The Martian Keeps Readers Reading, Writers Dreaming

I didn't realize The Martian was one of those wonderful self-published success stories! Sweet.

Now, I have to admit I haven't read it...yet. You know my rule: before I see the movie.

So, who's read it, and seen the movie adaptation? And who wants to share opinions here?

Still open to guest bloggers...

#please

Tidying, Joy, and What ARE you reading???

I've been feeling extra busy lately. Since reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,  I realize I have some closets to sort through. (If I'm not back next month, please send a search party.)

In fact, I didn't read the whole book because (1) I got really excited and cleaned out my drawers and a bookshelf!! and (2) I had to return it on time because someone else requested the book from the library. Clearly, the title struck a nerve. A dysfunctional one, at that. But no worries, Psychology Today is on top of it.

So, if you're just hanging out here reading book reviews (when you really should be discovering the joy in trashing all that stuff you've collected over the years), check out Marie Kondo's petite primer on paring down and prettying up your collection of ... well, stuff.

What's that? don't feel like cleaning out the closets today? Why don't you write a book review, then?

Guest reviewers always wanted!! Please contact me on Facebook or Twitter. Please?!

Thanks! 

A Mini-Review and Important Nugget of Advice

Marie Kondo's self-help book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, like many runaway bestsellers, is not packed with groundbreaking new research or information. It is a commonsense argument, presented in an undeniably logical and appealing way. 

Synopsis: 

You have too much stuff. You'll feel better when you ditch a ton of it. Get 'er done. 

Image: https://konmari.com/books

Well, you see now why the book is such a hit. It's a clearly a great idea, and Kondo has a better way with words than I do. 

She also offers a bunch of very practical, how-to tips her a small and unassuming little book - in itself something of a study in design, methinks. 

I particularly appreciated her detailed descriptions of not only which clothing items should be folded or hung, but precisely how. I've been twirling my shorts and shirts into tight little less-likely-to-wrinkle shapes (that remind me of egg rolls) ever since I read it. 

And I truly appreciated the firm but gentle lectures that pop up every few pages. Damnit! How did she know that I still have clothes I haven't worn in the past 4 years? Well, she's right - no joy in those...

I have to admit that I took off into closet-projects before I finished reading the book; so this can't be a proper review. However, I think it's only fair that I get points for taking the intended action. 

Rather than sum up the title here then, I'll leave you with some very important advice: 

Don't give the book to your mother as a gift. 

I have it on very good authority that when you give this particular title as a gift to the woman who has spent your whole life cleaning up after you, she is likely to use it immediately - to smack you in the head. 

So noted? OK. Well. Why don't you go see about one of those closets now, mmmmhm? 

#