What do you think?
Rate this book
Whispering Rooms
From bestselling authors Genki Kawamura and Marie Kondo comes a collection of heartwarming and whimsical short stories, based on Marie's personal experience of tidying over 1,000 rooms.
Miko is a professional tidier, with a secret. When she enters a room, she is greeted by the voices of every object inside. Visiting her clients, she finds the whispering wardrobe, filled with chatty clothes; the singing study, full of talkative books; the bickering kitchen with its disgruntled drawers of cutlery, and more. Each a book, a childhood toy, a jar of miso paste, evokes a new memory for its owner, and what starts as the simple task of tidying a room becomes something profound and life-affirming.
With the help of her talking box, Hako, Miko helps people reconnect to themselves and their loved ones through the items that they find in their rooms. As they sort through their rooms, they discover what is truly important in their lives, and what it takes to spark joy.
Miko is a professional tidier, with a secret. When she enters a room, she is greeted by the voices of every object inside. Visiting her clients, she finds the whispering wardrobe, filled with chatty clothes; the singing study, full of talkative books; the bickering kitchen with its disgruntled drawers of cutlery, and more. Each a book, a childhood toy, a jar of miso paste, evokes a new memory for its owner, and what starts as the simple task of tidying a room becomes something profound and life-affirming.
With the help of her talking box, Hako, Miko helps people reconnect to themselves and their loved ones through the items that they find in their rooms. As they sort through their rooms, they discover what is truly important in their lives, and what it takes to spark joy.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2022
About the author
Genki Kawamura
27 books860 followersAssociated Names:
* Genki Kawamura (English)
* 川村元気 (Japanese)
* คาวามูระ เก็งกิ (Thai)
Genki Kawamura (川村元気) is a Japanese film producer, writer, screenwriter.
中文 >> 川村元氣.
Genki Kawamura is an internationally bestselling author. If Cats Disappeared from the World was his first novel and has sold over two million copies in Japan and has been translated into over fourteen different languages. His other novels are Million Dollar Man and April Come She Will. He has also written children's picture books including Tinny & The Balloon, MOOM, and Patissier Monster. Kawamura occasionally produces, directs, and writes movies, and is a showrunner. He was a producer of the blockbuster anime film Your Name, which is currently being developed into an live-action film by J. J. Abrams.
* Genki Kawamura (English)
* 川村元気 (Japanese)
* คาวามูระ เก็งกิ (Thai)
Genki Kawamura (川村元気) is a Japanese film producer, writer, screenwriter.
中文 >> 川村元氣.
Genki Kawamura is an internationally bestselling author. If Cats Disappeared from the World was his first novel and has sold over two million copies in Japan and has been translated into over fourteen different languages. His other novels are Million Dollar Man and April Come She Will. He has also written children's picture books including Tinny & The Balloon, MOOM, and Patissier Monster. Kawamura occasionally produces, directs, and writes movies, and is a showrunner. He was a producer of the blockbuster anime film Your Name, which is currently being developed into an live-action film by J. J. Abrams.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
February 27, 2026
Tidying up does not usually sound like the start of a story, but this book turns it into something surprisingly magical. This charming adult picture book follows Miko, a woman who can hear the voices of belongings, then becomes a professional tidier, visiting her clients house along with her talkative box companion, Hako. Centered on a philosophy similar to Marie Kondo's "spark joy" method, the story reframes cleaning not as a punitive chore, but as a positive quest to discover what truly excites you and enriches your future.
What makes this such a delightful read are its fluffy atmosphere and beautiful, nostalgic illustrations that decorate every page. The author emphasizes that tidying up is not about simply reducing what you own, but about making your future life feel more exciting—and that idea rang true to some extent. Living in a world overflowing with things, we need to learn how to interact with our belongings more intentionally.
When you are surrounded by too many things, it becomes easy to lose sight of what is actually important. Reading this made me want to tidy up not just to clear space, but to protect what really matters and notice it again. I found myself thinking about the piles of books I own, including ones I bought impulsively, and questioning whether I truly take care of them.
The book gently conveys the importance of understanding, organizing, and choosing what we keep in order to refine our own sense of what we truly like. I particularly appreciated the helpful "tidying notebook" appendix and the core message. It is a concept that, as the book suggests, can apply to more than just physical clutter.
