The Life-Changing Magic of Buying a Bestseller (while on vacation)

Recently, I took a trip to Portland, Oregon. Part of the planning process was was the decision to treat myself to "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondoh at Powell's Books.

I enjoyed the book very much. One, I love reading about organizing, planning, and straightening up and usually become inspired to actually do some organizing and straightening up. The book delivered on that account.

Written in first person, the book has a conversational tone. Marie Kondoh is like a friend giving you "the straight dope." She really lays it on the line. And some of her advice is a bit surprising. Here's an example:

"My basic principle for sorting papers is to throw them all away." 

Truly, without exaggeration, I can say that's one of the best things I have read EVER in a book. Any kind of book - non-fiction, fiction, self-help, reference, and so on.

She follows the above principle with this: "My clients are stunned when I say this, but there is nothing more annoying than papers. After all, they will never inspire joy, mo matter how carefully you keep them. For this reason, I recommend you dispose of anything that does not fall into one of three categories: currently in use, needed for a limited period of time, or must be kept indefinitely. (The bolding is hers.)

Ms. Kondoh's guiding philosophy is if something gives you joy, keep it. Otherwise get rid of it. A pragmatic approach to say the least.

I could share her approach to clothing and books, but then I would be robbing some of the pleasure gained from reading "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up." I encourage you to buy your own copy. I also encourage you to buy it from an independent bookseller.

If you haven't been to Powell's Books, I highly suggest it. I think it's worth a trip to Portland. Next time I visit, maybe I'll pick up "Spark Joy," the newest book by Marie Kondoh.