Don't miss reading about an imperfectly Perfect Life
343006
I'm amazed that Shattuck didn't have more reviews on this book, and definitely more enthusiastic reviewers. I bought Perfect Life three years ago when I went to an authors' breakfast in Concord, MA and met her and bought the book. Wish it hadn't taken me so long to get to it - I found the story enticing, the characters beautifully flawed, the dialogue enhancing, and the prose thoughtful and thought-provoking. I hope this author has more books up her sleeve, because she is an exceptional writer. I highly recommend this book.
1794641
Not Alone is a beautifully written story about Harmony Goodhumor's life. It's very realistic and kind of diary-like and I loved the fact that the reader can so easily relate to the protagonist's everyday life. Harmony does not have an easy life, losing her mother when she was young, Dad re-marrying, with her illness and having serious problems with her marriage but then again that's what a real life is.

Life does not always go as planned and it doesn't have to. I think we all have our 'blue' moments but as the message in this warm story says, we can survive out of everything by loving our family and sticking together no matter how hard the times are.

Not Alone is also Harmony's sister, Katherine's, story, and having couple of sisters of my own I absolutely loved reading about their relationship. How it grew with the time and how important they were to each other.

Chantal Bellehumeur has unique way of writing about 'hard' things with an easy touch and keeping the story flowing no matter what the subject is. I read this story in a flash and found myself in a roller coaster of emotions. An absolute must read!
4466578
This is one of the best personal/self-improvement books I have read in a long time.  I enjoyed reading about Gretchen's life and her project and the inspiration that it gave me to look at my own life.  I too have a great life, a great family, and am very happy.  This book definately gave me a different perspective on areas where I could be happier and make better choices.  It's an easy read that you just don't want to put down and are disappointed when it's over.  It's inspiring, but not preachy. As I try some of the concepts I do not feel guilt when I don't succeed.  It's a book worth your time.  She also includes a GREAT list of other books for further reading on happiness.  I read the Kindle version of this book.
4588036
What will happen if you lose something that you've always taken for granted? Mrs Featherby misses the front of her house and therefore has no privacy at all. Cassie is waiting for the love of her life to arrive at the airport, but when she doesn't show up she's literally rooted to the spot. Delia has lost her sense of direction and Jake has to miss his mother. When Robert wants to go to work he finds out it isn't there any longer. These people have one thing in common, their lives are far from normal as they suddenly have to live without the thing that matters to them the most.
 The Cover of Of Things Gone Astray is as beautiful and special as the story. It's a perfect match. This book is truly unique and I love the idea behind what's happening to the main characters. It's such a fun and at the same time philosophical read which is an impressive combination. I loved every word, sentence and chapter, this book is amazing. It's special, it's fabulous, it's fantastic. I don't think I can find the right word(s) to describe how good it is. I could use all the synonyms for perfect and amazing, but they still won't cover my feelings about this story. It's so good and I'm very happy that I had the chance to read it.
4704266
A wonderfully written book that is a pleasure and a joy to slowly read.  More than 1/2 way through it now, and enjoying every word and every minute.  We are reading it as a family, and it is all the more amazing having just returned from traveling in Japan for a month.  This book is for anyone that wants more out of their life, or who is dissatisfied with what's happening in today's society, and would like to make changes.  It is a very uplifting read, and something to savor rather than to rush through.  The individuals he profiles are really fascinating people living wonderfully rich lives.  Thanks for writing this terrific book!
80847
In the future life is perfect, or is it? Experience this perfect world through Jonas's experiences as he discovers another side of this perfect world.
Jonas lives in a world that is perfect, or so he believes. There is a purpose and a role for everyone community. When Jonas turns 12, he receives his special role.  That role is The Receiver. He will receive from The Giver, all the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Jonas will experience the truth of life, unlike the rest of the community.
This is an exciting, riveting story. The reader is taken in to a new world where everything is "nice" and "appropriate". But there is a cost to this perfect world and Jonas after being chosen as "the Receiver" finds out just how much the community is really paying. This was a delightful page turner, readers won't be able to put this book down until it is done. Well written.
Good for reluctant readers.
(...)
768239
This book is very nice uplifting read that you can relate to--it is not too over-the-top but it is engaging.  There are some depressing and outright devastating moments.  You love and hate the little boy's mom.  Yet, through the eyes of a young boy, one believes in the power of positive spiritual values.