That said, while the concept is charming, it did not completely work for me emotionally and I find the narrative to be a little too favorable. The idea that deciding what to keep or discard can be reduced to whether something sparks joy still feels too simple for such a complicated process. Letting go can be easy, but there are things that are hard or impossible to replace, and I sometimes felt the story wrapped things up a little too neatly. I enjoyed it but the story’s philosophy, though uplifting, seem slightly forced in its simplicity.
Still, despite the fair rating I gave this book, I hope it does not deter anyone from picking it up. It is a lovely, light book that is perfect when you need something light yet worthwhile, especially if you have been feeling overwhelmed by your space or lacking motivation to start tidying. It gently reminds us that how we treat our belongings reflects how we face our lives.
If nothing else, this book might just be the catalyst you need to clean your room with a more positive mindset and protect what truly matters. So, if you hear things whisper, it might be the time to tidy up!
"There are just two reasons why we can't let go of things. Attachment to the past or anxiety about the future"
What makes this such a delightful read are its fluffy atmosphere and beautiful, nostalgic illustrations that decorate every page. The author emphasizes that tidying up is not about simply reducing what you own, but about making your future life feel more exciting—and that idea rang true to some extent. Living in a world overflowing with things, we need to learn how to interact with our belongings more intentionally.
When you are surrounded by too many things, it becomes easy to lose sight of what is actually important. Reading this made me want to tidy up not just to clear space, but to protect what really matters and notice it again. I found myself thinking about the piles of books I own, including ones I bought impulsively, and questioning whether I truly take care of them.
The book gently conveys the importance of understanding, organizing, and choosing what we keep in order to refine our own sense of what we truly like. I particularly appreciated the helpful "tidying notebook" appendix and the core message. It is a concept that, as the book suggests, can apply to more than just physical clutter.
That said, while the concept is charming, it did not completely work for me emotionally and I find the narrative to be a little too favorable. The idea that deciding what to keep or discard can be reduced to whether something sparks joy still feels too simple for such a complicated process. Letting go can be easy, but there are things that are hard or impossible to replace, and I sometimes felt the story wrapped things up a little too neatly. I enjoyed it but the story’s philosophy, though uplifting, seem slightly forced in its simplicity.
Still, despite the fair rating I gave this book, I hope it does not deter anyone from picking it up. It is a lovely, light book that is perfect when you need something light yet worthwhile, especially if you have been feeling overwhelmed by your space or lacking motivation to start tidying. It gently reminds us that how we treat our belongings reflects how we face our lives.
If nothing else, this book might just be the catalyst you need to clean your room with a more positive mindset and protect what truly matters. So, if you hear things whisper, it might be the time to tidy up!
October 4, 2023
Marie Kondo è diventata famosa per “Il magico potere del Riordino”; Genki Kawamura, invece, per il bestseller “Se i gatti scomparissero dal mondo”.
Attraverso il potere del riordino degli oggetti, delle case, si può mettere ordine nelle proprie vite.
E così ogni stanza da riordinare diventa un'occasione perché gli oggetti inizino "a parlare", a rivelare cioè qualcosa della persona a cui essi appartengono.
“Io ho un segreto che non posso rivelare a nessuno.
Sento le voci degli oggetti nelle stanze.
Gli abiti e le scarpe, i libri e i mobili, tutti mi parlano.
Il mio lavoro è aiutare a «riordinare» le case dei miei clienti.
L’assistente qui al mio fianco è Box. È un cofanetto parlante.
Perché il riordino è diventato il tuo lavoro?
Come fai a sentire le voci degli oggetti?
Ma prima ancora, che significa che hai un cofanetto per assistente?
Di certo vi sembrerà strano.
Però è tutto vero.
Io ho riordinato piú di mille stanze.
Per ogni stanza ho un ricordo delle persone che vi abitano e dei loro oggetti parlanti.
Vorrei che ascoltaste un po’ di queste storie.
Sono i racconti delle mie avventure nelle stanze un po’ insolite che ho visto.”
E così gli armadi possono sussurrare, gli studi cantare, le cucine litigare, le camerette ammutolirsi, i cofanetti parlare, le case di un accumulatore seriale fare un chiasso assordante, gli album raccontare.
