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  • Present over Perfect

  • Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
  • By: Shauna Niequist
  • Narrated by: Shauna Niequist
  • Length: 4 hrs and 44 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (109 ratings)
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Present over Perfect cover art

Present over Perfect

By: Shauna Niequist
Narrated by: Shauna Niequist
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Summary

New York Times best-selling author Shauna Niequist invites you to look at the landscape of your own life, consider 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.

A few years ago, Shauna found herself exhausted and isolated, her soul and body sick. She was tired of being tired and burned out on busy. It seemed like almost everyone she talked to was in the same boat: Longing for connection, meaning, and depth, but settling for busy.

But then something changed: She learned a new way to live. She decided to trade the hustle and bustle for grace, love, stillness, and play, and it changed everything. Shauna offers an honest account of what led her to begin this journey and a compelling vision for an entirely new way to live: Soaked in rest, silence, simplicity, prayer, and connection with the people who matter most to us.

As you witness Shauna's journey, you'll be inspired to embark on one of your own. She gives you the encouragement you need to:

  • Put an end to people-pleasing tendencies
  • Embrace moments of simplicity, quiet, and stillness
  • Accept that you are worthy of love, belonging, and joy

Written in Shauna's warm and vulnerable style, this collection of essays focuses on the most important transformation in her life, and maybe yours too: Leaving behind busyness and frantic living and rediscovering the person you were made to be. Present Over Perfect is a hand reaching out, pulling you free from the constant pressure to perform faster, push harder, and produce more while maintaining an exhausting image of perfection.

Join the over 500,000 others who have already started walking this new path away from frantic pushing and proving and toward their true selves.

©2016 Shauna Niequist (P)2016 Zondervan

What listeners say about Present over Perfect

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Great lessons to be learned but too religious

This book was great in regards to the overall message. It was beautiful written too. Unfortunately i started to disconnect when it started being too God-centric. As an atheist i found it off putting to have everything referred back to God. Rather than a chapter, it's a theme that is persistent throughout which stopped me really enjoying the book.

It reminds me of R Brown's Power of Vulnerability - which i LOVED!

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4 people found this helpful

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Playing over and over

So loved this book I've been playing it over and over in my car letting it's powerful yet gentle message wash over my weary soul. Thank you Shauna for penning such a honest and personal journey to a different life. I am grateful and forever changed.

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3 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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This book should be in the fantasy section...

Whilst the subject matter is undoubtedly interesting and engaging, the writer’s constant references to God and the Bible become increasingly wearing. In this day and age I find it frankly terrifying that someone can claim to be open and “all embracing“ but still include direct references to such divisive and difficult texts. Themes yes, quotes no!

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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life changing

Want a slower paced but more meaningful life? This book is a must-read. It has changed so much of how I see things.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Life changing

This book I believe was Beautifully written. Such poetic but truthful words that Shauna uses. It was food for my soul and I'm inspired by it!

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2 people found this helpful

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All the goodness

I saw this posted several times on recommended Christian reading lists and all I can say is I understand why. This is the only audio book I’ve managed to get all the way through, the author has a beautiful, inspiring and profound way with words. The author is gentle and empowering and I would 100% recommend this wonderful book!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it

Absolutely loved it, from start to finish!
Honest and thought provoking. Can't wait to readmore from Shauna.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Too much religion

Great message and book but I had to turn it off half way. There was just too much talk of god this and god that. I know it was important to the author but I felt borderline preached to. If that was toned back (not removed totally) I think it would be a great book and suitable for a wider audience.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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An honest look at the deep beauty of freedom

The gospel brings freedom and I love how the breath of this book is steady with the truth of Jesus’ story. Read this book if you’re having trouble catching your breath.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

A bit too self indulgent and God centric

Although well written, the book is one of those that constantly is just about the author and their story without really giving useful information or advice on being present at all. It's more or an explanation of the authors life and experience and what she learnt, rather than being applicable to others. Also the constant references to God alienate those who may not be religious. The author seems like a nice person and the text is well written, but I am dissapointed in the usefulness and learnings that can be taken from this book.

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