Why Do I Put So Much Pressure on Myself?: Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist

Miller, a self-described ""recovering perfectionist,"" encourages women and men to examine whether they, too, have perfectionistic tendencies, exhibited by unrealistic expectations of themselves and others, an ""all or nothing"" approach to daily tasks and a propensity to raise the achievement bar ever higher, among other traits. (One intriguing chapter discusses how perfectionists feel ""compelled to straighten out mis- understandings"" and cannot let go of ""the small stuff."") Many read- ers will recognize themselves in these pages, particularly in the recurring anecdotes about women who struggle to be perfect mothers. Miller offers a sound reminder of God's grace to those who strive to earn divine and human approval. (Mar.)