The Art of Imperfection : Simple Ways to Make Peace with Yourself
Author: Erica Lennard, Veronique Vienne
List Price: $17.00
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ISBN: 0609605216
Publisher: Clarkson Potter (17 August, 1999)
Sales Rank: 42,695
Average Customer Rating: 4.45 out of 5
Customer Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5
Loved both the writing and the photography
In the second "Art" book by Véronique Vienne, the author again teams up with photographer Erica Lennard to produce a wonderfully worded and illustrated compilation of poignant views on style, mannerism and (im)perfection. It's not overly analytical, and there is much more here than the "I'm OK; you're OK" theme. I would recommend this book to anyone.In just ten short chapters, Ms. Vienne employs great wit, clever mataphors, and strikingly up-to-date commentary about how we should be celebrating the gap between the ideal for which we are striving and the reality of our true selves. A great example of some witty incongruity comes from a chapter entitled "The Art of Having Nothing to Wear." "Think about it this way: Radiocarbon in fabric has a half-life of 5,730 years--give or take 40 years. The style of an outfit is subjective, elusive, and volatile, with a half-life of less than two months." I have to applaud a writer who can link science and fashion in such an ingenious manner.
Rather than being overly analytical, this book creates an ART (key word) out of what somebody, somewhere, thinks are our shortcomings. Among other topics, the chapters touch on the acceptability of being shy, disorganized, or silly (my specialty). The "un"-this, the "not"-that or the "dis"-whatever parts of ourselves really aren't so bad if we view life's contents from a less serious, more quirky perspective. Cultivate a weed, and sooner or later you'll get a flower out of it. A famous actress (Elizabeth Taylor, I think) once said that a face is not beautiful without flaws. Ms. Vienne is telling us that, given a lemon, we can make ... lemon soufflé!
As in the previous "The Art of Doing Nothing," Ms. Lennard's sepia duotone photos provide a tranquil beauty that offsets, yet complements, the spirited tone of this book. The "art" in this book will grow on you.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Must Read for all those perfectionists out there...
After years of trying to be the perfect daughter,girlfriend, freind, student, all around perfect person, I finally found a book that helped me not only accept, but love my imperfection. I now take extreme pleasure in not being perfect and have reduced my stress to an all time low. I gave the book to my mom as a Mother's Day present to take the pressure off of trying to be the perfect person and just enjoy who she is. Plus the book is such a wonderful display on my nightstand with its beautiful photography.
Rating: 5 out of 5
a must have
I received this book as a shower gift for the birth of my third child from an aunt who has 5 children herself. In it, she wrote: "Imperfection is the most you can strive for, Insanity is what you try to avoid." Having 2 little ones in diapers and cribs at the same time I now know what she means. I loved this book because it make me feel like it was okay to not only be myself, but to celebrate it and enjoy it. Similar Products
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The Art of the Moment : Simple Ways to Get the Most from Life
The Art of Growing Up : Simple Ways to Be Yourself at Last
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