E nel mentre si riordina pensare a queste semplici regole:
- Pensare alla propria «vita ideale»
- Riordinare «per categorie»
- Decidi cosa tenere in base al tuo sentire o meno la gioia nel momento in cui tocchi un oggetto
- Metti a posto seguendo il giusto ordine
- Decidi «il posto definitivo di tutte le cose» che si trovano in casa
E anche quando si decide di buttare via un oggetto, non bisogna mai dimenticare di ringraziare
“Anche quando li lasciate andare, dite loro addio ringraziandoli: «Grazie per avermi dato la gioia quando ti ho comprato», «Grazie per essere stato con me». Buttare non significa trattare gli oggetti come se fossero spazzatura. Significa essere grati e donar loro la libertà.”
Un libro che si legge tutto d'un fiato e che fa molto riflettere, con uno stile leggero e scorrevole.
Attraverso il potere del riordino degli oggetti, delle case, si può mettere ordine nelle proprie vite.
E così ogni stanza da riordinare diventa un'occasione perché gli oggetti inizino "a parlare", a rivelare cioè qualcosa della persona a cui essi appartengono.
“Io ho un segreto che non posso rivelare a nessuno.
Sento le voci degli oggetti nelle stanze.
Gli abiti e le scarpe, i libri e i mobili, tutti mi parlano.
Il mio lavoro è aiutare a «riordinare» le case dei miei clienti.
L’assistente qui al mio fianco è Box. È un cofanetto parlante.
Perché il riordino è diventato il tuo lavoro?
Come fai a sentire le voci degli oggetti?
Ma prima ancora, che significa che hai un cofanetto per assistente?
Di certo vi sembrerà strano.
Però è tutto vero.
Io ho riordinato piú di mille stanze.
Per ogni stanza ho un ricordo delle persone che vi abitano e dei loro oggetti parlanti.
Vorrei che ascoltaste un po’ di queste storie.
Sono i racconti delle mie avventure nelle stanze un po’ insolite che ho visto.”
E così gli armadi possono sussurrare, gli studi cantare, le cucine litigare, le camerette ammutolirsi, i cofanetti parlare, le case di un accumulatore seriale fare un chiasso assordante, gli album raccontare.
E nel mentre si riordina pensare a queste semplici regole:
- Pensare alla propria «vita ideale»
- Riordinare «per categorie»
- Decidi cosa tenere in base al tuo sentire o meno la gioia nel momento in cui tocchi un oggetto
- Metti a posto seguendo il giusto ordine
- Decidi «il posto definitivo di tutte le cose» che si trovano in casa
E anche quando si decide di buttare via un oggetto, non bisogna mai dimenticare di ringraziare
“Anche quando li lasciate andare, dite loro addio ringraziandoli: «Grazie per avermi dato la gioia quando ti ho comprato», «Grazie per essere stato con me». Buttare non significa trattare gli oggetti come se fossero spazzatura. Significa essere grati e donar loro la libertà.”
Un libro che si legge tutto d'un fiato e che fa molto riflettere, con uno stile leggero e scorrevole.
December 24, 2023
Stanze parlanti è un libro che regalerei a chi ha bisogno di mettere ordine nella propria vita. Con l’augurio che possiate ritrovare voi stessi, perché «riordinare significa affrontare le proprie emozioni.»
Gli oggetti e le stanze dicono tanto della persona che siamo. Raccontano delle persone che ci vivono, meglio di come gli abitanti stessi potrebbero fare presentandosi direttamente.»
Miko ha fatto del riordino il suo lavoro e insieme al suo assistente Box, un cofanetto parlante, sistema le case dei suoi clienti. Nulla viene risparmiato: armadi, librerie, credenze e persino album fotografici.
7 racconti, 7 stanze e 7 diverse vite, nelle quali il disordine dei loro ambienti è lo specchio di un disagio interno più profondo: una donna che dipende dal giudizio della madre iperprotettiva; una coppia sposata in crisi; una donna che ha bisogno di dare un taglio al passato…
C’è anche un capitolo dedicato a un giornalista che ha accumulato tantissimi libri non letti…impossibile non pensare a noi lettrici e lettori!
La sezione finale del libro contiene Il quaderno del riordino di Miko, un piccolo elenco di consigli da mettere subito in pratica per porre fine al disordine.
Il riordino della nostra casa è un mezzo utile per ritrovare un ordine anche mentale. Tenere solo le cose che ci danno gioia e soprattutto riordinare pensando all’obiettivo per cui lo stiamo facendo, riflettendo in modo concreto sulla propria vita ideale, sono i consigli che più mi hanno colpita e che sento di voler condividere con voi.
