The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning

This short, well-written book taps into the wisdom of the Judeo/Christian/Islamic tradition as well as secular philosophy and twelve-step recovery to allow the reader to acknowledge and embrace the inherent imperfections of human life. It's well worth reading for anyone who has made psychological self-flagellation a hobby.

I recommend this read for anyone who wants to improve their own spirituality.

This is the second time I’ve read this book. the first time was when I was early in sobriety and it was recommended as part of my 12-Step work. Re-reading it has shown me how understanding what spirituality is really about addresses every problem we have in modern culture, AA or not. It’s not about being more spiritual or more religious, but about accepting the reality of our imperfections and giving up the waste of time and effort involved in chasing a notion of perfection that cannot exist.

For the third time, I read this book and loved the experience. 12/1/2016I just finished reading this book for the third time. The reason I return to this book again is because there are so many wonderful stories. In example after example, taken from many varied and diverse sources, simple concepts of spirituality are illuminated. I loved rereading the many stories that are included in this book, which demonstrate the power of connection between one person in another through honest storytelling. Even though Kurtz and Ketcham refer to both the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, as well the meetings function in healing, there are applications far beyond AA.It is an easy read and can easily divided up and read chapter by chapter. I highly recommend this book for spiritual seekers.--I was very pleasantly surprised by reading this book. There is a line between spirituality and religion. Many adherents to one reject the other. This book was comfortable for me. I don't want to reject my religion to gain spirituality. At the same time, I have come to believe that there is a vast amount of wisdom that I have gained form listening and sharing my story.I found myself marking certain passages and coming back to them again. This book has been the genesis of a few precious conversations with my sons. It has opened some very welcomed dialogues with some of my friends.I recommend this as both a book to be enjoyed from cover to cover, or one that can be taken in small quantities or studied by topics.Enjoy!Ron Tenney

I haven’t read it yet, but right off, it came bent and the front and back are damaged. Sigh.

I love that this book discusses the topic of simply being human and imperfect. It gives me permission to be myself. There’s interesting history, along with informative reading. I’m going through this book with a group of people and the consensus is that it is a well-written and captivating book. I’ve also given it as a gift and my friend loves it! Would definitely recommend and buy again.

Although I was very eager to get into this book because of it's topic "The Spirituality of IMPERFECTION", I must admit that I wasunaware that the book would be about the founding principles and history of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous).This fact did not discourage me from diving into it, for I grew up in a family of 8 children, a stay at home Mom and a Father whoattempted to be in control by using beer to balance his ups and downs.Actually, being brought up a Roman Catholic, this book was most helpful in describing in factual detail as well as stories thatare related to the details.For example. even though I never realized that by attempting to be faithful to the teachings of my religion, I was caught up inwhat is described in depth as the Spiritually of PERFECTION.The difference between the Spirituality of Perfection and the Spirituality of Imperfection which captured my attention immediatelywas that even though each accepts that as human beings we are flawed form the onset of our existence, how this fact is useddetermines their separation.The path of Perfection sets out attempting to help a person grow spiritually by reinforcing the need to good, to be better than,and to strive to be the best. While emphasis on the paradox that the same person is at times evil and at times good is used topromote the necessity of working to be or for the good.Imperfection allows spirituality to flow into and out of the person who is accepted as sinner and saint, good and evil, kind andrude. Whatever the person brings to their quest for serenity from their "torn-to-pieces" existence is acceptable. For thestarting point of the spirituality is the bottom, failures not seeking success or attempting to be in control.To learn more of how Imperfection can set a person on the path of Spiritual growth give this book a read. Keep you mind opento something seemingly unorthodox as most (extra)ordinary.

It fit its billing.

This books talks about the fact that humans are never perfect. Something I need to understand and embrace.

This book is full of wisdom. It takes a lot from the history, experience and writings of Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as many other sources. It has something to offer anyone with any sort of addictive traits and anyone who ever experiences resentment. I think that covers just about everyone! If you read this book with an open heart you will be blessed.

Too Good to be True. Love it.

This is a good one, really good. I bought several and sent them to friends that I thought might be receptive to personal development.

Looks and feels like a used or bad copy.