The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning

One of the best books on spirituality I've ever read. There were so many chapters that made me stop and think, but the chapter on forgiveness really stayed with me. It was a great reminder that we're all imperfect, and accepting that—both in ourselves and in others—makes it a little easier to live with more compassion and grace. I highly recommend this book.

A brief history on Alcoholics Anonymous and perspective on its take on spirituality. It was a favorite and valuable book when I first bought it 30 years ago. I lost the original book and wanted it 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 was unaware 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 who attempted 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 that are 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 in what 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 immediately was that even though each accepts that as human beings we are flawed form the onset of our existence, how this fact is used determines 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 to promote 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 and rude. Whatever the person brings to their quest for serenity from their "torn-to-pieces" existence is acceptable. For the starting 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 open to something seemingly unorthodox as most (extra)ordinary.

Phenomenal book and it is well written citing literature references . It is worth reading . I am on a book budget but they do not have it at the library and it is one of those books u want to just have in your home

This book keeps drawing me back, especially when life feels messy and painful. Each time I pick it up, I grow a little more, and the mistakes that once felt heavy begin to carry meaning instead. It’s not a book that offers answers or fixes; it offers stories—raw, honest, and deeply human—and in those stories, I find what I need, without fanfare or formulas. It helps me see my own imperfections not as flaws to erase, but as pathways toward connection, humility, and growth.

One of my favorite spiritual books, I've read and reread this many times over the years and it's always rewarding, each time gleaning a little bit more that I'd missed from a previous read. I've gifted this book to quite a few sponsees and just friends over that time, and those who actually read it are as impressed as I was. One old, crusty acquaintance: Viet Nam vet, ten-years on the street, 20 years sober, not only thanked me publicly at a meeting, but added that he had started again back at the beginning, reading a little bit each morning. I don't know quite what prompted me to believe such an unlikely man would like this book, but mysterious ways and all that.

For the third time, I read this book and loved the experience. 12/1/2016 I 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

This is an excellent book for anyone struggling with either an addiction or a desire to find spirituality through and despite their imperfections. Life changing

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

Too Good to be True. Love it.

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.

Ótimo livro sobre despertar espiritual!!!

Looks and feels like a used or bad copy.