And Catherine Ryan Hyde can write!  It is a page-turner, but also makes you think and melts your heart in unexpected ways.
54117
The author does a wonderful job of creating realistic characters with flaws most of us can easily relate to. Through them and their interactions we recognize areas we can improve and become better ourselves.  Life isn't a smooth and easy ride, but working through family and personal matters with those we love in our family, as we strive to find meaning behind it all, is where true strength and growth is possible.
4105259
I enjoyed every minute of this book, and highly recommend it. The story of hardship, and perserverence to making a better life is well told by the author, and it is not lost on the reader that it is coming from personal knowledge and experience rather than just the imagination. The author also reminds us that we tend to take what we have for granted, and that some people made great sacrifices to have it. Good job!
3031842
The characters are a believably flawed but likable. I found that I could relate to them and their moments of failure and of growth. Also, the premise of the story left me with much to think about - well done!

I recommend this book for anyone looking for pleasure reading with a rewarding depth about your own life. Enjoy!
2589001
Meg Mitchell Moore has written a warm, funny, sad and big-hearted book with multi-faceted characters, who have realistic flaws and the best of intentions. The Hawthornes are an upwardly-mobile California family, careening toward disaster, intent on maintaining their slice of the American Dream at whatever cost.  Gabe and Nora are both driven and successful.  This same drive is evident in their highly-accomplished, oldest daughter, Angela, whose entire life path had been geared toward a coveted Harvard acceptance.  Angela is academically and extracurricularly overextended.  Her impossible schedule and relentless pursuit of perfection continue to push her forward, but with diminishing results.  Additionally, the middle daughter, Cecily, is vigorously immersed in intense Irish dance classes, and the youngest daughter, Maya, wrestles with a reading difficulty.  As each member of the Hawthorne family begins to falter under pressure, we see the secrets that they keep and the lengths they may go, to protect all that they have worked for.  This is indeed a cautionary tale about the lure and power of success, how we define it, and what we will risk to get it.  Moore's book shows us that the pace of American life has become so frenetic and results-oriented that we are losing sight of what truly matters.  Success is chased with an almost religious zeal, and children are being encouraged to excel at ever-younger ages.  Perhaps the message is that life is meant to be enjoyed more and managed less.  Moore has crafted a thoroughly enjoyable read about the complexities of family life in an increasingly complicated and demanding world.
1075428
This book is a delightful read and oddly very reassuring if you are like me- a perfectionist perpetually dissatisfied with myself for not being perfect. (Which does not exist, I know, hence my angst.) it's very compassionate and reassuring in reminding me why it's okay to be imperfect.
3602085
I loved this book. I wasn't sure where it was leading but I loved the portrait of life that the author painted. I liked the imperfect characters.
4602911
Perfectly Imperfect is one of those coloring outside the lines book. It bleeds passion, depth and emotions. Yet, it deals with topics no one likes to talk about. It forces the reader out of their comfort zone and into a messy pit, that will turn into fuzzy warm blanket as the character embrace themselves, flaws and all. It's truly about acceptance and survival. We each deal with the hard things in life differently, but this book instills fierceness and strength into anyone who reads it.

It's truly a wowzer book. One that will stick to your thoughts and worm its way into our heart. Kane and Willow are both together and apart perfectly imperfect. You have Willow who has been taught that she was never good enough her whole life, and Kane that as a superstar actor has been applauded his whole life. With their own set of doubts, they know one thing is true. They are right for each other, and they will fight their demons head on to progress in this relationship, because nothing has ever felt so right.

And such is why this book was like catching up with an old friend. It's the true and tried method of believe in yourself, with a flair and consuming aspect a reader won't expect. If you're looking for an enticing, seductive, and heart-wrenching story this is it. #allthefeels

Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
3230361
I read this book start to finish in one sitting (length is brilliantly efficient). In addition to being beautifully written - the prose perfectly balances elegance with understatement - by reading about Kamal's experiences and following the simple steps he lays out, it's impossible not to improve your outlook, equip yourself to deal with future adversity, and lead a fantastic and inspired life. A transformative read.
1318371
This is a great full bodied story. With wonderful character development, vivid details, and an interesting story line. It shows us how imperfect people can keep hope and find joy within God's perfect love.
2003126
I've read almost all of Sophie Kinsella's books.  I enjoy both her style of writing (oh, so funny) and the messages she manages to convey through her plots.

In My Not So Perfect Life, Katie/Cat Brenner is struggling to get her life on track.  She's abandoned the family farm to move to London (her dream city) to work in marketing (her dream career.)  She's Katie at home and a newly created persona, Cat, in London. The reality isn't quite so great and she spends a good deal of time thinking that those around her have perfect lives.

Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect life and Katie finds out the truth of it no only in her life but in those around her.  The journey is filled with funny moments, though even some of those are a little more than a bit heart-breaking.

This is another wonderful book by Ms. Kinsella and the only problem I have now is waiting another year for a new novel to appear.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.