Comments on: “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” – Book review

By: David

David — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 23:32:06 +0000

I like some of these ideas a lot. — but books are the #1 clutter in this house (I am in a little cave of temporary bookcases as I write). ho ho.

It seems like a book to dip into for ideas and energy. If I could put the ebook on my iPad I would buy it.

David

By: Teresa

Teresa — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 00:20:43 +0000

This sounds like a good read for 2015. I also like I Used To Be So Organized by Glynnis Whitwer. And Flylady has some decluttering and cleaning tips that really work

By: Sharon

Sharon — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 17:57:31 +0000

I am a clutter-hound, a pack rat – and I think this book would be a great read for me. Thanks for the recommendation!

And, your timing is impeccable – the day after Christmas seems to bring some “messes,” huh?! 🙂

GOD BLESS!

By: Carrie, Reading to Know

Carrie, Reading to Know — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 17:14:54 +0000

Ohhhh yes! I like the sound of this one. As Barbara said, I know so many people who think that simplifying means getting rid of practically everything you won and, in some specific cases, denying yourself any pleasure whatsoever in owning something because it would somehow make you less holy. We need a more balanced view of things. This book doesn’t sound completely “fool proof” but it does sound like it offers an interesting perspective on “living simply” and I am very much intrigued!

By: Barbara H.

Barbara H. — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 16:38:15 +0000

This sounds like it has some good tips. I know some folks who are so into decluttering and “simplifying” that they seem tied to a system and their lives seem anything but simple. But these quotes, at least, seem more balanced. I do tend to keep too many sentimental things and it is true that the more of that kind of thing you keep, the less you look at it. I agree too with the fact that the keeping of papers and notes can tend to keep us from assimilating the information on them because we know we have it tucked away on paper (or in a computer file) if needed.

By: Jean Wise

Jean Wise — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 15:46:34 +0000

I have this book on hold at the library and do want to read it. I have this thing for organization books and finding that little tidbit that saves me time someplace. That gem I didn’t do before. Someday all will be perfect. LOL

By: Andrew Budek-Schmeisser

Andrew Budek-Schmeisser — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 13:44:47 +0000

It is an interesting approach, but in reading the excepts, it still seems like tidying becomes an end in itself.

The problem, as I see it here, is that it’s used to keep “good stuff”…which is fine, as far as it goes…but our lives consist of the good and the dreadful, and sometimes it is very valuable to be reminded of the things we’d rather forget. A ‘memory hole’ that wipes away the unpleasant does us a disservice by reducing the moral chiaroscuro that defines our lives.

I’d also take issue with the meaning of gifts being in the giving and receiving. If that’s the case, I could give my wife a fossilized stick of gum for her birthday and call it cool. It’s the thought, the remembrance that counts? No, not really. What counts is the time I take to select something that I hope will be meaningful to her, that has some resonance in our relationship.

Obviously, there’s a limit; it really doesn’t go for pro forma “office Christmas party” gifts. But in a box in my shop is a book given to me by my in-laws. It wasn’t really the kind of book I read…but it was a reflection of who they thought I was, and, perhaps, who they thought and hoped I might become.

I feel a twinge of guilt when I see it, and even unread, it’s a spur to be the best husband to their daughter possible.