Outer Order, Inner Calm

Publisher's Summary

For most of us, outer order contributes to inner calm. And for most of us, a rigid, one-size-fits-all solution doesn't work. 

The fact is, when we tailor our approach to suit our own particular challenges and habits, we're then able to create the order that will make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. 

Gretchen Rubin has found that getting control of our stuff makes us feel more in control of our lives. By getting rid of things we don't use, don't need, or don't love, we free our minds (and our shelves) for what we truly value. 

With a sense of fun, and a clear idea of what's realistic for most people, Gretchen Rubin suggests dozens of manageable steps for creating a more serene, orderly environment - one that helps us to create the lives we want.

©2019 Gretchen Rubin (P)2019 Random House Audio

Same advice as prior books

All good advice on decluttering. Enjoy her direct messages. I just felt like I was listening to other bits of books that I have read or listened to in the past. Not an original idea!

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Listen to the podcast.

Too short and I had already heard all of this in her podcasts. The information is good just not new.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Not enough content for one credit.

It was great, what there was of it. I expected more than 2 1/2 hours. Disappointed in that alone.

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Simple Declutter Ideas

The content belongs in a page-a-day calendar with its simple declutter ideas (like when deciding whether to keep something, ask yourself 'do I need, love it, or use it?'). If you've listened to 'Happier with Gretchen Rubin' podcast, then most of the material will be familiar to you.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Would have been better as a physical book

I love her books and I listen to her Podcast. I think this book would have been better as a physical book rather than as an audiobook. It's too short, and it's very prescriptive and directive. Her other books incorporated more stories about her or others.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Nothing new here

I was hopeful for this book. Even preordered. Major disappointment. Nothing new in this book. Boring and useless.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

LOVE all of Gretchen Rubin's books!

I was counting down the days for the release of this book, and it did not disappoint. Gretchen does a wonderful job of citing her research and inspiration throughout the book. I enjoy her narration more than any other. She is engaging and clear, and therefore so is her message. Excited for her next book!

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Read before Kondo

if Marie Kondo’s book is the how, Gretchen Rubin’s book is the why. Full of great tips on de-cluttering, and not just purging, but getting better use and more “joy” from what you already have. I’m listening to it again - there is a lot of info here to soak in all at once.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Meh.

I felt like I was listening to someone reading a list for 2.5 hours. Nothing new, insightful or inspiring to be honest. Just felt like it was something she checked off her to do list. If you listen to her podcast then it really isn't anything new from that. Really disappointing because I love her other books and her podcast.

Appealing protagonist, vivid sense of place

A compelling story with gorgeous writing, centered on Silvie, a teenage girl whose father drags the family into an Iron Age reenactment program. The surroundings ultimately reflect and magnify the pull of male dominance in modern life, so much that one free-spirited character, who befriends Silvie, stands out like a jumble of spring flowers against the grayness of the site. It's painful to see the entrenched passivity that Silvie employs to protect herself and her mother. Gentle influences from the outside world seep in, opening up possibilities but also the rage of Silvie's father and unexpected reactions from the "enlightened" scholars who are there for the "experiential archeology". A short novel, with beautifully detailed descriptions, and very memorable.