Each day we face a barrage of images and ideas—from society and the media—telling us who we should be. We are led to believe that if we look per... read full description
reviews
Feb 13, 2012
Matt
rated it: 
Listening to this book, I felt like I was being lectured to by the kind of person who concludes her cell-phone's voicemail with the word, "namaste" -- a Hindi word that means 'peace.' Actually, 'namaste" also signifies that its user knows an exotic Asian concept-word. Learn from me, says the word 'namaste,' let me guru you. Let me guru you. That’s the simplest way to understand this book.
Gifts of Imperfection, then, is the kind of book that does two simultaneous, paradox More...
Gifts of Imperfection, then, is the kind of book that does two simultaneous, paradox More...
Feb 09, 2012
I read this book after seeing Brene Brown's TED talk about perfectionism and vulnerability which I found interesting. I hadn't ever read any "self-help" books (although the author insists this one isn't actually such a book) so I was a bit sceptic at first. It didn't help my scepticism when I noticed there were hearts printed out in the end of each chapter. But leaving that aside, I found the book useful.
Brown makes quite many points in this short book but perhaps the basi More...
Brown makes quite many points in this short book but perhaps the basi More...
Jan 05, 2012
Bdalton
rated it: 
I read this book after watching Brown's TED talk on vulnerability. The TED talk was shown as the last exercise for a Leadership class at work. The talk was intriguing and I wanted to know more. Also, I noted that many of the comments regarding this fairly brief talk were fairly negative. I found the talk fairly inspiring so I wanted to see if there was any validity to the negative comments.
The question that I had in my mind was why was this shown at work? Does Brown suggest that More...
The question that I had in my mind was why was this shown at work? Does Brown suggest that More...
Jul 28, 2011
Lisa
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Brene Brown is not the typical self help guru. "And you know how there are people that, when they realize that vulnerability and tenderness are important that they surrender and walk into it? A. That's not me. B. I don't even hang out with people like that." When I heard Brown say this in a recent TED talk, I knew she was the struggling perfectionist I could take advice about letting go from. I find it much harder buy into life advice from someone who hasn't also completely effed it
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May 14, 2011
Lara
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You may have noticed a theme in my last couple posts. I'm rundown, overwhelmed and I realize that, while my priorities are right in my head, they aren't in reality. So the book I'm reviewing today really came at a perfect time in my own personal crisis. In fact, as I was reading along yesterday (yes, I totally procrastinated reading it due to other books taking up my precious little reading time) I thought to myself, "This book could be companion material for President Uchtdorf's talk a
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Mar 10, 2011
Janette
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Dr. Brene Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She has spent the past ten years studying vulnerability, courage, authenticity, and shame.
Wholehearted living is about engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness. It means developing the courage, compassion, and connection to think; "No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough. It's going to bed at night thinking, Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and som More...
Wholehearted living is about engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness. It means developing the courage, compassion, and connection to think; "No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough. It's going to bed at night thinking, Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and som More...
Feb 04, 2012
Megan
rated it:
I didn't LOVE this book. I generally don't love self-help books, and I felt like this introduced a multitude of vague principles without the anecdotes I was craving to understand the principles better.
The section on "authenticity" did speak to me, although I'd define it differently than she does. Her definition makes it sound a bit more like "speaking the truth even when it's not easy, convenient or when it's painful to someone else."
For me, being authentic is m More...
The section on "authenticity" did speak to me, although I'd define it differently than she does. Her definition makes it sound a bit more like "speaking the truth even when it's not easy, convenient or when it's painful to someone else."
For me, being authentic is m More...
Feb 27, 2011
Froztwolf
rated it: 
It is quite unfortunate how much the author seems to be stuck in the write style appropriate to blogs, because this book is horribly structured. Each of the chapters tackles a huge subject in a few pages. They have only a marginal connection to one another and there is no flow throughout the book, often leaving the reader confused.
I say this is unfortunate not just because I spent my time reading the book, but because it contains a lot of good information based on the authors resear More...
I say this is unfortunate not just because I spent my time reading the book, but because it contains a lot of good information based on the authors resear More...
Jan 29, 2012
Emily
rated it:
Recently it was suggested to me that perhaps I was being too harsh with myself as a result of some perfectionist tendencies. I never really thought about the term "perfectionism" in a way that wasn't synonymous with "detail oriented" or "high standards" (in a good way). After doing some research online about the downsides to perfectionism, I decided maybe the suggestion wasn't so far off base and decided to do some bibliotheraphy around it. Enter: this book.
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Sep 09, 2011
Nada
rated it:
This is a very powerful book that examines the dynamics of the individual's alienation from the self and consequently that of humanity. Brene does this by deconstructing shame and highlighting the centrality of this emotion in the experience of alienation. She recognises the insidious nature of shame and its propensity to evade awareness, which has the effect of leading to intense intrapsychic pain, a pervasive loss of authenticity, addictions and disconnect from others. Brene furthers our under
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Aug 31, 2011
Kate
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This book is going to be reread soon, practically immediately. What makes this book fascinating is that it puts concepts into dyads -- x is what you want to cultivate, and y is what is keeping you from it. For example, Authenticity is something you want to cultivate, but What Other People Think is what keeps you from it.
