Review by Booklist Review
As a young child, Kondo was fascinated with the art of tidying. In the author's latest, Kondo returns to the Japanese cultural roots that inspired her wildly popular book and Netflix series, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Cherry blossoms, celebrated in Japan for their brief glory, remind Kondo to cherish the temporary. Memories of learning the art of the tea ceremony reinforce the need for mastery of everyday tasks. Thinking back to young students cleaning their classroom at the end of each day sparks a love of order in public places. Attentive servers and receptionists show respect for others and a tradition of hospitality that is reflected in Kondo's view of a home. The simplicity of a Japanese garden, the dignity of a shrine, and contemplation of empty space and silence all factor into her methods. Each memory, historical reference, and Japanese character is tied into the author's philosophy that promotes harmony and balance along with reducing clutter. Fans won't find tidying tips here, but they will get a valuable glimpse into Kondo's underlying philosophy of balance, peace, and respect for all cultures.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Tidying expert Kondo (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up) offers a heartfelt celebration of Japan and its culture. Observing that "my upbringing is fundamental to my chosen career and philosophy in life," the author surveys the Japanese customs that inspire her, from making onigiri, or hand-formed rice balls, to expressing mottainai, or "profound regret over discarding... something that could still serve a purpose." Some of her cherished traditions are familiar (meditative Japanese gardens, manga) or standard vacation tips (relaxing in hot springs). But some are lesser-known, such as takigyo, "the long-held tradition of praying... while standing underneath a waterfall," and the esoteric ma, the silent pause or empty space that "forms the foundation of Japanese culture and lifestyle." Kondo's breezy reflections are bolstered with historical anecdotes and etymologies (kawaii, or "cute," evolved from a phrase referring to "situations that were embarrassing" but also "evoked pity"). The book also lends fascinating insight into Kondo herself, from her younger years participating in an after-school Japanese tea club and serving as a "shrine maiden," to the cultural whiplash she experienced when moving to the U.S. Kondo never strays far from her passion for tidying as she details how Japanese culture informs her methods. It's an endearing love letter to the country that formed a popular philosophy. (Oct.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A professional organizer shares her personal understanding of Japanese culture. When it first became popular, Kondo'sThe Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up was often associated with minimalism, as she instructed de-clutterers to keep only things that "spark joy." At the same time, her guidance to thank objects for their service was a point of puzzlement: Do material goods and personal surroundings really matter? In Kondo's new book, she answers with a resounding yes, an affirmation rooted in the foundational values of Japanese culture. Beginning with superficial, highly visible aspects of Japanese popular culture, such as kawaii and otaku fandom, she highlights how attachment to adorable things and cherished objects can help one understand and express their personal identity. She soon moves into more private spheres and practices, reflecting on seeking creative inspiration at hot spring baths, the intentionality of Japanese hospitality, and the consideration poured into preparing food. Ultimately, she arrives at specifically Japanese spiritual matters, exploring carefully constructed Shinto shrine grounds and serenely deliberate gardens to find stillness and harmony with nature. Each reflection includes a historical explication of the concept, complimented by Kondo's experiences--whether exclaiming over sakura (a flowering cherry tree), making her children's bentos, or working as a shrine maiden--and how that concept might relate to "tidying up" one's life. Kondo's years of living in the U.S. have given her an acute understanding of her identity as a Japanese person, and sharing that cross-cultural perspective is meaningful in itself. For those compelled by Kondo, her book reveals the underpinnings of her organizational philosophy with refreshing thoroughness. Though the book's intricate entries are not for true newcomers to Japan seeking a surface-level survey, Kondo's compendium will delight those hoping to appreciate Japanese cultural touchstones that they've encountered more deeply. A thoughtful, personal celebration of many meaningful aspects of Japanese life. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
