Book Roundup

Every few months I try to bring you a book review roundup.  However, just like everyone, life got in the way and my reading has fallen between the cracks.  I’m working through my pile of reading materials and I wanted to share some of them with you.  Here’s what’s been on my bedside stand.

Please note I received samples of some of these books in order to be able to write these reviews.  My opinions are my own and I only bring you things I enjoy and think are helpful.

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo has been a New York Times best seller for some time now. It’s a unique way of looking at discarding, organizing and keeping a home.  I love the techniques she describes for choosing which items remain in your home.  Simply asking yourself if something brings you joy can make all the difference in how you view your possessions.  The book is unique in it’s methodology and the way Marie asks that you let your possessions rest and relax.  If you’re looking for something you’ve never tried before, pick this book up and give it a read.

The Organically Clean Home is a cookbook for your house.  Filled with amazing recipes to help you create healthy and organic cleaning solutions for every area of your home, this will be your new cleaning bible. I love that the book starts out with a check list of ingredients you’ll need and supplies to purchase.  This really solves the questions of “Where do I start?”.  Each section has multi purpose cleaning recipes as well as very specific ones such as marble cleaner or over night oven cleaner.  I’ve been a fan of making my own cleaning supplies for a while.  However, this book gives me ideas and inspiration for areas I would have never dreamed of cleaning with home made supplies.  The end of the book is filled with cleaning checklists so nothing falls between the cracks.  Keep this on your bookshelf and pull it out when you need to make up a batch of cleaner.  There’s even an awesome index for finding things quickly.

This next book is called Feeling Great.  While it’s not a book dedicated to the topic of organizing, it’s filled with amazing insights and information on the ways we can change our life.  Feeling great takes you through the steps to look inward and change the way you think about what’s surrounding you.  De-cluttering your home and mind are both covered in the book and I love how the authors show what a positive impact those changes can make.  Everything from laughter to time management to friendships are covered in this easy to read book.  This is a great refresher course for anyone looking to add a little more happy to their every day life.  This book would also make an amazing gift for a new mom or new graduate.

New Slow City is a book I can honestly call life changing.  The book tells the story of a couple who downsize and move to Manhattan in order a slower life.  Yes, you read that correctly, they move to the busiest place on Earth in an effort to live slower, more deliberate lives.  I won’t tell you if they succeed or not, but the tale along the way is ground breaking.  The book reflects on how we work, more and more, in order to live more.  However, the opposite is happening.  We consume, more and more and are destroying the Earth right out from under us.  We are moving so quickly, we never fully feel, see or want anything.  Stopping this cycle is difficult, but life changing.  See how one couple not only makes an effort to change their lives, but those around them.  This book is deep, but a necessary read for anyone who want to question their life, society and their impact.