Book Review: ‘Presence Perfect’ by Rita Bhimani

Book Title: Presence Perfect: Your Protein Boost for a Positive Image In 24 Doses
Author: Rita Bhimani
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Number of Pages: 224
ISBN: 978-9370039964
Date Published: Jul. 1, 2025
Price: INR 295

Book Review

Rita Bhimani’s “Presence Perfect: Your Protein Boost for a Positive Image In 24 Doses” is a vibrant mosaic of anecdotes, aphorisms, and advice that offers a personal and professional roadmap for mastering the art of self-presentation. Drawing on decades of experience in public relations, event curation, and corporate communication, Bhimani stitches together a 24-chapter guide—each one branded with a whimsical “-age” suffix—that blends philosophy with practicality. From “Amperage” to “Webpage,” the book reflects a wide-ranging curiosity about life, leadership, language, and legacy, with its strongest moments shining through interviews and lived wisdom.

Where “Presence Perfect” excels is in its unapologetically eclectic tone. The writing oscillates between poetic musings, punchy one-liners, and candid reflections, making it accessible and intimate, if at times overwhelming in its density. Bhimani is at her best when she humanizes success—especially through conversations with figures like Usha Uthup and Apurva Purohit—and when she emphasizes the importance of visibility not as vanity, but as a tool for impact. Her insistence on the “Preen Quotient” as an essential life skill is both refreshing and thought-provoking, inviting readers to balance substance with style in a world obsessed with optics.

Yet, the book occasionally suffers from its indulgent prose and sprawling structure. The use of neologisms, poetic detours, and long-winded analogies can feel ornamental rather than purposeful. The central argument—that self-presentation is pivotal in shaping careers and confidence—gets diluted by chapter titles that prioritize cleverness over clarity. A tighter editorial hand and a more thematic grouping of chapters would have elevated the narrative flow and allowed for deeper engagement with each concept.

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Nevertheless, “Presence Perfect” is a timely nudge to recalibrate how we show up in the world—especially in a post-pandemic landscape where digital presence often precedes physical one. Readers in leadership, branding, education, or simply those curious about personal growth will find plenty to reflect upon. It’s not a how-to manual; it’s a why-you-must manifesto—bold in its ambition, rooted in real-life relevance, and imperfectly perfect in its presence.

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