wrong is not romantic, it's annoying and irritating no matter how you slice it. And reading it on a Wednesday afternoon when I still had miles to go before I slept was an innapropriate use of this library book.
  
  That said, The Art of Imperfection ... is a quick read full of witty, slothful, charming syllogisms, nearly all of which fly in the face of conventional wisdom. In many ways this woman's writing is the French response to SARK, who equally irritates and charms in the exact same way. It would be truly be pleasant if all you had to do was wear a peach silk shirt for delivery boys to see you as a human being after you have reached the age of 42. It would also be pleasant if being incompetent really did have an upside. The following statement is beyond pleasant and sheerly, utterly delightful:

  You are indeed a slow learner if you think that you must overcome your innate incompetence in order to fulfill your destiny as a human being.

  but is it true? Does fucking up everything around you, living a life that falls short of your dreams means you can congratulate yourself on having lived a life of meaning? Is form without content worthy? If you are like me this book may give you a rash.
  
  On the other hand you must love the imperfect state Ms. Vienne evokes with a few broad brush strokes. Her exhortations and encouragement reminds us that a simple life is a good life; she reminds us when we fall asleep hugging a pillow we don't have to talk to our shrink about it. She reminds us that we are already enlightened whether we know it or not ... So lighten up you (and me) and

  Don't hold your breath any longer: Perfect moments happen every day.
• 
  Marivic Hammond

  I always go back to this book when I need to feel grounded. It's easy to forget (let alone accept) that one couldn't be perfect all the time. This little book not only inspires and reminds me of everyday realities. It also allows and lets me forgive myself.
• 
  Tammy

  I.need.to.own.this.book.
• 
  Margaret

  Judging by the average number of stars awarded, this book meant far more to many people than to me.
  I consider it a brief piece of fluff with some very poor advice.
  Except that we should accept and even celebrate our imperfections.
• 
  Sanggojae

  Quick and easy read, with some useful takeaways.
• 
  Sarah Rigg

  The book itself is pretty, and it's inspiring but not terribly memorable.
• 
  Danielle Bince

  It was a quick read. I probably wouldn't have continued reading past the first 20 pages if it were longer. Somethings just didn't resonate with me. To each there own.
• 
  Jessica

  Small little book with sort of essays on different topics, looking to help you come to peace with imperfection in yourself.
• 
  Laura Woodyard

  Adore Ms. Viennese insights
• 
  Linda

  Wise and wonderful observations on life. The book itself is beautifully designed. The many charming atmospheric photographs are worth the cost alone.
• 
  SG Rogers

  Shallow platitudes masquerading as personal reflection. Contradictory and poorly written - do yourself a huge favor and read anything by Brene Brown instead.
• 
  Satia

  Best thing about this book? The photographs.
  
  For more,
  please visit my blog.
• 
  Rebecca Waring-Crane

  Thoughtful photographs enliven gentle, rambling essays. Sparkling ideas and just right phrases tipped me with surprise just when I thought, "This is a comfy read."
  
  'Make peace with yourself once and for all: Love is not a meritocracy."
  
  "Forgive yourself. Soon, you will discover that self-acceptance and tolerance do not have to be hard work."
  
  "Imagine a different world, one in which people do not spend an inordinate amount of energy fuming against their fate each time they make a mistake. A world in which one takes for granted that if things can go wrong, they probably will. It would be so civilized. Folks would bump into furniture, miss deadlines, get lost on the way to the airport, forget to return phone calls, and show up at parties a day early k without getting unduly annoyed with themselves."
  
  A brief, and engaging "way to make peace with yourself." I've ordered a copy of my own.
• 
  Zuzana

  Overall, I liked the photography in this book better than the writing. The writing has its good moments, but the stuff that stood out could have fit into 10% or less. I did really like what the ladies had to say about interaction with babies, and the beauties of the nonglamorous life, and of intimacy. The rest was blah. But then again, at least it wasn't 500 pages worth of blah. :)
• 
  Lisa

  This and the other two books I read by this author are just so simple and fun! Very elgant, and well put!
• 
  Chantal

  thought provoking, reccomended. lovely to lose oneself in for hours, although quite short.
• 
  Libraryassistant

  Pretty much ditto how I felt about 'The Art of Doing Nothing'.
• 
  Margaret

  I adore Veronique Vienne's books; each one an invitation to live a richer, deeper, more forgiving life.
• 
  Carol Jen

  Nice quick read about why imperfection can actually be a lovely way to live...I really enjoyed the photographs.
• 
  Catherine

  I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
  
  http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13920965
• 
  Cheryl

  A nice little inspirational book, full of reminders about enbracing the life you have and making the most of it.
• 
  Melissa Hedges- Rankin

  Another quick read, which I quite enjoyed - especially relevant I feel if you are 50+.
• 
  Lynda

  The illustrations were the best part of this book, but the essays were interesting.
• 
  Akiyo Sugiyama

  10 ways of feeling that you don't have to be perfect.