My KonMari Book Edit

Photographs by Kaye Ford.

I’m currently in the throes of a book-buying ban.

One that, I’ll admit, is going terribly given that last week I treated myself to a new read with money that Harvey gave me for my birthday dinner.

The reason for this ban goes no deeper than me wanting to limit the amount of stuff I’ll have to pack up for our house move, and isn’t really part of the decluttering and tidying up movement that has spread like wildfire.

And whilst we’re on the topic, I thought I’d touch on the KonMari thing. Because Marie Kondo certainly doesn’t deserve the barrage of borderline racist comments thrown at her for suggesting we limit our possessions in search of a more minimal, simplistic life. I totally subscribe to that concept, though understandably it can be difficult to adhere to in this age of need-it-now culture.

My personal book collection stands at 200+. I absolutely love heading into our study at home and perusing my two IKEA Billy bookcases filled to the brim, alphabetically, with the stories that make up my life. Because that’s what books are to me. They don’t necessarily portray my life, but the stories have shaped my world and how I see it.

As such, I certainly won’t be discarding any titles from my stash because they all give me joy, but it’s nice to consider which ones would make the cut.

In the spirit of supporting the celebrated KonMari method, I thought I’d share my KonMari book edit.

Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn

The main bulk of my book collection is in pristine condition because I a) rarely loan them out, and b) I’m the most careful, no page-folding, no spine-cracking reader ever. Except for this one. And that’s because I have read this novel cover-to-cover countless times since discovering it in primary school. It’s been packed in my backpacks and suitcases, kept under my pillow for easy pre-bedtime reading access…

Across the Nightingale Floor exquisitely tells the story of Takeo, a young boy brought up in a small, spiritual village. After a series of plights, he is rescued by Lord Otori Shigeru and learns of his past, which in turn defines his future. The story is just so beautifully written, it’s a calm epic and a tale that has lived with me for years. It’s part one in a trilogy and I’ll happily bring this with me to my next home.

Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar

I’ve spoken about this incredible book series time and time again, so I won’t elaborate. But this set of 12 books is infinitely greater than the TV series (although I love both)! Novel Blair Waldorf is so wonderfully complex and sassy, and Little J isn’t nearly as annoying.

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

Typically, I’m not a huge fan of non-fiction books. TV show-wise, I adore a good documentary, but when it comes to reading material I’m all about the fiction. But after watching Master of None on Netflix, I concluded that I had to get this book and I read it all in a matter of days. The book is a sociological exploration into modern dating and relationship woes, and makes a fascinating and entertaining read. Plus, I really like the cover!

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

One of the best novels I read in 2018.

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

The book that first introduced me to the world of Murakami — he’s now my favourite author!

Elijah’s Mermaid by Essie Fox

Another all-time favourite that I’ve spoken about at length on Daisybutter. Fox’s entire back catalogue is on my favourites list, to be honest.

The Harry Potter Series

His Dark Materials Series

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

We read this for the Vivatramp Patreon Book Club and it has left an indelible mark on my reading adventure. Homegoing is a thoughtful, beautiful and provocative look into black history. From the Gold Coast to New York and back again, it tells a genuinely stunning story of many parts and is so well told that no amount of words from me could do it justice.

Discover more of my top-rated books and keep up to date with my current reads on Goodreads. Let’s be friends!