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ghostreadin's review against another edition
1.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Fatphobia, Sexism, and Ableism
mothstrand's review
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny and Fatphobia
cleotheo's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia
takecarejax's review
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Ableism
Annoyed about the content warnings. Should have read before reading this. So unnecessary In this book.rakkaussipsi's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism, Fatphobia, and Ableism
sprucewillow's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism and Fatphobia
deadwitchflying's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
I didn't agree with everything, but I think the general principles are worth considering. Wouldn't advise to take it as far as she does, especially when it comes to creating gigantic amounts of waste, which is neither environmentally friendly nor class conscious. Also can't condone the weird sexist comments which, while minor in the grand scheme of things and few and far between, really play into negative gender stereotypes.
Ultimately, take her perspective with a grain of salt.
Ultimately, take her perspective with a grain of salt.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism and Fatphobia
kait_sixcrowsbooks's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
I've been meaning to tidy my room, and I wanted to check out anything Marie Kondo had to offer. I found her method simple and straightforward, and I can't wait to try it out on my bedroom.
The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars is because some of the assertions made seemed a bit far-fetched, and sometimes the writing seemed a bit too ad-like in its "this will absolutely work!" messaging. It wasn't inherently bad, assuming that's how other self-help books are (I dunno, I don't really read them), but it just didn't jive with me.
I'm still really happy to get started on my bedroom, though 😌
The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars is because some of the assertions made seemed a bit far-fetched, and sometimes the writing seemed a bit too ad-like in its "this will absolutely work!" messaging. It wasn't inherently bad, assuming that's how other self-help books are (I dunno, I don't really read them), but it just didn't jive with me.
I'm still really happy to get started on my bedroom, though 😌
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Fatphobia
fiveredhens's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia
ingrids's review
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
Overall, I like Marie Kondo's view on tidying and her techniques. However, here is a list of things I noticed in the book that weren't particularly positive:
- There were a few, very unnecessary, passages that were based on or enforced gender stereotypes (p.70, p.200). There was also a passage based on and enforcing diet culture.
- Sometimes I felt that there was an overwhelming amount of moral preaching- an "I'm right, you're wrong"- kind of thing.
- The book very much assumes that everyone has a good and stable economy, and that they, for example, have the monetary ability to repurchase something they threw away but now realize they need.
On a personal note, I didn't agree with Kondo on her view on letters and their purpose. She states that the letter has fulfilled its purpose when it has been received and read, and that you therefore can throw it away afterwards. As a history lover, I shudder at the thought of people destroying all letters after they've been read! For example, I imagine that a letter that for me is very uninteresting might be VERY interesting for my grand children, or maybe even future historians. I also believe that letters have the additional purpose of bringing back memories, years after they were read the first time, and that that can bring you a lot of joy! So please, for anyone reading this, don't throw away all your personal letters!
This book wasn't all bad. Here are a few things I liked:
- On page 142, Kondo presents the idea that we adapt our in-home behaviour according to our organization, not the other way around. I thought this reasoning was very eye-opening and interesting.
- I enjoyed the heavy spiritual aspects of her techniques, and I think those statements were presented with openness and without the aura of "absolute truth".
- It was nice to read about the author's own mistakes and failures, since this showed the reader that Kondo doesn't claim to be perfect (even though she might seem to be!)
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism and Fatphobia