PERF: THE UNSPOKEN FLAWS OF A "PERFECT" CULTURE
Praise for PERF
2021 BookLife Prize Semi-Finalist
"Cullen has written a delightfully real book exploring the many facets of perfectionism, and has revealed her own inner workings as a case study in and of itself. The vulnerability shown within this text will cause readers to feel safe within these pages. Readers who know little about anxiety and perfectionism will benefit from reading this book, as it will allow them to better understand their loved ones who do suffer from this. And readers who do know the prevailing perfectionist plague will find Cullen's book a refreshing look into their own psyches." - 2021 Book Life Prize
“Perf is incredibly thoughtful, introspective, and self-aware. It speaks directly to the voice in the back of our mind that's constantly challenging our choices and pushing us to reach our fullest potential. Chloe Cullen brilliantly and humorously relates her own personal experiences to the rest of us 20-somethings.” — Casey Dexter, Author of Industry Friends
“Chloe Cullen's Perf refutes the notion of perfection through self-reflective anecdotes and candor. This is a book that will make you empathize, wonder, and change. Cullen's revelations will leave you wanting to know how she managed to move beyond her own perfectionist crisis into a woman willing to be flawed so that you might begin to do the same.” — Laura Nejako, Author of Let's Become Strangers
“Filled with bright language and witty analysis, Cullen brings a fresh perspective to our societal attachment to perfectionism and how that often unseen weight affects us as individuals. She digs into both sides of the phenomenon and leaves the reader reflecting on his/her place in this perfectionist web.” — Caroline Tan, Writer
What is PERF?
We believe perfectionism is the gift of Oscar-winning directors, self-made millionaires, and valedictorians.
Comparing ourselves to the flawlessly accomplished reminds us of how imperfect we personally are. We create a negative loop of constant dissatisfaction and distort reality to say we are nothing. And that, my friends, is the glamor of perfectionism.
Perf: The Unspoken Flaws in a “Perfect” Culture--Chloe's debut that raised nearly $10,000 through her IndieGoGo campaign--explores what it really means to live in a culture that encourages “perfection.” This book uncovers the truth beneath the romanticized mindset of a perfectionist and their unrelenting quest to do, have, and be the best in the intersection of perfectionism, mental health, and mainstream culture.
While Chloe unpacks The American Dream or socioeconomic institutions such as education and market-based economies, she jabs humor at her own perfectionism as a student, employee, family member, and partner.
By exploring everything from celebrity examples like Billie Eilish, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Gordon Ramsay, to chicken parmesan recipes, to stand-up comedy, Perf points out where perfectionism becomes dangerous, despite larger cultural messages that tell us we need to earn our worth.
If you are tired of seeking out other people’s approval or want to laugh a little bit at someone else’s perfectionism, this is the book for you.