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katiegilley's review against another edition
5.0
What a charming little book! It might be a tad bit sexist, but it definitely made me laugh out loud multiple times. Without being judgmental, Magnusson gently leads us towards cleaning up our lives, if not for our own enjoyment than for the sake of the people who will be cleaning up after we die. She gave wonderful advice for all ages and stages of life and I just adored this slim little volume.
paper_and_wax's review against another edition
3.5
Many positions did not particularly resonate with me as I am not sure I am the ideal audience for this book. But overall some very enjoyable musings and helpful suggestions. Beautiful anecdotes about how we spend our lives and the things we collect on the way and whether or not any of it even matters.
stowne01's review against another edition
1.0
I liked it well enough but I just can't get past the part about her dog
jamboree77's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
First and Foremost: This is not a how-to book. It does include some practical ideas about the value of organizing and reducing the amount of stuff you own, of course. But, mostly, it is a lady who has lived a long time and has chosen to share some of her wisdom and stories. There are many sexist comments about men (apparently, she does not believe men are especially capable of cleaning), but they are all of the old-timey "women are the true caretakers of any family~" variety. It is clear she means no malice in these statements and probably would not understand if someone told her otherwise.
I was a little disappointed that this book wasn't a guide, as I had been expecting. But once I accepted the book for what it is, I enjoyed the feeling of listening to stories from a woman who has had a life well-lived.
I was a little disappointed that this book wasn't a guide, as I had been expecting. But once I accepted the book for what it is, I enjoyed the feeling of listening to stories from a woman who has had a life well-lived.
drusmilford's review against another edition
4.0
Quick read. Mostly common sense but inspiring - written by a woman between and she says several times her age is between eighty and one hundred. Enjoyed the reminisces from her life.
darcys01's review against another edition
4.0
2nd read of this short book. A good pep talk for getting into spring cleaning.
kimmy0__0's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
2.0
This book in a nutshell: get rid of your crap before you die so others don't waste their time.
There were some good tips at the beginning (start with things you don't have strong emotions with), but then the advice got less helpful (give stuff you don't want to your friends and family now), then darn right weird (what to do about pets so they aren't left when you die), and finally unhelpful (this generation doesn't even know how to write a thank you note or read handwriting). Maybe this is the millennial in me, but this seemed very boomer. I get the major point that the author is trying to make, but I wouldn't call this a helpful guide to decluttering your life.
There were some good tips at the beginning (start with things you don't have strong emotions with), but then the advice got less helpful (give stuff you don't want to your friends and family now), then darn right weird (what to do about pets so they aren't left when you die), and finally unhelpful (this generation doesn't even know how to write a thank you note or read handwriting). Maybe this is the millennial in me, but this seemed very boomer. I get the major point that the author is trying to make, but I wouldn't call this a helpful guide to decluttering your life.
leggup's review against another edition
4.0
What a fascinating little book. The author is Swedish and her tone can come off as harsh- I beg you to read it as a translation, as a woman adjusting to her own losses, mortality, and impact on the world. I don't think it's too harsh at all, especially if you read it as someone who is working through these thoughts and feelings with you.