The New Messies Manual: The Procrastinator's Guide to ... (ISBN 0800757262)

If I Had Only Known:
I passed this book up on several occassions due to the "messies" title....sounded so juvenile. If I had only known what good it would do me to read it!!!! The previous reviewer hit the nail on the head when she said that this book works because the author is a reformed messie herself - her thought processes were exactly the same as mine!!! I felt I'd found a soul sister! She "got it". She understood my confusion and sometimes flat-out inability to complete my housework. I was a stay-home mom for seven years and got absolutely nothing accomplished in the way of housekeeping. Even though I had the whole day, my house was never "put together". How I wish I had read this book way back then!!! Thank you Mrs. Felton for such a well written and insightful book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone with trouble getting it together in their home. Even if you think the term "Messie" is a little juvenile.

ALL MESSIES NEED TO BUY SANDRA FELTON'S BOOKS:
I have been one of the worst messies. This book and her other books (I have them all)have helped me to get on track and I am well on my way to being very organized and a whole lot less messy. I would highly recommend all of Sandra Felton's books. If you need help, it's bound to be the answer to your prayers.

Living with too much clutter? Want the relief of a clutter-free life?:
A great de-cluttering book! I am so glad that I found it. It has really helped me change my approach to organizing and housecleaning. What makes this book different from all the other organizing books? This one was written by a "recovering Messie", so she understands the situation. Therefore, the tips are more workable for people who tend to clutter. That makes all the difference! This book is easy to read, good-humored, and she gives you specific, easy-to-understand suggestions for getting the clutter under control. Sandra Felton's book helps those who can use some help in getting out from under a pile of clutter, and she does it with good humor and without a hint of judgmentalism. If you are a clutterer, get this book and follow the simple steps. You will be glad that you did.

Just the Ticket for this lifelong Messie!:
Like others, I had also passed by this book based on its title. But recently, I gave it a quick look through and could see right off the bat that the title didn't do fair justice to the solid help within. For me, the chapters on "why" were definately not a waste. In fact, they're what kept me reading. Now I believe that ADD is probably over-diagnosed in today's American society. Be that as it may, I have dealt with the effects of it my entire life and, while being reasonable successful, I have had to develop numerous "work arounds" in order to function at the required level in my profession; work arounds that my non-ADD colleagues probably find strange. But one area that has always escaped me is in keeping my personal space organized whether at home or at the office. Sandra's book didn't convince me that I had ADD - I already knew that. But it helped me understand how that relates to my disorganization. In that, her book hit the spot for me. So while I agree that this book may not be for everyone, please don't discount it due to its title or what others have said about the "whys" in the first portion of the book. Depending on your personal situation, that may be the portion you value the most!

Great Advice Without the Tsk-Tsk:
"Messies are generally wonderful people. Just between you and me, I think they are a cut above average. They are creative, intelligent, nice people." (page 41 @2000 Fleming H. Revell, 5th printing) Housework is not intrinsically interesting, at least not to "messies," the name Sandra Felton gives to those whose homes are chronically disorganized. Felton, a reformed compulsive hoarder, is both tough and tender while describing the attitudes and pitfalls of the housekeeping-challenged. The mirror she holds up to herself and others is unflinching as she explores the many reasons for a chaotic home environment: Obssesive-Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, hoarding, overscheduling, perfectionism, distractibility, and procrastination. And any excuse you have ever given to get out of doing housework is listed and refuted. My only criticism of the book is that the housekeeping tips given may not be structured enough for the beginning reformed messie. I do not like housework, and I am guilty of overscheduling and having many interests. I just wanted someone to tell me what to clean when so I could put housework on autopilot and concentrate my mental energies on more uplifting activities. If you are looking for that kind of advice, I would recommend "Sink Reflections" by Marla Cilley, the "Flylady." But "The Messies Manual" does offer some things that Flylady does not. Cilley's language can get a little bit syrupy and I appreciated Felton addressing me as a peer. I enjoyed hearing a compassionate voice talk about the reasons behind chronic disorganization as I wondered how those explanations applied to my own, and my loved ones, lives. She also goes from topic to topic at a nice pace, not belaboring any of her points or dwelling overlong on her personal history. (Which is especially appreciated for any of the easily distractible, like myself, in her reading audience!) Felton, unlike your in-laws, will not tsk-tsk you, and her matter of fact tone and personal history will encourage you. Even though I rate average on her housekeeping scale, I had fun reading this book, picked up a few tips, and had some points to ponder. And not once did I feel judged. If you think the state of your home is getting in the way of your relationships or your peace of mind this book is a safe place to begin.