Title: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
Author: Marie Kondo
Translator: Cathy Hirano
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Genre: Nonfiction; Self-Help
Release: October 14, 2014
Read: November 8, 2016
Format: Audiobook, read by Emily Woo Zeller, published by Tantor Audio
In this book, Marie Kondo attempts to use ideas from minimalism without the actual philosophy of minimalism to help people “tidy up.” Throughout, she throws grand unsupportable claims around with complete confidence and zero evidence, such as promises that you will never rebound in your life if you complete her method. She also repeats herself constantly in this very short book. Her definition of what “sparks joy” seems to only include what she thinks can spark joy, excluding things like bookshelves full of books. Kondo anthropomorphizes and even worships her material possessions, speaking to them and respecting them more than other people, to judge from stories of her youth. Kondo also judgmentally and condescendingly shares personal stories about her clients.
Only recommended as a book to casually flip through to pick up a few organizing tips. Otherwise, the only important piece of her message can be contained in a single sentence: throw away or give away whatever doesn’t spark joy.
1/5 stars.
Book & Stitch 
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