Nonostante sia una lettura semplice, dall’atmosfera magica e a tratti anche fiabesca, l’ho trovato un libro ricco di spunti, che mi ha dato una spinta in più per fermarmi a riflettere su me stessa.
Gli oggetti e le stanze dicono tanto della persona che siamo. Raccontano delle persone che ci vivono, meglio di come gli abitanti stessi potrebbero fare presentandosi direttamente.»
Miko ha fatto del riordino il suo lavoro e insieme al suo assistente Box, un cofanetto parlante, sistema le case dei suoi clienti. Nulla viene risparmiato: armadi, librerie, credenze e persino album fotografici.
7 racconti, 7 stanze e 7 diverse vite, nelle quali il disordine dei loro ambienti è lo specchio di un disagio interno più profondo: una donna che dipende dal giudizio della madre iperprotettiva; una coppia sposata in crisi; una donna che ha bisogno di dare un taglio al passato…
C’è anche un capitolo dedicato a un giornalista che ha accumulato tantissimi libri non letti…impossibile non pensare a noi lettrici e lettori!
La sezione finale del libro contiene Il quaderno del riordino di Miko, un piccolo elenco di consigli da mettere subito in pratica per porre fine al disordine.
Il riordino della nostra casa è un mezzo utile per ritrovare un ordine anche mentale. Tenere solo le cose che ci danno gioia e soprattutto riordinare pensando all’obiettivo per cui lo stiamo facendo, riflettendo in modo concreto sulla propria vita ideale, sono i consigli che più mi hanno colpita e che sento di voler condividere con voi.
Nonostante sia una lettura semplice, dall’atmosfera magica e a tratti anche fiabesca, l’ho trovato un libro ricco di spunti, che mi ha dato una spinta in più per fermarmi a riflettere su me stessa.
August 22, 2026
"Se Esta Casa Falasse..." é um livro composto por sete pequenas histórias que, de forma simples, mostram como a relação que temos com a nossa casa pode refletir os nossos hábitos, as nossas emoções e diferentes fases da vida. Mais do que um guia de arrumação, este é um livro que nos convida a olhar para o nosso espaço de forma mais consciente.
Ao longo destas histórias, a autora transmite a ideia de que organizar a casa pode ser também uma forma de organizar os pensamentos e encontrar maior bem-estar.
Apesar de não apresentar muitas dicas práticas, desperta naturalmente a vontade de arrumar e cuidar do espaço onde vivemos.
Sendo um livro leve e relaxante, é uma boa opção para quem aprecia leituras de desenvolvimento pessoal. No entanto, fiquei com a sensação de que as histórias podiam ter sido mais aprofundadas, o que teria permitido criar uma maior ligação às personagens e às suas experiências.
No geral, é uma leitura interessante para passar o tempo, com uma mensagem positiva e inspiradora, que no final ainda deixa um pequeno incentivo para pôr mãos à obra e organizar a casa.
Ao longo destas histórias, a autora transmite a ideia de que organizar a casa pode ser também uma forma de organizar os pensamentos e encontrar maior bem-estar.
Apesar de não apresentar muitas dicas práticas, desperta naturalmente a vontade de arrumar e cuidar do espaço onde vivemos.
Sendo um livro leve e relaxante, é uma boa opção para quem aprecia leituras de desenvolvimento pessoal. No entanto, fiquei com a sensação de que as histórias podiam ter sido mais aprofundadas, o que teria permitido criar uma maior ligação às personagens e às suas experiências.
No geral, é uma leitura interessante para passar o tempo, com uma mensagem positiva e inspiradora, que no final ainda deixa um pequeno incentivo para pôr mãos à obra e organizar a casa.
May 24, 2026
A cozy, comforting read told in interconnected stories about people decluttering their homes; of confronting memories, grief, loneliness and the emotional residue that was left unresolved and forgotten. I loved how whimsical the tales go with its relatable slice-of-life and a touch of magic following Miko; a professional tidier with a gifted ability to hear the objects talk. From a whispering wardrobe to a singing study full of talkative books, a bickering kitchen with its disgruntled drawers of cutlery, a noisy hoarder’s trash and even the silence of a room, Miko slowly helped her clients to heal from their clutters and letting go the emotional weight that was carried through the years of its attachment.
