What Readers Are Saying

Stanley Krippner, Past President of APA Div 32 (Society for Humanistic Psychology) and a founding father of the Transpersonal Psychology movement, writes: "Having known Scott Peck, I was intrigued by the history of this book and why Peck urged its execution. I was not disappointed. The author's 'imperfect lens' is skillfully portrayed. His spiritual anguish is painfully frank, without being tawdry. It is inspiring without being saccharine. It moves from the depth to the heights of human existence in vivid prose, taking readers along for the journey. Fasten your seat belts. It's going to be a bumpy ride! But it is one you won't want to miss."

"Talenfeld’s book, THROUGH A STILL IMPERFECT LENS, invites the reader to accompany him on an intimate and unflinching journey into the dark and uncharted topography of the human soul. The book is a passionate, inspired amalgam of New Age Spirituality, Eastern Mysticism and intense, Talmudic self-examination, combined with the psycho-spiritual philosophies of self-actualization promoted by Maslow, Rogers and Buber. The author, using his own life as a template, bravely attempts the reconciliation of transactional and transformational approaches to human relationships. He brings his heart to the slaughter and his best bone to the fight! The book is engaging and easy to understand, offering ample rewards for the thoughtful and discerning reader. It has certainly inspired me!" -- Gary Bynkoski

“This is a book about psychology, to a large extent, but it’s also about the author’s deep Faith. I am reminded of Martin Buber's seminal work, “I and Thou.” In fact, I would say this book, more than any other I have read, operationalizes Buber. It lays bare the neuroses and difficulties that prevent us from living in true relation with others, and thus helps open the door, dare I say, to finding the Divine in each person we encounter. Really a great book with some wonderful humor and keen insight on every page.” – Anthony Brancale

“The content of this book is both difficult and a light unto the world. It is difficult only because it is honest, and somewhere along the line of reading it, we're going to run headlong into ourselves. With searing honesty, the author describes his psycho-spiritual-relational journey, and what it looks and feels like to keep an uncompromising promise with personal and interpersonal truth. This truth includes times and places of personal mistakes, so it is written with both deep intelligence and deep humility—the willingness, as the title puts it, to be imperfect. Refreshing, in a world where ideas and talking "about" are so rarely grounded in firsthand experience.” -- Bruce Sanguin

"I feel breathless in the wake of reading it. The sheer eloquence of expression and the quality and quantity of Elliot’s experiences makes reading this book a thrill ride that will have you tied up in knots, smiling uncontrollably, sad, happy, dismayed, judgmental and ultimately inspired. Elliot is a gifted storyteller who is deeply honest, analytical, and critical of himself when assessing “psycho-spiritual” pursuits and regardless of his conclusions you can’t help but be drawn to him as an advocate, judge, cheerleader, etc., as well as to everyone he characterizes in his book. It’s just great storytelling!" – Carl Bozeman

“I had no idea what to expect when I opened this book to read it, but it was like become intimate with a new friend that soon became an old friend. There is a certain sense when reading an account of someone's life that the writer is being honest and revealing, and that shines through on every page of this book. I only allowed myself to read small bits of it with each sitting, wanting to linger in it as if letting the flow of his life enter into my own- like savoring a delicious meal. The book carries the life of this man told eloquently and masterfully, with the flavor of honesty that reveals the warts of life along with its beauty. I enjoyed reading this thoroughly and would highly recommend it.” – Sam Zeiger

"I am really enjoying this book, more than any I've read in quite some time. The excerpts that I'd been reading online were too intriguing not to want to read the whole thing, and it's so beautifully composed, gentle, honest, touching and ultimately hopeful, it would be a shame if everyone didn't read it." -- Tanja K Lindsay

"It made me question more deeply my own relationships, partners, husbands and the roles we play. Do we respond as our mother or our father within our marriage? Who is playing out which role and when does the 'real self' actually emerge? And how far back do the dynamics actually go?

A fascinating read forcing me to study my own process ever more deeply raising much food for thought and entering a deeper level of my own psyche! Thank you Elliot Talenfeld for so much material to be worked through within my own analysis." -- Elise Wardle MA, MBACP (Accred.), Psychotherapist

And More from Amazon Reviewers:

SPARKS OF LIGHT! June 12, 2020, 5.0 Stars --Diana Daffner

The author writes "it is in relationship that we find and raise up those kabbalistic sparks." This reminded me of a quote from the Baal Shem Tov: "From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven, and when two souls that are destined to be together find each other, the streams of light flow together and a single brighter light goes forth from that united being.” Of course being "destined to be together" is brought into question throughout this book, which is an honest examination of the author's soul-searching and psyche-questioning experience. I found myself relating and recognizing other couples who have struggled and sought similar solutions.

Burt J Kempner, 5.0 stars, March 3, 2019

Elliot Talenfeld's THROUGH A STILL IMPERFECT LENS is a luminous spiritual memoir. Imperfect he may be, but Talenfeld is also an exceptionally honest and sharp-witted seeker. The rise and fall of his first marriage and the accounts of his dalliances with various spiritual groups are sometimes painful to read and other times revealing and deep. Talenfeld's inquisitive mind and questing heart take us on a journey we'll long remember. It's a mark of his talent that although he parted with numerous people along the way, I found myself caring about each and wishing them well. That's what a generous writer can do. Highly recommended.

AA, 5.0 out of 5 stars The most honest and authentic.... November 2, 2017

"As things go in life, you chance upon things out of nowhere and they fall into right places. I consider stumbling upon this book as part of those synchronous events in life. The cliche: 'teacher appears when student is ready' fits into this scheme. Unlike the author (who practically has experienced all that he has experienced), my reading of this book was from the perspective of having had experienced reading several of the spiritual guides and their life history (some of whom are mentioned by the author as well). I was drawn to this book due having been a fan of Scott Peck's philosophy."

"At the end of the read, here is what I felt: This book is one of the most authentic, genuine and honestly written narrative I have seen of this genre. Upon arriving at this conclusion, I re-read the title of the book, and was comfortably assured that I am not making an incorrect conclusion. If nothing else, you will gain a lot of wisdom from this book."

Joanne Coughlin, 5.0 out of 5 stars, August 8, 2017

What a wonderful book. The author opens up his life and I felt that I was right there with him living his life with him and the ending a happy one (which I love!). Definitely worth a read!

Lynnette, 5.0 out of 5 stars -- IT'S AMAZING -- March 19, 2018

"Raw emotion that had me in tears at times, honesty that at times was uncomfortable but necessary for both the writer and reader. Introspection isn’t an easy exercise at the best of times, but documented introspection that is then published and shared is a whole different thing. I am in awe. After reading the last page, I felt honoured and privileged that Mr. Talenfeld 'put himself out there' and I able to share in his story. Through a Still Imperfect Lens is a must-read."

Jackie Richards, 5.0 out of 5 stars, February 15, 2018

What a compelling read! I couldn't put it down! It is an honest, direct and revealing account of one man's search for what is lasting and important.

AND FROM M.SCOTT PECK, AUTHOR OF THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED:

“Continue to the end with writing this book, to which you quite obviously seem called.”