To Be Perfectly Honest: The premise of this book is interesting – tell nothing but
the truth for a whole year. “Do you lie?” this was the question I asked when I
was talking about this book to my friends over lunch a few days ago and they said,
“We do not really lie anyways”. I then asked them, “How many times have you
told your little ones that you will get them something or take away something
to get them to do something and then not done it?” “How many times have you
promised yourself that you will not eat that additional dessert and then you
did?” So while not all the lies we say are really huge, they are still lies –
to be perfectly honest, it is hard being perfectly honest – white lies, truths
untold, empty promises and threats, jokes all get in the way of being perfectly
honest – and that is a major part of what this book is about – while it was not
a page-turner for me, it was something I felt I wanted to complete though it
took me forever to do so. The book is written in journal format with an entry for
each day and of course, everyone has days when not much happens. But I loved
the concept – though admittedly, it was hard figuring out sometimes whether he
was telling a joke or the truth (since he is a humorist). I had quite a few
laughs along the way and recognized many of the truths in myself as the author
went through his year of trying to be honest.
the truth for a whole year. “Do you lie?” this was the question I asked when I
was talking about this book to my friends over lunch a few days ago and they said,
“We do not really lie anyways”. I then asked them, “How many times have you
told your little ones that you will get them something or take away something
to get them to do something and then not done it?” “How many times have you
promised yourself that you will not eat that additional dessert and then you
did?” So while not all the lies we say are really huge, they are still lies –
to be perfectly honest, it is hard being perfectly honest – white lies, truths
untold, empty promises and threats, jokes all get in the way of being perfectly
honest – and that is a major part of what this book is about – while it was not
a page-turner for me, it was something I felt I wanted to complete though it
took me forever to do so. The book is written in journal format with an entry for
each day and of course, everyone has days when not much happens. But I loved
the concept – though admittedly, it was hard figuring out sometimes whether he
was telling a joke or the truth (since he is a humorist). I had quite a few
laughs along the way and recognized many of the truths in myself as the author
went through his year of trying to be honest.
Some of my favorite lines from the book:
“Some of the things I describe may not technically have
happened, but they might just as well have.”
happened, but they might just as well have.”
“Some people have imaginary friends. When I cut the grass, I
have imaginary enemies.”
have imaginary enemies.”
“If I tell a tiny portion of the truth, is it still a lie?”
““No way,” I said. “You cheat.” I was trying to be serious. He
laughed. No one takes a humorist seriously”
laughed. No one takes a humorist seriously”
“Apparently I don’t have an anger problem unless bad things
happen to me.”
happen to me.”
Rating: C+ (maybe a B-) for the laughs and the lessons learned and for the
fact that I recognized my faults a little more and make an effort to be more
honest since I read this
Disclaimer:Thank you to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group
for sending me a
digital review copy of this book for review. I was not compensated for my
review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or
publicist. They are my personal opinions formed when I read this book.
for sending me a
digital review copy of this book for review. I was not compensated for my
review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or
publicist. They are my personal opinions formed when I read this book.
