TannieSpace

geekery, drawing and then some

Posts about book

Review: The Joy of Less

The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your LifeThe Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life by [Francine Jay](http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3234359.thumbnail.jpg "The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life by Francine Jay")

My rating: ★★★★☆

I read this book in preparation for a massive declutter/clean-up planned for my tiny but overflowing flat.

It did have some redundant info in it, which I read about before starting so I felt prepared. I like the enthusiasm and kindness of the book. The 10-step STREAMLINE process sounds very attractive to try out (I'll add my experience with it as soon as I've tried it out).

Part three of the book mostly consists of redundant parts, however, I do not mind. It goes through the most common rooms according to the streamline principle with some specific advice for the specific rooms. I have not read all the rooms as I plan to go through them as I tackle the rooms, as a reminder and a re-motivator.

All in all an easy read that left me motivated to declutter/minimalise promptly. I've already used my goodreads account to see what books I will part with ;)

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Review: The War of the Worlds

The War of the WorldsThe War of the Worlds by [H.G. Wells](http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/880695.thumbnail.jpg "The War of the Worlds The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells") My rating: ★★★★☆

Even though the story takes place in the 1890s and the language sometimes seemed outdated, I had no problem getting into it and it didn't read as a very outdated story. Sure, nobody had cellphones and cars, but the cellphones would have stopped working soon anyway when the Martians take down the power lines. (because they would, of course) I liked the analytical descriptions the main character made and how he still didn't come across as a cold hard scientist. He did care deeply for his wife and most of the book actually deals with him trying to get back to her, as he promised (without getting killed, so it takes him a while).

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Review: The Moomins and the Great Flood

The Moomins and the Great FloodThe Moomins and the Great Flood by [Tove Jansson](http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45230.thumbnail.jpg "The Moomins and the Great Flood The Moomins and the Great Flood by Tove Jansson")

My rating: ★★★☆☆

The first of the Moomin books. It reads a bit clunky but I found it charming nonetheless. It introduces the main characters of books, their house and why they live in the valley. Promising enough to read the other books too. Wouldn't recommend it as the first Moomin book to read. Book 3 (Finn Family Moomintroll) would probably work better as an introduction.

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Review: The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4 by [Sue Townsend](http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/28707.thumbnail.jpg "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4 The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend")

My rating: ★★★☆☆

I probably would have liked this book more as a teenager because I could have related to it more. The character seemed a bit silly at times, however, his behaviour does seem to fit the weirdness of teenagers. Even if it didn't sweep me away, I did enjoy it, it made me laugh several times.

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Review: 13 Little Blue Envelopes

img13 Little Blue Envelopes by [Maureen Johnson](http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10317.thumbnail.jpg "img13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson") My rating: ★★★★☆

I zoomed through this book, which had a lot to do with the entertaining writing. Some bits of the book didn't match up with my reality, however, after some thought, I'd rather read and enjoy a book with some factual errors, than read a boring but highly factual book. Besides, a story has the right to stray from reality ;)

At Ginny's age I did not travel Europe, I waited some more years because I didn't have the guts to do it at 18.

I enjoyed reading the parts about places that I have visited myself and could easily imagine myself back there for which the book gets points. I wanted a story to entertain me. I feel entertained. :)

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Review: Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the PoohWinnie the Pooh by [A.A. Milne](http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/81466.A_A_Milne.thumbnail.jpg "Winnie the PoohWinnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne") My rating: ★★★★☆

I love Pooh, especially the BD (before Disney) drawings of him. This book contains a bunch of stories about Pooh and his friends, introducing them and their quirks one by one. They show how Pooh really loves his honey, Piglet fears nearly everything -- especially when it actually does happen, Rabbit doesn't really like anyone but he wants his friend around anyway, Eeyore, well... he doesn't like anything and doesn't ever see the bright or sunny side of it. They all have their own way of dealing with things and seeing them in a certain way, and they all stay friends. They set a good example ;)

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Review: Het Medaillon van Thrianta

Het Medaillon van ThriantaHet Medaillon van Thrianta by [Mariska Buijs](http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4603237.Mariska_Buijs.thumbnail.jpg "Het Medaillon van ThriantaHet Medaillon van Thrianta by Mariska Buijs") My rating: ★★★★★

I can't not like this book. I've waited (patiently) years to read it.

The book tells the story of princess Quahira who dreams of adventures, the kind she reads in books about. When the chance of adventure happens to present itself -- like they do -- she grabs it with both hands and sets off to make the kindgdom of Thrianta whole again. Not a small feat for a girl who has barely left the castle all her life. Luckily she gets help from several friends and together they go save the world! The story has a good dose of romance, humour and other exciting moments.

I have my doubts the people in the metro with me appreciate me giggling, however, I still enjoyed this book thoroughly. :-)

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Aspiration

Beanies

I've followed Michael Nobbs' for quite some time and really enjoy his work. The one thing that attracts me in his work, is that like me, he also deals with illness. Sometimes I'll stumble on a blog of someone who does great work and they'll have a job, go to college and do that great work all at once. It makes me tired just thinking about that.

Michael, however, frequently blogs (and draws!) about how he copes with his illness and others things life tosses at him. He makes his own books and sells them. The last issue of The Beany came out as an ebook today. Despite his illness he takes on (little) projects and makes stuff happen. He seems to have found a way to make it work despite being ill, something I still aspire to.

I have not yet figure it all out, and I have not yet made it all work. Thanks to Michael however, I know I'll get there, eventually.

Some other inspiring artists: * scott c * Irisz Agocs * Eric Orchard * E*phi * jess (borkedplanet) * Kurt Halsey * Mattias Ink * marc johns All worth checking out.