I Just Want to Be Perfect

IJWTBA #4

by Jen Mann (Contributor), Meredith Spidel (Contributor), Stacey Gill (Contributor)

I Just Want to Be Perfect is the fourth book in the bestselling I Just Want to Pee Alone series. It brings together 37 hilarious and relatable essays that showcase the foibles of ordinary women trying to be perfect.

The cult of perfection is a thing. As women, we are constantly inundated with "helpful" and/or "ah-may-zing" tips to improve our looks, please our men, raise the next Einstein (in a wheat-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free environment), and feng shui the crap out of our homes. Whether it's the hot new diet that involves only eating what you can forage from the floor of your minivan, bleaching everything from your hair to your teeth to your butt hole, or clearing your clutter by mindfully thanking your ratty underwear for its long, dedicated service before you toss them, we've all tried something to be more perfect. We all try strive for perfection and balance in our lives, and most of us fail--spectacularly. These are those stories.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2016

About the author

Jen Mann of People I Want to Punch in the Throat is the hilarious author of the New York Times best seller, People I Want to Punch in the Throat: Competitive Crafters, Drop Off Despots, and Other Suburban Scourges and Spending the Holidays with People I Want to Punch in the Throat. She also contributes to and publishes the New York Times best selling I Just Want to Pee Alone series of books. Her books are inspired by her immensely popular blog People I Want to Punch in the Throat. Jen lives in Kansas with the Hubs and her two children, Gomer and Adolpha - no, those aren't their real names, their real names are actually worse. Jen spends her free time crafting and volunteering with the PTO. Seriously.

You can purchase her books here: http://amzn.to/QSie2T

Reviews

[Meredith Spidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slightly biased, as I'm one of the authors, but this book is a treat! Obviously funny, but what rang loudest for me was the undercurrent of hope and encouragement offered by all the writers--this life is a far from perfect thing, and that's okay! We're in this together--and we can laugh about it. Grab a copy and come hang out with some new friends.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great collection of funny stories by brutally honest women. I read a couple a night and laughed at almost every single one.

I definitely recommend this for more mature readers. The stories are by moms, about motherly topics, so many of the stories contain topics and language for mature readers.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Culmination of several short stories, article, ditties, written by young women, some mothers, that strive to be perfect and fail - some miserably. It's funny and I could relate with many of the stories, folks, this is not in-depth reading if that is what you're looking for. It's nice to commiserate, to know that there are others out there that feel like you do, or have done crazy or embarrassing things like you've done, all in the name of perfection. It was a fun read.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories in this were very relatable - almost TOO relatable sometimes! 3.5 stars.

[Kathleen Kirchner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as fun as the first three.

[Leslie Manis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is pretty funny but it has some egregious typos and grammatical errors! Where is the editor?!

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of humorous essays about how women feel pressure to be perfect all the time. More hit and miss than the others in the series, but still very good.

[Karen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughed all the way through. Although these stories are embarrassing and hilarious, and you'll be glad they didn't happen to you... They are so relatable -- from embarrassing haircuts to getting stuck in clothes that are too tight to cringe-worthy moments with other moms at your kid's school. We all have at least one mortifying story. This book will make you feel better about yours!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic collection of essays! I could relate to each one in some way. The women in this book should be applauded for sharing their vulnerable attempts at perfection. They share their stories honestly and often hilariously. A must-read for women everywhere.

[Andra Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sidesplitting! These ladies weave their writing wizardry on everything from the perils of dieting to the horrors of lunching with the in-laws. No situation is too sacred for some hilarious comeuppance. The perfect read for everyone, because we all need more laughs in our lives.

[LaShelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know one of the writers in this book and so she nicely signed it for me and off I went to read it and LOVED it!! I identified with so many stories, like I literally wondered if I could have ghost written it! It's an easy read, seriously funny and did I say funny?!?

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny!

Such a refreshing diversion from the "I'm perfect and you should be too -- here's how" books. It's a bonus that's it's pee your pants funny!

[Rochel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as funny as the other books in the series.

[Veronica Keeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consistently funny!I was reminded of my own nearly disastrous experience of encouraging my Pyro tendencies.It is deeply satisfying and therapeutic,but best well thought out indeed.

[Sue-Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of fun

Loved this book as much as the others! Had m laughing and sometimes agreeing throughout the book. Quick and fun read.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, but too much swearing.