Brené Brown is a qualitative researcher who studies shame, fear, and vulnerability. In the course of her research, she discovered two lists: a list of things that peop More...
Brené Brown is a qualitative researcher who studies shame, fear, and vulnerability. In the course of her research, she discovered two lists: a list of things that peop More...
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Jan 12, 2012
Becky
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4.5 stars. I don't usually read self-help books, (not that I don't need the help, I just enjoy fiction more). I picked this one for the Salt Lake County Library January challenge, and honestly picked it because it is short. Well, this is a good little book, packed with useful gems that seem written just for me, personally, Becky, with real things I can do to improve my life right this minute! So, now lots of things are running through my head: I want to write down all the guideposts and work
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Sep 29, 2010
Deirdre
rated it:
Brene Brown is one of my personal heroes, and I love her personal stories that breathe life into abstract ideas. I've only read the first two chapters so far, and already know I'm buying more copies for girlfriends.
ETA: Finished today, and am blown away. I know several of my friends eschew anything that even remotely resembles "self-help", but I personally think this should be mandatory reading for all Catholic-school graduates...or anyone who wrestles with "shoulds" More...
ETA: Finished today, and am blown away. I know several of my friends eschew anything that even remotely resembles "self-help", but I personally think this should be mandatory reading for all Catholic-school graduates...or anyone who wrestles with "shoulds" More...
Aug 13, 2011
Tracy
rated it:
I loved this book and learned a great deal from it, so the perfectionist in me has been procrastinating writing a review. How could it be good enough? Ha ha! Seriously, this book is one of the best non-fiction books I've read.
"Shame is the intensely powerful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging." (p. 39) Are we flawed? Yes. Does that mean we are unworthy of the truly good things in life: love and belonging? No. More...
"Shame is the intensely powerful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging." (p. 39) Are we flawed? Yes. Does that mean we are unworthy of the truly good things in life: love and belonging? No. More...
Dec 26, 2011
Robyn
rated it:
I picked up this book when I was feeling really down, and to be honest - just beating myself up a lot. I was hoping the book would help me reexamine why I was in such a funk. And it did just that. I had several ah ha moments. Other times, she would hit on a really critical point and I'd think, "EXACTLY!!" Brown has a way of pinpointing how a lot of us are feeling all the time, but never really talking about. As her other book is titled, it's not just me.
Granted, none of Br More...
Granted, none of Br More...
Oct 05, 2011
Chris
rated it:
This isn't a self help book. I recommend getting that out of your mind before starting to read it. I consider this a look into one woman's life, as she had one of those "a-ha!" moments many of us yearn to find. Or maybe it's better described as an "oh shit!" moment. I lost count the number of times that Mrs. Brown laid out something in plain, everyday English, that I'd been struggling to wrap my head around or put words to for years. After watching Mrs. Brown's TED talk
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Dec 19, 2011
Jess
rated it:
I raced out to buy this book after being moved by Brown's TED talk on vulnerability. Unlike the engaging, personable talk that dug its claws into my sense of self, the book is too 'self-helpy' for me. It's structured poorly and doesn't 'dig deep' enough on the anecdotes that need to support this work. Brown frequently references her breakdown/spiritual awakening, but it's almost like she can't practice what she preaches by failing to give us the warts and all version of events. That would fine i
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Jan 01, 2012
"The Gift of Imperfection" explores the unique world of being yourself and the rewarding connections you experience with others. I read this book while staying in a hotel room in Changwon, South Korea with my finance. I frequently interrupted her to discuss varies topic written by Dr. Brene' Brown. Interestingly, Dr. Brown describes the relationship both my finance and I are currently nurturing together.
The foundation of our relationship is always being yourself. This commi More...
The foundation of our relationship is always being yourself. This commi More...
May 19, 2011
Gina
rated it:
This book is outstanding. It rings true to the feelings that we all feel at least some time in our lives. The constant comparison of ourselves to others and act of our own self judgment, can play a big part in our satisfaction through life. Brown outlines from her research, that the happiest people on this planet are content doing what they love and creating something with their gifts or talents, but more importantly these people embrace their vulnerability through their account of being real an
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Jun 17, 2011
Jeanne
rated it:
This book should be read by all of us type A's who need to be productive all the time... as we can be in danger of trying to do it all to our own detriment... It made me re-evaluate and think differently about actions taken in life.. and going forward... need to read in small doses to help absorb...
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Jun 07, 2011
Livinlite
rated it:
Saw her on a Ted talk (like most) and was really intrigued by what she had to say. Being someone who is highly interested in cognitive science and meaning-making, this book is right up my alley. She writes in a very warm and open way that makes it easy for the reader to identify with what's going on in the book. It isn't preachy and isn't a touchy-feely self-help book. It's more an analysis of what's broken in our society as witnessed by the dominant collective story... It's a book I wish e
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Feb 13, 2012
Rochelle
rated it:
"Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy - the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light."
