"Black Moon" by Kenneth Calhoun

I found this book to be pretty cool. I've read a lot of reviews on it and most people are commenting on how many "insomniac apocalypse" books there are out there. However this is the first I've ever encountered, so if you haven't either, then perhaps your experience will be similar to mine.

First of all let's get it out of the way that by the end of the book you realize Mr. Calhoun needed a better editor because the fate of one character is completely missing; just something you can't do if you've followed that person throughout the book. Also, some other characters were quickly dropped and given a hasty ending. Why were they even followed? They were interesting, and I thought that they were all going to converge experiences by the end of the book. Spoiler: they don't. The book could've been a lot longer. Also, Chapter 12, although fascinatingly grotesque, gave me a nightmare (Bonus? Deal breaker? I'm not sure what you're into).

What is great about the book is the idea and Calhoun's wonderful gift at painting with words. He described the relationship of a wife and husband in such a way that made me miss my husband sleeping in the next room. Plus dystopian literature? Who doesn't love it? I enjoyed the experience, and am glad I read it despite the disappoints at the end.

Source: I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

"The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo

   My drawers will never look the same as long as I live. After reading this book I just had to try out the suggestions laid out by Marie, even though I did not believe her promises. I am young, living in an apartment with my husband, and have very few possessions...how on earth could I dramatically increase the space I have in my closets? But now I no longer need to place my seasonal clothing in storage, because I have so much room in my closets now!
   The book is laid out a bit messily (ironically) with her suggestions disorganized throughout the book, so do wait to finish the book before you begin your tidying process. Also, I feel that if her suggestions were better categorized, she could cut down on the size of the book as well, because she repeats her ideas at times. Some of her suggestions were just not something I could do, (ex: speaking to my clothes, etc. and thanking them for their support of my lifestyle.). However, I understand her point of view and even if you don't take her literally, you can adopt her main point which is to treat your things respectfully so that they last long.
   Despite these flaws, I highly suggest reading this book and partaking in the process of refining and organizing your belongings. The most important things I gleaned from this book are how to choose my belongings carefully and how to fold my clothes so amazingly that my once full closets now echo. I recommend it!


Source: I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.