Review: "The Tao of Martha" by Jen Lancaster

I have read every single one of Jen Lancaster's books, both fiction and non-fiction, and I have yet to find one that I haven't liked! The Tao of Martha finds Jen her most settled in her life to date. Previous books have detailed her search for a job when she lost hers, her search for a home to purchase instead of one to rent, as well as her quest to pursue a healthier lifestyle. I felt that this book showcased her mature side, yet Jen never once lost her humorous edge.

In The Tao of Martha Jen pledges to live more like Martha Stewart for a year. Already a huge fan of the Martha Stewart empire, Jen decides to follow many of her recommendations in the hopes of getting her clutter under control, becoming a better hostess and celebrating the holidays in style. I thoroughly enjoyed her journey. Things most certainly do not go as planned for Jen, but she learns from her disasters and she spends the year learning how to do things the Martha Stewart way (with a Jen twist!).

Be warned! This book is inspiring! Following my reading this book (as well as some inspiration from a friend's blog!), I went out and purchased some organizing supplies. It was amazing the weight that was lifted off of my shoulders when I finished a project that I had been meaning to finish for years. At the end of the day I had spent so much time thinking about and dreading the task that when I actually did it, it was surprisingly easy, not to mention satisfying! I felt like my little side project encompassed a lot of what Jen was getting at in this book- sometimes it's just easier to do things the right way the first time around, and a little organization goes a long way. I hope to carry some of these principles with me in the future as I continue to get organized.

The Tao of Martha was honest and sad and funny and inspiring! Parts had me laughing out loud, parts brought tears to my eyes, and parts inspired me to do more to be organized. I loved reading it and I can't wait for her next book, a fictional book called Twisted Sisters that is coming out in February 2014.