While my Spiritual beliefs don't align at all with the author's, I do believe there is something to be said about your living space and the level that you are able to focus and thrive. I recently moved abroad, and know firsthand the freedom that downsizing gives you. Before reading the book, I had naturally adopted some of the practices that Marie Kondo writes about, but have gone back through my clothing and books to see if what I own truly gives me joy. I also implemented her folding method and have already seen a change in the way that I handle my clothes. ( )

Several people recommended this book. I waited three months for it from the library. I read it, and it was very inspiring. So I started to tidy the magical way. The author says the readers won't miss what is discarded- this isn't so. I took Millie of my mother's things I'd held on to for a decade to Goodwill. Now that the holidays are here I find I miss using her things. I can say there was joy at the time of purging, but now there is regret. ( )

Satisfying to read? Hell yeah. Have I actually Kondoed anything? Still no. ( )

Again, a non-fiction book that can be summarized in a few sentences. ( )

“If we acknowledge our attachment to the past and our fears for the future by honestly looking at our possessions, we will be able to see what is really important to us.” —M. Kondo, p 184

While it takes her awhile to reveal this benefit of tidying, it fully removes the distraction that tidying might have just been the false god of an OCD perfectionist. She’s much more wise than that.

She is utterly charming and respectful in her insight about why we clutter our lives up with stuff, alluding to more than just physical stuff (p. 200).

She says finally, “tidy up quickly” because it removes that which distracts us and is not the purpose of life.

Once you put your ‘house’ in order, she posits, you can “pour your time and your passion into what brings you the most joy.” ( )