The Joy of Imperfection [Paperback]

Enid Howarth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 10, 1996

This guide to being ordinary entices readers toward self-acceptance rather than obsessive self-improvement.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 1991, Howarth and Tras published an article in the Albuquerque Journal called "Perfect You're Not: The Adventure of Being Ordinary," which they decided to expand into a book. And expand it they did. As they've cast it, imperfection is a very wide net, encompassing everything from co-dependency to optimism. The thread is that life is filled with established models?daughter, son, wife, husband, worker, parent, human?and we all tend to spend a lot of time trying to fit them. In each of 24 chapters, the authors discuss one myth, the truth, illuminating fables, goals and affirmations. Howarth and Tras, who are both involved in psychodrama and have collaborated as therapists and workshop facilitators, do a good job of urging readers to break out of those molds without settling for mediocrity. The biggest problem is that, despite one chapter on relieving parents of the blame for one's less than perfect life, the authors usually do trace problems back to parents without advising parents how to do better: "For instance a child will notice that Daddy is unsteady, has a lamp shade on his head, and smells funny... How can Mommy keep saying that nothing's wrong?" On the other hand, how can Mommy say, "Sorry, dear, Daddy's blotto again"? That aside, The Joy if Imperfection is basically liberating and at its best full of good humor as when the authors take a caustic look at what Snow White teaches girls: "It pays to know the Heimlich maneuver." and "Good girls must cheerfully take care of all the men in their lives even if they're grumpy, sleepy, sneezy, or dopey."
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The premise of this book is simple and well presented: imperfection is a common attribute that should be embraced, not eschewed. Advocating self-acceptance over obsessive self-improvement, the authors, both private-practice counselors in Albuquerque, offer up a helping of good common sense, seasoned with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of wit. Most readers will identify with the scenarios provided in this well-written book. Presented in an easy-to-follow format, it flows smoothly and reads quickly. Essential for self-help collections in all libraries.?Priscilla Davis Dann, Cuyahoga Cty P.L., South Euclid, Ohio
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Fairview Press (September 10, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577490118
• ISBN-13: 978-1577490111
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,343,808 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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