The Joy of Leaving Your Sh*t All Over the Place: The Art of Being Messy

This book was a hoot. I have to smile at some of the negative reviews of it, as those reviewers must not have read the intro where the author said, "It's a parody." And her potty mouth didn't give me those pearl clutching moments they seem to have given a few sensitive readers. After all, look at the title of the book. That should give you your first clue.The underlying message is that no, you do not have to give away Grandma's framed crewel work instead of hanging it so you can have the proper percentage of "negative space" on your walls. It's okay to hold on to that super soft and comfy t-shirt you've had for five years. A coffee table can hold your favorite book or books (and it's okay to own ACTUAL books in real bookshelves, and stacked when you run out of room), your coffee, the TV guide and anything else you want to have there. Souvenir mugs from places you visited are not the spawn of the devil, and you can paint your walls any color you damned well please. Your children can grow up to be well-adjusted people even if they don't have their very own cubby by the door. Display your kids' or grandkids' artwork on the fridge proudly. You do not have to clean out your six by six inch purse every night.The author is trying to make the point that the movement toward white-on-white-on-white walls, naked of anything but some lonely piece of abstract something or other you have been told is art, and a clothes closet with six hangers and two pairs of shoes in it has come about not because there are tens of thousands of people clamoring to know how and whether it's okay to ditch their stuff (the landfills answer those questions), but because there is an industry that needs your money to fund its books, how-to shows, "scientific" studies and "experts" who, for a hefty fee, will come tell you how to design the very most intimate and personal spaces of all - your home.I loved it.

Couldn't put it down

This could have been a good book and apparently using f bombs every other sentence is supposed to be funny. It is not, but it is trite and stupid, and that from someone that uses f bombs pretty frequently. She is not funny, the things she talks about are presented like some second-rate stand-up routine, the book is not that good in any case, and she has missed a great chance to have some fun with the Marie Kondo craze. Buy it used if you really want it or go the library or a used bookstore and look at it before you spend your money. Really, this is not worth it, and two stars is being pretty generous. I got about halfway through it and put it down. No reason to keep reading.

Personally, I'm working on the Swedish death cleaning to deal with clutter. I bought the book for my husband who is a confirmed packrat, bordering on being a hoarder. So far, he hasn't read the book. I found this book a lot of fun to read and I agree with other posters, it is laugh out loud hysterical. I think I'd like Jennifer for a friend. Sometimes opposites do attract and we could all use more friends.

Ok, so I don't know where the 1 star folks are coming from. Yes, there are swear words. But they are HILARIOUS. Don't take yourself so seriously. What did you think you were going to get from a book called the joy of leaving your sht all over the place?This book is a great reminder to be your authentic self. It's easy to get caught up in self help bs, but in the end - ain't nobody got time for that. You do you.

I love the idea behind the book, and the author does have a wicked sense of humor. And, since I'm a fairly messy person to begin with I appreciate much of what her tongue-in-cheek message imparts.I'm not going to get on my soap box, and goodness knows I can cuss like the proverbial sailor when driving. But, really, to have (certain 4 letter words) every other word (almost literally) is just too much. If not for the proliferation of obscene language, I'd have rated it higher, 'cause I laughed throughout a lot of the book.**Interestingly enough, Amazon did not allow this same review to be published as it contained (properly asterisked!). I've now alluded to said vulgarity within the parentheses above.

Bought this for my 18 year old daughter who hates to read. I thought she'd laugh at the premise, but then give the book away without reading it. Much to my surprise however, she devoured this book. Afterwards she admitted: "okay, I admit that was a great book." So glad I bought it for her, and that she loved it. Now, if she'd only clean her room ....

OMG! Thank you for writing this book Jennifer McCartney! I don't ever remember laughing so hard reading every page! There are too many hilarious things to mention in this review but I do have a question. When were you in my house? :-). Thank you again. I'm going back for a second read.

Hilarious and uplifting.

Well packaged - new bookVery happy with purchase

I bought this book along with Mari Kondo's book (the life-changing magic of tidying up), because I wanted to have a balanced perspective. This book is meant to be funny, essentially a parody on Mari Kondo's book, and is in no way suggesting anybody really leave their space a mess. However, I didn't find the humor tasteful, and I just didn't enjoy the book. It's not a "keeper"; just a quick read and then donate kind of book. I guess it does sort of reinforce that it makes sense to tidy up, as the attempt to make fun of Mari Kondo's book actually has the effect of not tidying up seeming so ridiculous and silly.

After having read The Life Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo and following some of the principles (with a resulting positive impact on my life), I thought it was only fair to read the alternative lifestyle choice. It was fun very quick read, which also makes some very fair points. There is swearing in the book which should be obvious from the title.The author pokes fun at Marie Kondo's more wacky ideas, such as thanking your clothes for their service (as clothes don't have feelings), ripping out pages from books (sacrilege) and emptying your handbag each night (who has time for that?) but did not really explore the more positive aspects of a tidy house and actively encourages spending money for the hell of it - which is nice sometimes, but not exactly great advice for the current economic climate when some people need to cut back and may need encouragement to do so. I fear these comments are taking the book too seriously however, which is surely not what was intended. She does however touch on hoarding, which is not advocated and advises the reader to seek professional help if they have an issue with this.What I absolutely loved however, was the reminder to stop taking everything so seriously and to allow your home to show your personality - so, with that in mind, read, enjoy, and if the sun is shining go out and enjoy it. You can tidy up when it's raining and there's nothing more fun to do (which may be never!).

I preferred this book to the Magical Art of Tidying - well I finished his book and am still trawling through the other one. I just have to accept that I cannot be clinically tidy however many hours I spend on it.