Objects of My Affection

by:  Jill Smolinski
published by:  Touchstone
publish date:  May 1, 2012

A personal organizer must somehow convince a reclusive artist to give up her hoarding ways and let go of the stuff she's hung on to for decades.

This book quickly became an object of my affection.  I was surprised by how much I loved it.   It was such a great story and I think most people can identify with both Lucy and Marva.

Lucy is middle aged, recently dumped, living at her friend's house, looking for work, and just checked her son in to rehab.  Marva is a famous artist turned hoarding recluse.  Marva's son hires Lucy, who is an organizational expert, to clean out his mother's house.  While Marva is willing to have it done, like many hoarders she doesn't willingly let go of her things.

This book falls into the category of a fad book to me because of the hoarding thing and generally I don't care for those, but I really liked how it was handled.  Marva's hoarding was never gross and it never caused financial hardship.  Also, when she said she had treasures buried in her house, she really did.  It wasn't like a $2 thrift store find...it was like the Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane!  

Objects of My Affection was a fun story and would make a great addition to your summer reading list.  It's a perfect book for pool side lounging!