The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up: A Magical Story

The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up: A Magical Story Review, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: the Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing,

I've been kind of obsessed with organization all my life so it was a real boon when I first read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: the Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo and learned all about the KonMari Method. The core concept of this transformative process draws upon organized minimalism as a path to happiness. KonMari isn't so much a cleaning process as much as it is an actual lifestyle.

The principle behind KonMari is to only have things in your life that "spark joy" This may sound simple on the surface but it is actually a viable means to helping one get back to focusing on the important things in life.  Clutter creates chaos. By eliminating excess clutter, you eliminate the internal clutter distracting you from what you truly value while also giving you more energy for them. Even though  I've never been much of a pack rat and have no love for clutter, KonMari was an eye opener for me and really helped to take my decluttering to the next level as well as look at my possessions in a different way.

The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up: A Magical Story transforms the bestselling The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: the Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing into graphic novel form. The manga tells the story of a young Tokyo resident named Chiaki who is struggling with a cluttered apartment as well as a general lack of direction in her life. She doesn't cook or entertain company because her apartment is literally littered with a mess of stuff everywhere. After her attractive neighbor complains about her trash covered balcony, Chiaki turns to Marie Kondo herself for help. Through a series of insightfully entertaining lessons illustrated by award-winning manga artist Yuko Uramoto, Chiaki learns how to get her home and life back in order while also learning about a valuable lesson about herself in the process. This graphic novel is a charming introduction to the KonMari method. The presentation in manga form is fun and makes it relatable for readers of younger ages as well. It's never too early to adopt good organizational habits....

Have you read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: the Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing? Would you adopt KonMari into your life?






Disclosure: I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for this review. All words and opinions are my own. It may contain affiliate or referral links. For more details about my product review policy, copyright, and information about affiliate links, please refer to the Policies page of this blog.


27 comments

Doctor Anne said...

I have not read the book, but I do believe in a more minimalistic lifestyle. I guess I will keep this one on my list of possible presents for when my kids are older and adolescence kicks in.

Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpaging

Lilli said...

Lol this is the kind of read I need right now since my home is in the same situation and Im just obsessed with tidying up..the difficut part is just to mantain the order and be good!:P Happy Monday dear Rowena! xo

Jackie Harrison said...

After reading your opinion I want to read it sound like a book I will enjoy.

Paola Lauretano said...

This book sounds adorable!
Love, Paola.
Expressyourself

Margaret Dallospedale said...

Such an interesting book! Thanks for sharing!
Kiss
Maggie D.
IndianSavageBlog by Maggie Dallospedale

Emmylou said...

OMG! I love Marie so much! We got this as soon as it came out, and my hubby and DD actually ended up reading it as well because manga....hahaha....I hope Chiaki and her neighbour end up together:D
But seriously, I thought it was amazing how her ideas were condensed into this manga. It was a fun read but it was still able to convey what her method is about.
Have a great Monday, chingu!

R.ChamberofBeauty said...

After reading about this book I'm curious to read it. Thanks for discussing it :)

http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/

Ellen Ross | Ask Away Blog said...

I read her original book and did the entire process and it's truly transformed my life. I def wanna read this one now!

R's Rue said...

Great.

A Very Sweet Blog said...

I believe in organization and keeping things minimal! It makes things much easier. LOL Rowena, you turned me on to this philosophy and it really works. I started reading the first book, but I haven't finished. I want to also get this one. Sounds so good.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

A Very Sweet Blog said...

Thanks so much for asking about me! I kept watching Irma, because she kept moving west! I wish a hurricane on no one, but it took her forever to move North. We only received some wind gusts and it's a lot cooler here. But I had my bags out and ready if I had to leave. You're such a good friend Rowena ((HUG)) Thanks!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Kasztanowy Domek said...

Great post!
Happy new week!:)

xxBasia

Valerie said...

I really need to read this book! It sounds so interesting to me because I also love organizing and anything to do with eliminating clutter! I will definitely be checking this out...thanks for sharing!

http://roadesque.com

Unknown said...

I’ve noticed your new love for organization, which has inspired me to start tidying up also. I need to buy this book, I have way too much stuff and I’m tired of looking at everything. It’s also making my space feel small and cluttered. Thanks for sharing Rowena :)

ALLIE NYC said...

Oh I am all about organization and I HATE clutter. It makes me nervous. This book sounds super interesting. I honestly don't know how people live with clutter. I really don't but this book should be the must have list for any hoarder.

Allie of ALLIENYC
www.allienyc.com

Blackswan said...

Such a cute read! That's a great pick, dear! xoxo

Pinkoolaid said...

I seriously need to tidy up. I am such a pack rat also. My place is a mess of things I don't really need.

http://www.pinkoolaid.com/

Mica said...

Oh this is such a fun take on the book! I did buy the book as I was going to give it a go, but I have an emotional attachment to my clothes and so it's the hardest area to start with for me, not the easiest so I've not really gotten very far with it, haha!

Hope you are having a lovely start to the week :)

Away From The Blue Blog

Sugar Lane said...

sounds good! I haven't read Marie Kondo book, but I'm a big fan of organizing and minimalism, trying to improove everyday!
thanks for sharing,
S

FASHION TALES said...

I read this and I am a fan of Kondo, I remember reading about her KonMari method and perspective on tidying up a year or so ago and I enjoyed it. I'm quite organised especially with my home and workspace. This would be a good gift as well.

Oh to Be a Muse said...

I have a couple friends who love the Magic of Tidying Up book so I think they would really love to read this graphic novel version. Thanks for sharing!

www.ohtobeamuse.com

Pilar said...

I've been obsessed with organization as long as I can remember lol. This is a book I would like to read!

Shireen L. Platt said...

I am in the process of cutting out crap or more appropriately giving away stuff that I know I won't use and stop impulse buying. My husband even noticed that I no longer buying clothes just because they are on sale or crazy buying makeup because it looks beautiful. It's baby step but I feel much better knowing that things that I have currently or investing in are things that will last for a long time to come and I get lots of use out of them.

Shireen⎜Reflection of SanityBurberry Beauty Giveaway

Kelsey&Kenecha said...

I have never read this book before. It sounds quite interesting though.

http://floralsandsmiles.blogspot.ca

Midnight Cowgirl said...

I loved her book, and the graphic novel sounds cute :)

Lena L said...

I don't entirely agree with the Marie Kondo method nor do I think it is for my style. But then, this is not an opinion formed after actually reading her book, and I'd be interested in reading this book since it is a manga! :D I do need a major cleaning and decluttering, though. I still haven't unpacked from the recent trip. ;p

Jenny said...

I've read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and it's not only helped me declutter in a more effectively, but it's also transformed how I make my purchasing decisions. After all, if we should only keep things that spark joy, shouldn't we only buy things that spark joy? :) I would love to read the manga still though!

Jenny | Geeky Posh