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Perf: The Unspoken Flaws in a “Perfect” Culture
We believe perfectionism is the gift of Oscar-winning directors, self-made millionaires, and valedictorians.
Comparing ourselves to the flawlessly accomplished reminds us of how imperfect we personally are. We create a negative loop of constant dissatisfaction and distort reality to say we are nothing. And that, my friends, is the glamor of perfectionism.
The Unspoken Flaws in a "Perfect" Culture explores what it really means to live in a culture that encourages “perfection.” This book uncovers the truth beneath the romanticized mindset of a perfectionist and their unrelenting quest to do, have, and be the best in the intersection of perfectionism, mental health, and mainstream culture.
While Chloe unpacks The American Dream or socioeconomic institutions such as education and market-based economies, she jabs humor at her own perfectionism as a student, employee, family member, and partner.
By exploring everything from celebrity examples like Billie Eilish, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Gordon Ramsay, to chicken parmesan recipes, to stand-up comedy, Perf points out where perfectionism becomes dangerous, despite larger cultural messages that tell us we need to earn our worth.
If you are tired of seeking out other people’s approval or want to laugh a little bit at someone else’s perfectionism, this is the book for you.
Comparing ourselves to the flawlessly accomplished reminds us of how imperfect we personally are. We create a negative loop of constant dissatisfaction and distort reality to say we are nothing. And that, my friends, is the glamor of perfectionism.
The Unspoken Flaws in a "Perfect" Culture explores what it really means to live in a culture that encourages “perfection.” This book uncovers the truth beneath the romanticized mindset of a perfectionist and their unrelenting quest to do, have, and be the best in the intersection of perfectionism, mental health, and mainstream culture.
While Chloe unpacks The American Dream or socioeconomic institutions such as education and market-based economies, she jabs humor at her own perfectionism as a student, employee, family member, and partner.
By exploring everything from celebrity examples like Billie Eilish, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Gordon Ramsay, to chicken parmesan recipes, to stand-up comedy, Perf points out where perfectionism becomes dangerous, despite larger cultural messages that tell us we need to earn our worth.
If you are tired of seeking out other people’s approval or want to laugh a little bit at someone else’s perfectionism, this is the book for you.
264 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2021
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 25, 2025
As someone that literally never reads nonfiction this was intimidating. Once I started, I was so encapsulated. This book was beautifully written and very much so relatable. The author was vulnerable and her opinions provided new insights through her many interviews and very obvious hours of research. I would recommend this book to anyone that seeks to better themselves, especially is they want to be nicer to themselves. You don’t need to be perfect and losing control, though very hard to get used to, is natural and there is no avoiding it so you might as well be ready for it. Because of this book, I feel ready.
January 24, 2022
This is a no. Fiction book about Perfectionism in today’s society. It was well written and insightful. The author is honest and vulnerable. Turns out we probably all suffer from a bit of perfectionism. I highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews