Perfect is boring (and it tastes like kale) Finding belonging and purpose without changing who you are

In this quippy guide, Motherly contributor Johnston (coauthor of I'll Be There (but I'll Be Wearing Sweatpants)) calls on women to cast aside unrealistic social expectations and embrace their God-given "flaws and gifts." Recalling her adolescent struggles with an eating disorder, the author describes how she transformed "from a girl who hated her flaws and was at war with her body to one who thinks her flaws are some of the greatest things about her." She did so by dismantling false notions that lead to personal dissatisfaction--among them that rejection is akin to social death, that one must "be all things to all people," and that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Solid suggestions, like recognizing that what brings "peace and purpose" is important even if it seems ordinary--"I don't always feel excited about the day-to-day mundane (sometimes I lose myself down a rabbit hole of Instagram escapism), but I know deep down it's where I'm supposed to be"--are enlivened by Johnston's refreshingly self-aware humor ("Hi, I'm Jess and I'm a people pleaser. I also dabble in codependency just for fun"). Christian women should take note of this down-to-earth invitation to seek self-acceptance. (Feb.)

Johnston, coauthor of I'll Be There (But I'll Be Wearing Sweatpants), takes a humorous, tongue-in-cheek approach to life in this book aimed at busy moms who might feel they aren't doing enough. Johnston shows how the picture-perfect lives on social media aren't realistic and how readers can learn to let go of FOMO and enjoy the life they have, in the process making unique memories with their families. Each chapter confronts one lie about perfection, shows how Johnston struggled with and countered it to make a satisfying life, home, and marriage for herself, and ends with a concrete action that readers can take to do the same. While not exactly a book on "adulting," this volume does serve as a good pep talk on being a better adult and will pair well with How To Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis and anything by Jenny Lawson. VERDICT A charming and quick read for those who need a boost in confidence and a chuckle. Great for humor and lifestyle collections.--Amanda Ray