The self-improvement memoir had a brief moment of popularity and bookshelf saturation. I found this version funny and full of personality. Ultimately it didn't leave a huge impression on me, but it was a quick read and enjoyable in the moment.

About two thirds of the way through this book, I found myself wanting to befriend the author. Her style is personable and inviting and she tells an appealing story about reading several different self-help books she tries out over the course of a year and a half. She examines several areas of her life, including taking care of her home, parenting, marriage, finances, and spirituality. Some of her attempts are more half-hearted than others, and I didn't agree with all her conclusions, or all her reviews (for those self-help books I had also read). But I enjoyed her description of her experiences, and found I was racing through this book faster than most. ( )

In the pursuit of happiness, thirtysomething Jennifer devotes two years to self-improvement, reading recommended experts on housecleaning, finance, marriage, parenting, health and spirituality. Reality impinges on ideals when she tries to put what she's learned into practice in the household she shares with husband, son and two dogs. Humorously, she analyzes her moods, revelations and changes, sending up herself and the self-help gurus, though at times her tone gets self-congratulatory and snide. Includes questions for discussion. ( )

I really didn't enjoy this book at all....maybe I'm not the right demographic...being single and childless, I can't relate to the husband/marriage/child/parent issues that Niesslein writes a good deal about. I didn't find the book particularly funny....mostly it's just her opinion of a bunch of different self-help books she read.

I actually stopped reading about 3/4 of the way through, realizing that my own life would be happier if I stopped forcing myself to read about 2 years in the life of this person that I couldn't relate to and don't care about. The book was too self-centered for me....yes, it's a memoir, but usually the things we like about such books are how we can relate to them and I couldn't.

I also wasn't a fan of the thought that any conservative idea that was in a book she read had to absolutely be FLAT OUT WRONG! She practically has a breakdown because she thinks the author is pretty cool until he has a conservative statement to make and then she has an identity crisis, because how could she have possibly believed the other stuff he said?! Give me a break.....that's not how you appeal to the masses. This book might have a niche market for people who are very similar to Niesslein herself, but since I'm not, I couldn't stomach it. ( )

Practically Perfect is a humorous look at one woman’s two year experience with the world of self help books. The author tries out numerous best sellers in the common categories (house, finances, marriage, children) to see what works for her and her family. I really laughed along with her as she described some of the silly advice found in these books. I think anyone who has read self help books, will find this an amusing and educational break. ( )