Objects of My Affection

By: Jill Smolinski

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

In the humorous, heartfelt new novel by the author of The Next Thing on My List, a personal organizer must somehow convince a reclusive artist to give up her hoarding ways and let go of the stuff she’s hung onto for decades.

Lucy Bloom is broke, has been dumped by her boyfriend, and had to sell her house to send her 19-year-old son to drug rehab. Although she’s lost it all, she’s determined to start over. So when she’s offered a high-paying gig helping clear the clutter from the home of reclusive and eccentric painter Marva Meier Rios, Lucy grabs it. Armed with the organizing expertise she gained while writing her book, Things Are Not People, and fueled by a burning desire to get her life back on track, Lucy rolls up her sleeves to take on the mess that fills every room of Marva’s huge home. Lucy soon learns that the real challenge may be taking on Marva, who seems to love the objects in her home too much to let go of any of them.

While trying to stay on course toward a strict deadline—and with an ex-boyfriend back in the picture, a new romance on the scene, and her son’s rehab not going as planned—Lucy discovers that Marva isn’t just hoarding: she is also hiding a big secret. The two form an unlikely bond, as each learns from the other that there are those things in life we keep and those we need to let go—but it’s not always easy to know the difference.

Laugh-out-loud humor, heartfelt writing, relatable characters, and a charming premise all come together to make Objects of My Affection the next read for the fans of Jennifer Weiner, Emily Giffin, and Allison Winn Scotch.

©2012 Jill Smolinski (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A wonderfully written, heartfelt novel about what to keep and what to let go of as you move forward in your life.” (Claire Cook, best-selling author of Must Love Dogs)

“A hoarder and organizational expert clash in this light, amusing novel from Smolinski…A charmingly breezy tone marks this warm appraisal of our addiction to stuff.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

“I loved this deeply felt, bravely honest tale of a professional organizer who discovers just how messy life and love can be, but that everything truly does have a place. A treasure of a novel.” (Melissa Senate, author of The Love Goddess’ Cooking School)

Couldn’t Stop Listening!!

What a great listen. Loved the characters and the character development. Had a little trouble at first with the male voice, but got over it quickly. Recovering from surgery so was able to listen to the whole book in one day. It’s a win!!!

really lovely

this story is really lovely I need more words to submit so here they are!

I didn't want it to end

I really enjoyed this book. I find myself wanting to know more about how life continues to unfold for the characters. The book had me hooked chasing the ending.

I Rarely Write Reviews

but this book totally resonated with where I am in my life right now in a very real and powerful way. A must read!

Great easy reading/listening

This was the perfect way to start a summer reading list, it is a light palette cleanser with enough of a plot for interest and enough character development to not be utterly predictable.

Only somewhat terrible

I managed to get through the entire book, but just barley. I never once found myself rooting for the main character, Lucy. I found her to be a self absorbed whining brat much like the character of her son. Also the narrating is horrible. I often found myself getting frustrated with the narration that I wanted to turn it off. The only reason I got through it was because I wanted to know what happend to Marva.

loved it!!

It was a very enjoyable book, made me laugh out loud in certain spots and made me sad in others. The narrator was WONDERFUL!! I wasn't disappointed other than the book finishing.

Nice story, annoying reader

If you can get past the nasality and persistent vocal fry of the reader, the story is interesting enough. I admit I stopped listening several times to get relief from those horrible habits. Other than that, I enjoyed the story.

Loved!

This was my first book by this author. It kept me interested in what will happen next.
The narrator was very good as well!

A Story of Tough Love and Taking Others' Perspecti

I really enjoyed this story! The characters are so likable and their issues are realistic. I did not enjoy the reading of this story, as the reader was very breathy. It felt like she was trying to be seductive, which is not appropriate for this story.