How to Be Perfect Like Me

The Library Journal Bowman, Dana. How To Be Perfect Like Me. Central Recovery. Aug. 2018. 264p. ISBN 9781942094715. pap. $16.95. MEMOIR

English professor, blogger, and author (Bottled: A Mom’s Guide to Early Recovery) ­Bowman’s memoir covers the topics of parenting and recovery with candor and honesty. As is obvious from the title, the author is not actually offering a step-by-step guide to anything in particular. She is making the case that perfectionism is an enemy to recovery and happiness. The many short chapters, with often hilarious titles, such as “How To Relapse in Footie Pajamas” or “How To Cry at a Coffee Shop,” mainly consist of anecdotes within an achronological narrative that at times feels downright scattered. Imperfection is the thematic thread that holds Bowman’s stories together. Some readers might be frustrated by how frequently she changes topics, but one could argue that the nonlinear text accurately reflects the messy experience of recovery. VERDICT Readers in recovery who are looking for relatable stories will enjoy this book. Bowman’s brand of humor (highly personal, a bit outlandish, and often infused with pop-culture references) will appeal to fans of Jenny Lawson.—Emily Butler, Deerfield Academy, MA