I admit to being a fan of Kondo's first book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Like most Americans, I had to cut through cultural differences but that book was behind me sending a lot of stuff to charity. Perhaps the best affect of the book... giving me permission (as if I needed it but I did) to finally give away my fabric stash from those years I made fabric crafts and small quilts.
So it was with great anticipation that I read Kondo's newest book, Spark Joy. Not only was it just as good as the first, I even liked it better. I think it reads easier for the American audience.
Not to mention, the subject is all about sparking joy by having the things around us bring us joy. Yes, that was the basis of the first book but this one seems to understand those of us who are not minimalists. It contains wonderful ideas for keeping those objects we find beautiful in sight.
This book is written as a companion to the first and one thing about it fans of the first book will appreciate... this one has illustrated sketches. For instance, if you tried to figure out just how she folds clothes in the first book, this one shows you.
I read the first book and then passed it on to a friend. This book is one you will want to keep on hand, as a resource to come back to time and time again. Do you need to read the first book before reading this? Not really. This can be a "stand alone" book. However, consider it a sequel and the first book offers more in depth descriptions of Kondo's teaching.
Yes, once again the American audience will overlook a few suggestions. I can't quite bring myself to talk to my clothes even if I do talk to my cat. But there is a whole lot of good stuff here. Highly recommended!
Spark Joy was provided by Blogging For Books for the purpose of review but the opinions are my own.
More information can be found at Amazon.com... here.*
*Most links to Amazon are Associate links.
9 comments:
I am looking forward to reading this, I have to confess I found it hard to visualise some of the folding methods and looked up some videos on youtube to help! I find it hard to let go of things, and after reading her first book did manage to donate several bags to my local charity shop. I find when things are pared down a bit, there is more space and time for some puttery treats!
I didn't read the first book, but I saw a video on how she folds shirts and I've been doing mine that way every since. Its amazing how my drawer has stayed so tidy. I am a fan of only living with things you feel are beautiful or that 'spark joy.'
I have been contemplating getting rid of my huge stash of fabrics too. I think that I am going to ask a few quilting friends first, but much of it needs to go where it will get used!
I'll have to check both books out from the library.
Deanna
I am interested in both of her books. Spark Joy is a great title.
oh can't wait to read this!!! Not sure why our library only has the downloadable ebook and audio book. Where are the "real" books??? I've requested them to order one. The library system is so big and they have her first book.....
Have just asked our library to buy this book -- they have the downloadable ebook and audio book but no hard copy. Very puzzling. Can't wait to read this!!!
How funny! I had two huge, huge bags of fabric scraps...little pieces...the kind one thinks could be used, but they were literally making me miserable. I finally went through them. Saved only the ones I loved...precious few...and got rid of the rest. I feel happy about it. Let someone else have them. So this is the woman responsible for the KonMari method. I must check into this. (I don't think I'm much interested in Japanese housekeeping, but a gal never knows.)
Spark Joy comes in kindle, hard back, and paper back...
http://www.amazon.com/Spark-Joy-Illustrated-Organizing-Tidying/dp/1607749726/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453303731&sr=1-1&keywords=spark+joy+marie+kondo
that said, i have two oversized bins of fabric.
i go through them once or twice a year .. and keep 'em both. :/
Sounds like a nice book, Brenda. I will have to keep my eyes open for it. Always love to hear other people's book recommendations. And the magazine you listed in one of your posts -- Bella Grace. That looks like one to look for, too :) Thanks!
I have the first book and took your advice of this one. Very nice! I'm organizationally challenged in the home. OK messy. Not at paid employment, where I'm hugely efficient and tidy. One grandmother was uber tidy.....the other a hoarder. Guess who I spent much more time around. I just simply don't see the clutter, but I feel the pain when I can't find what I need.
Housework bleh. I'd rather go fishing!
I love the folding diagrams and I'm going to put them on index cards. Apparently, I was absent when mother gave folding lessons years ago. lol. My sock drawers have never been so "happy".
However, the author is a bit dramatic, comparing an extra plastic grocery bag tumbling out of a pile to a caterpillar. I do have one of those catchalls for those bags and I'm going to find a smaller container and fold fold fold.
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