I'm really liking this so far.
I learned a few things from this book that should help in life. "How More...
I'm really liking this so far.
I learned a few things from this book that should help in life. "How More...
Feb 06, 2011
Eileen
rated it:
I purchased this book after being significantly influenced by Brene Brown's Ted Talk (http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/brene_...) on vulnerability. I watch Ted Talks daily, and I can tell you that this was the most impactful talk I've ever experienced. She was able to be funny, and honest, and extremely informative while putting it all out on the table about herself. I shared it with several friends, and each of them had their own significant response to the talk. Watch it, it's a great 20 minu
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Sep 06, 2011
Robin
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This book is one of those that you hate and love at the same time. Hate, because it keeps pointing out all the things you've been doing wrong--trying to manufacture happiness has been getting in the way of genuine happiness. Love, because it seems both possible and realistic to work hard to change your habits so that you can be happy. I'm not always comfortable with the self-help genre, mostly because it seems like hooey, but this was much more of a "here are the facts I've found in my r
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Jun 18, 2011
Mak
rated it:
This concept is a gem that needs to be studied and practiced! Our struggle for perfection, fear of being seen as “different”, fear of being disliked, un-accepted and so many other crippling aspects of “being human” all make us vulnerable to sickness, and misery. This wonderful book endears us to living an authentic life, whole-hearted living and accepting the fact that what makes us different also make us unique and special. We need to embrace our authentic selves and STOP trying so hard to plea
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Jan 15, 2012
Elaine
rated it:
I discovered Brene's work after watching her 2 TEDxTalks in the all of 2010. I then devoured everything I could find.
If you are new to heartwork, this book will hold your hand and guide you through a process of discovery. It provides language and vocabulary for you to apply to your life's experiences that you couldn't articulate before.
She unfolds the power of vulnerability and helps you discover that the road to a wholehearted life is through your moments of shame.
More...
If you are new to heartwork, this book will hold your hand and guide you through a process of discovery. It provides language and vocabulary for you to apply to your life's experiences that you couldn't articulate before.
She unfolds the power of vulnerability and helps you discover that the road to a wholehearted life is through your moments of shame.
More...
Jan 20, 2012
Jenny
rated it:
This is a wonderful, deceptively simple book, a must-read for anyone wanting to live a more joyful, wholehearted life.
Dr. Brown is an unusual researcher/writer who includes her own vulnerable experiences in the examples, filling this book with the sense that, to paraphrase her, the cracks in our perfection let the light of our humanity shine through.
Her research brings more depth and nuance to the ways we define -- and create -- joy, happiness, hope and belonging.
As More...
Dr. Brown is an unusual researcher/writer who includes her own vulnerable experiences in the examples, filling this book with the sense that, to paraphrase her, the cracks in our perfection let the light of our humanity shine through.
Her research brings more depth and nuance to the ways we define -- and create -- joy, happiness, hope and belonging.
As More...
Oct 30, 2010
Amalia
rated it:
You know books that come along at just the right time and really hit you where you are?
Yep, this was one of those for me.
The fact that this book helps provide a guide that is based upon research (well-designed qualitative research) is terrific; the science gives you the bigger picture of how this all works.
My one challenge while reading it is that I wanted to simply devour it, read it all in one or two settings- something that doesn't work for a book like this that demands intro More...
Yep, this was one of those for me.
The fact that this book helps provide a guide that is based upon research (well-designed qualitative research) is terrific; the science gives you the bigger picture of how this all works.
My one challenge while reading it is that I wanted to simply devour it, read it all in one or two settings- something that doesn't work for a book like this that demands intro More...
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Oct 19, 2011
Kim
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I read this book based on a conversation with a friend after a long hike. He handed me this book and said, "I think you need to read this. You're too hard on yourself." I was a little hesitant diving into some silly self-help book (God knows I don't need anymore of those). BUT, I took his advice and read it anyway. And, I liked it. I would give it 3 1/2 stars. It was an easy read written by an author who has obviously done a TON of research on living a wholehearted life. A lot
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Apr 21, 2011
Stephanie
rated it:
The title of this book really says it all in terms of the what the book is about.
This book is an easy read and while it is strictly self-help/ informational, it reads very quickly. I did really enjoy reading this and for someone who is truly trying to figure out who their true self may be or how to live with their true being, it is a perfect read. Personally, at this time in my life, it is not a book that I would have picked up for myself.
I did find the author to exagge More...
This book is an easy read and while it is strictly self-help/ informational, it reads very quickly. I did really enjoy reading this and for someone who is truly trying to figure out who their true self may be or how to live with their true being, it is a perfect read. Personally, at this time in my life, it is not a book that I would have picked up for myself.
I did find the author to exagge More...