I liked how every chapter gets me delved into a different side of backstory on how the clutters begin. It was tender on the tone, reflective and not really over the top on ways Miko advising, comforting and giving tips on how the tidy up must go. Too much on the ‘spark joy’ part anyhoo as it was mentioned repetitively but as each tale progress it did not irk me that much to see how it observed more on healing rather than cleaning, so less on plot twist and much heavier and gripping on its human connection, personal growth and the sentimentality of embracing memories.
Getting the backstory to Miko as well towards the end with story about Hako; the mysterious talking box. Loving how it ends for every chapter esp for that last story about the photo albums. Bittersweet but totally a great healing read overall (illustrations included!) esp if you’re into this genre and theme. Would recommend!
**Thank you Pansing Distribution for the gifted review copy!
I liked how every chapter gets me delved into a different side of backstory on how the clutters begin. It was tender on the tone, reflective and not really over the top on ways Miko advising, comforting and giving tips on how the tidy up must go. Too much on the ‘spark joy’ part anyhoo as it was mentioned repetitively but as each tale progress it did not irk me that much to see how it observed more on healing rather than cleaning, so less on plot twist and much heavier and gripping on its human connection, personal growth and the sentimentality of embracing memories.
Getting the backstory to Miko as well towards the end with story about Hako; the mysterious talking box. Loving how it ends for every chapter esp for that last story about the photo albums. Bittersweet but totally a great healing read overall (illustrations included!) esp if you’re into this genre and theme. Would recommend!
**Thank you Pansing Distribution for the gifted review copy!
June 4, 2026
Quirky book, good to read whilst decluttering!
December 13, 2023
Forse non merita cinque stelle, ma come avevo già detto per canto di Natale, a volte assegno i voti, stelle, più per un fatto emozionale che critico.
Questo libro di Marie Kondo, nome con il quale Miko è conosciuta al mondo, è una favola onirica e moderna che non esclude sprazzi di filosofia.
Miko è aiutata dalla dalla sua fida scatola parlante “Box”, sono questi gli elementi fantastici come lei che sente gli oggetti parlare che fanno di questo libro, riassunto della tecnica del riordino della Kondo, una favola moderna.
Tanti racconti si susseguono da divertenti ai più malinconici e tra un racconto all’altro ci spiega come riuscire a ordinare al meglio.
Ho visto che molti si sono sentiti quasi offesi da questo libro come se avessero perso tempo a leggerlo ma a me ha commosso e rassenerato.
Forse perché sono una di quelle che ha paura di riordinare nonostante io metta spesso di ordine, forse è proprio il lungo viaggio emozionante del riordino che spaventa tutti.
Chissà, quando mi trasferirò, magari metterò in atto i consigli di Miko.
Intanto, ringrazio, questo prezioso e piccolo libro per avermi dato gioia ed emozioni e per aver accompagnato i risvegli di queste mattine.
Questo libro di Marie Kondo, nome con il quale Miko è conosciuta al mondo, è una favola onirica e moderna che non esclude sprazzi di filosofia.
Miko è aiutata dalla dalla sua fida scatola parlante “Box”, sono questi gli elementi fantastici come lei che sente gli oggetti parlare che fanno di questo libro, riassunto della tecnica del riordino della Kondo, una favola moderna.
Tanti racconti si susseguono da divertenti ai più malinconici e tra un racconto all’altro ci spiega come riuscire a ordinare al meglio.
Ho visto che molti si sono sentiti quasi offesi da questo libro come se avessero perso tempo a leggerlo ma a me ha commosso e rassenerato.
Forse perché sono una di quelle che ha paura di riordinare nonostante io metta spesso di ordine, forse è proprio il lungo viaggio emozionante del riordino che spaventa tutti.
Chissà, quando mi trasferirò, magari metterò in atto i consigli di Miko.
Intanto, ringrazio, questo prezioso e piccolo libro per avermi dato gioia ed emozioni e per aver accompagnato i risvegli di queste mattine.
August 7, 2026
gullig story men för repetitivt och enkelt språk, nästan lite barnsligt. illustrationerna bidrog till läsupplevelsen men ökade kanske känslan av att man läste en barnbok.
February 19, 2025
Come riordinarte le stanze della casa? Ma più importante: è possibile riordinare la vita di una persona riordinando la casa? Per Miko sì.
Un romanzo toccante, breve e intenso che mi ha portato a visitare sette stanze e sette vite diverse. Sette stanze in disordine, come le vite delle persone che le occupavano.
