Member Reviews

Perfect is Boring (and It Tastes Like Kale) is the hilarious book bestie all women need. I laughed myself silly at the relateable and squirmy moments that, as it turns out, are much more common to being a human than my brain would have me believe. This book encourages authenticity and ditching the picture perfect image you’ve been curating for an Instagram square (or whatever social media channels we are using these days).

Divided out into three sections, Jess Johnston tackles three areas of authentic living: finding authenticity by loving yourself as you are and where you are, finding authenticity through shared connection with others, and finding authenticity by avoiding self sabotage and having and chasing your big scary dreams.

This book was fun and funny and a perfect companion when you’re facing a new and scary chapter in life and you need a pep talk from a bestie.

I’d like to thank Convergent Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Convergent Books for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

The title is what initially drew me in, but the author's writing and relatability kept me turning the pages. I admit to having some hesitations after seeing this book under the Christian genre, because in the past I struggled with authors preaching or pushing their religious views on the reader. But Jess Johnston writes in a very accessible, respectful way, and even discusses the value of surrounding ourselves with those who have different views and beliefs.

While this book's target audience is women, and more specifically mothers, I think that the overall messages could be wonderful reminders for everyone. Part memoir, part guide, Johnston breaks it down into three parts and 14 "lies" we tell ourselves - Things that hold us back from finding connection and purpose. The humor and honesty is what makes this book so enjoyable. It didn't feel like one of those sterile, self-help books, but rather an inspiring nudge to be your authentic self. To be perfectly imperfect. When I think of all of the positive interactions and conversations I've had, they occurred when I (and the other person) shared authentically. The need to be perfect and the worry about saying the "right" things fell by the wayside. We spend too much time thinking we're not enough or focusing on our "flaws" that we might miss out on the opportunity for real connection.

I love the discussions surrounding community, empowering others, and vulnerability. You cannot find belonging by isolating and hiding your true self. We need to share our unique gifts, to speak up, and get out of our own way. I also really like and appreciate the conversations around mental health - Whether the general respectfulness and awareness or the personal struggles that the author shared.

I found myself highlighting numerous quotes and passages, as I could relate to so much of what Johnston had to say. This is a book I would love to own a physical copy of to pick up and refer back to.

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I was drawn to this book because of the fantastic title and great cover. It is written in a bright ‘best friend from next door’ style which is very engaging and sort of confessional but it feels like reading a novel. As you read you very quickly connect with the author and identify with her personally - she is funny, bright, normal and urges us to believe that she is very far from perfect. However her tone and approach is perfect for a self help book and possibly unique in the genre? Not bossy but friendly and real.

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Perfect Is Boring (And It Tastes Like Kale) by Jess Johnston is an absolute must read for any woman who has ever felt like she was not good enough. Imagine a book length version of America Ferrera's famous monologue from the Barbie movie written with humor. This is Jess Johnston's new book. I absolutely loved so many things about this book. The book is absolutely hilarious and pokes fun at the absurdity of the pressures that we all put on ourselves. The book is divided into three sections: Lies that keep us from loving ourselves as we are (or, becoming an imperfectionist), lies that keep us from connection (or, how to quit performing and start belonging, and lies that keep us from dreaming big and living a full life (or, how to try things without fear of failure). Each chapter is entertaining, validating and practical. At the end of the each chapter there is a "how to section implement this into your life section." While I am not usually a big fan of self help books, I felt that these sections were fantastic.

One of my favorite concepts in the book was about playing for the junior varsity team as a parent and being ok with no being on the perfectly dressed, PTO leading varsity team. There were many other thoughts that I loved just as much as this one but do not want to give away in this review.

If you want a fun, useful read that will make you laugh and feel better about life, this book is an absolute must read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Convergent Books for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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