Give It Up!

October 10, 2005
Who better than a professional clutter and space control expert to write about doing with less? Serially, during the course of a year, Carlomagno gave up alcohol, newspapers, shopping, dining out, taxis, cell phones and television for one month each. Writing in an easy, anecdotal style, she describes what she gained from each sacrifice. While forsaking alcohol during January, for example, she became aware of the peer pressure to drink. Subsequently, Carlomagno ordered her favorite dirty martini only when she really desired one. In April she ceased her daily reading of the New York Times
and found a new appreciation for poetry; she also joined a reading group. A July spent abstaining from TV and videos allowed time for nightly walks, listening to music and completing chores around her apartment—activities that had previously been crammed into the weekend. Carlomagno's reactions to her renunciations, which overall, she feels, enriched her emotionally, make for entertaining reading, although only those who can afford such indulgences as dining out frequently will be able to enjoy the luxury of doing without them. Agent, Marly Rusoff.

November 15, 2005
Just in time for New Year's resolutions comes Carlomagno's journal of sequential abstinence. Tired of stress and an overscheduled lifestyle, this founder of Order, a company that specializes in clutter control, decided to simplify her life one month at a time by eliminating things that she could do without (e.g., alcohol, shopping, and cursing). Though more difficult to accomplish than she originally thought, her year of living with less gave way to an awareness and enjoyment of the simple things. Inspirational and thought-provoking, this book is recommended for all libraries.

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.