Helpful Score: 3
Without the benefit of watching reality shows on hoarding, I thought Stuff was an informative introduction to this fascinating topic. Since its strength lies in its in-depth case studies which compassionately highlight the thought processes of actual patients, it reads likes a solo work by the first author, Randy Frost, who did most of the field work. However, I wish there was a more technical discussion of available treatments for this obsessive-compulsive disorder spectrum disorder. Nonetheless, it was a compelling read.
Helpful Score: 2
My mom just gave me this book. My wife and I are currently going through a divorce and she was a hoarder. She certainly wasn't as extreme as some of the people in this book, but it was great to read so many lines that just really hit home to me and the life I had to live for years.
Cis H. (californiadreamin) reviewed Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things on + 273 more book reviews
Great info on reasons for hoarding, case studies, etc. Very interesting, but after first chapter I realized I really need to clear out my clutter instead of reading why other people keep stuff. Reading this was somewhat like watching tv show "Hoarders", it just made me want to clean out a closet! So if it inspires you, good job!
Dianne (gardngal) reviewed Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things on + 268 more book reviews
Fascinating study of people who fill up their homes and storage units with tons of "stuff". Hoarders usually have some form of mental illness and are unable to stop themselves without intense therapy. The person's "attachment to objects is something that he or she has little control over". Very helpful in understanding this phenomenon, what motivates it and how to deal with it without causing harm. D.
Sarah L. (soelo) reviewed Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things on + 23 more book reviews
This book helps you understand the difference between hoarders and people who just have too many things or don't keep up with housework (i.e. most of us.) It also explains the little they do know about the disorder and how much further they have to go to understand it. There is often, but not in all cases, overlap with OCD, isolating behaviors and/or high levels of creativity
Maura (maura853) -
Thoughtful analysis of hoarding, and a sympathetic look at those whose lives are held hostage by their things. A welcome departure from the simplistic, easy-fix mentality that treats hoarders like a freak show.
While this is NOT a self-help book (and, in fact, Frost makes a very convincing case that such books are just something else to hoard, and not a solution), his presentations of case studies and psychology are very helpful to anyone (er, that would be me) who grew up among hoarders, and is aware of hoarding tendencies held at bay with a whip and chair.
While this is NOT a self-help book (and, in fact, Frost makes a very convincing case that such books are just something else to hoard, and not a solution), his presentations of case studies and psychology are very helpful to anyone (er, that would be me) who grew up among hoarders, and is aware of hoarding tendencies held at bay with a whip and chair.
