Review by Booklist Review
Perfectionists are usually driven, hard-working individuals. What's not to like? Psychologist Zucker knows that perfectionism can also lead to procrastination, stress, anxiety, and eating disorders, among other problems. In this relevant guide, she uses teen-friendly language to help perfectionist adolescents strive instead for a healthy, balanced life. Concentrating on three main areas of perfectionism (academics, activities, and appearance), she breaks down management and treatment into chapters by topic. Beginning with an introduction to the signs and sources of perfectionism, the guide continues with explanations and exercises on true success, challenging perfectionistic thinking and behaviors, developing new decision-making skills and flexibility, making mistakes and even failing, and incorporating self-care and stress management. The emphasis throughout is on realistic goals, such as limiting social media rather than removing it completely. Numerous charts and examples from other teens break down information into readable and relatable portions. The book can be read alone or in conjunction with therapy; the chapter on cognitive behavioral therapy may resonate better with the latter. Valuable for teens coping with modern pressures.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up--Perfectionism is often talked about positively, but this book shows how it can be harmful and create even more obstacles for people. Zucker, a psychologist specializing in OCD, anxiety, and stress, delves deep into perfectionism and how to manage it. The first four chapters of the book focus on breaking down perfectionism and what causes it. Zucker then discusses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and how to change our thinking. Finally, the book ends with a discussion of self-care and stress management. Each chapter includes a summary at the end called "in a nutshell." There are also questions and other activities for teens to answer and work on to help them see their thinking and how to change it. Even though there is a great deal of information, Zucker adeptly breaks it down into small segments that are easy to understand. In addition, there are charts and diagrams, as well as relatable examples that make the concept or activity clear. There are resources for teens and parents, and recommended apps that readers can use. VERDICT This is a necessary book for middle and high school libraries as it will help teens see that while striving for success is excellent, perfectionism does more harm than good.--Michelle Lettus
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A therapist describes the symptoms and effects of perfectionism and offers a self-help guide to a more balanced approach to life. Practicing psychologist Zucker, who specializes in anxiety, OCD, and similar concerns, reaches out to perfectionists with helpful information and step-by-step ways to change behavior as a way to change thoughts. Her conversational text conveys sympathy as she explains what perfectionism is, how to recognize it, and why it gets in the way of success. Then she introduces cognitive behavioral therapy and explains how it can be used to challenge perfectionist thinking and behavior. She offers practical examples of ways to step out of one's comfort zone and practice flexibility. She encourages her readers to make mistakes, pointing out that failures can offer life lessons. Finally she describes techniques for stress management and relaxing the body and mind. Throughout, her examples reflect teen lives today. She reminds her readers that social media images are constructed. She talks about stressors in schoolwork, in sports, and in social life; the problems of hesitation to take chances and overpreparation. From time to time she offers a list of questions or written exercises to help readers evaluate themselves. Each chapter ends with a summary of the major points. Zucker's real-world experience treating people who struggle with these issues is reflected in her ability to engage with her readers. Solid advice for teens in need. (resources, references, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
