I nearly passed this book over, becasue I've read half a dozen "organizing" books. But when I saw that Ann Richards, former governor of Texas and Lucia Cappachione, a spiritual self-help author I adore, endorsed the book, I took a look.
It is amazing! Mike (and you will feel like you know him personally when you read his book) approached cluttering from an entirely new perspective. He's obviously a clutterer himself who has found a way out. He manages to write with alternating seriousness, insight and much-needed humor. In fact, I found myself laughing out loud at his obviously single man's approach to housecleaning!
We need to change our ways of thinking about the stuff in our lives and improve our spiritual lives to really, permanently, get better. He shows us how.
The chapter on relationships hit home. I was using my clutter as a defense against closeness. I never knew that. By applying the principles he puts forth to my clutter and our relationship, things have already improved. He doesn't promise a miracle cure, or overnight curing, but he does point us on the right road.
If there is one criticism of this book, it is that it is not long enough. Oh, the 200+ pages are packed with information, but I felt that it could go on and on. I just wanted to keep reading. I hope that Mike will write a follow-up workbook. I just love his writing.
Thank you Mike, for writing such a personal and revealing glimpse into the lives of clutterers. You put a lot of yourself into this and it shows. I'll buy any book you write!
Cluttering is not just a problem with having a messy kitchen or closet. For those of us who are clutterers and hoarders, it is a psychological and spiritual blockage that limits our lives and even destroys relationships. Yet, while he treats the subject seriously, his humor shines through like the sunlight of the spirit. The stories of clutters are honest and touching, but you have to laugh at the one who has 27 refrigerators in his yard!
The medical and psychological information, full of quotes from experts in the field, (family counseling and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders) is well-written and understandable to a layman. Where the book really shines is in the practical, yet spiritual approach to deluttering our lives and then our living spaces.
Mr. Nelson's practical advice for dealing with debt and bill collectors (which often accompanies cluttering) is priceless. His family relationship chapter will help so many non-clutterers understand how to save their marriages.
Our nonprofit organization, Clutterless Recovery Groups, has recommended this book to all of our members and adopted it as our "Big Book." Kudos, Mr. Nelson, and thank you. You will touch the lives of millions with this book.