Prendendomi per mano, Miko mi ha guidata in ognuna di queste stanze e mi ha mostrato come riconoscere cosa poteva essere tenuto e cosa no, e come lasciare andare queste cose: oggetti preziosi che avevano già dato tutto quello che avevano da dare o che erano rimaste uguali mentre il proprietario era cambiato.
Ma soprattutto Miko mi ha mostrato che, lasciando andare, avrei potuto accogliere molte cose nuove e belle, che se no non ci sarebbero state.
Mi sono sentita toccare nel personale in ogni stanza e in ogni situazione. Ho rivisto mia mamma e la sua incapacità di lasciare andare le cose per paura di perdere un ricordo, perché non capiva che il ricordo era nel suo cuore e non nell'oggetto che aveva in mano. Ho rivisto la sua necessità di riempire le stanze in cui viveva perché non era capace di riempire il vuoto che aveva dentro. Finché tutto ciò non è diventato insopportabile e si è lasciata andare, perché tutto ciò che c'era in questo mondo non la tratteneva più.
Cara mamma, sei stata la mia stanza personale, il rifugio che ho riconosciuto quando ormai non ci sei stata più. Ti tengo nel mio cuore ma ti lascio andare, anche se è difficile, anche se fa male, perché sento che il mio tempo in questa vita è appena iniziato.
Un romanzo toccante, breve e intenso che mi ha portato a visitare sette stanze e sette vite diverse. Sette stanze in disordine, come le vite delle persone che le occupavano.
Prendendomi per mano, Miko mi ha guidata in ognuna di queste stanze e mi ha mostrato come riconoscere cosa poteva essere tenuto e cosa no, e come lasciare andare queste cose: oggetti preziosi che avevano già dato tutto quello che avevano da dare o che erano rimaste uguali mentre il proprietario era cambiato.
Ma soprattutto Miko mi ha mostrato che, lasciando andare, avrei potuto accogliere molte cose nuove e belle, che se no non ci sarebbero state.
Mi sono sentita toccare nel personale in ogni stanza e in ogni situazione. Ho rivisto mia mamma e la sua incapacità di lasciare andare le cose per paura di perdere un ricordo, perché non capiva che il ricordo era nel suo cuore e non nell'oggetto che aveva in mano. Ho rivisto la sua necessità di riempire le stanze in cui viveva perché non era capace di riempire il vuoto che aveva dentro. Finché tutto ciò non è diventato insopportabile e si è lasciata andare, perché tutto ciò che c'era in questo mondo non la tratteneva più.
Cara mamma, sei stata la mia stanza personale, il rifugio che ho riconosciuto quando ormai non ci sei stata più. Ti tengo nel mio cuore ma ti lascio andare, anche se è difficile, anche se fa male, perché sento che il mio tempo in questa vita è appena iniziato.
February 19, 2026
This book came to me at the right time. I think we all need Miko in our lives to clean up and assort stuff we're no longer spark joy anymore.
How I felt while reading -> I felt like I was being reassured by Miko that all things definitely have lingering memories and will stay with us forever, but we also have to graciously accept to let them go. The term I've always held on to is "Everything has its time."
Of course... I've got some favorite chapters which are room 4 and room 7.
1. “You should wear clothes that spark joy even when you’re at home. It raises your self-esteem, too.”
Indeed, I felt confident when I wore outfits I loved and enjoyed.
2. “Folding is an opportunity to express your love and appreciation for the clothes that support you in your life. So, when you fold them, do it with gratitude for their unfailing protection. If you do, you’ll start noticing little details, like places that are threadbare or outfits that have reached the end of their life.”
3. “What one person has forgotten another will remember clearly. Families support one another by complementing each other’s memories and emotions in this way.”
4. “People can forget things and memories, parents and children can forget their love for each other. Tidying up can return these precious gifts to us in unexpected ways."
How I felt while reading -> I felt like I was being reassured by Miko that all things definitely have lingering memories and will stay with us forever, but we also have to graciously accept to let them go. The term I've always held on to is "Everything has its time."
Of course... I've got some favorite chapters which are room 4 and room 7.
1. “You should wear clothes that spark joy even when you’re at home. It raises your self-esteem, too.”
Indeed, I felt confident when I wore outfits I loved and enjoyed.
2. “Folding is an opportunity to express your love and appreciation for the clothes that support you in your life. So, when you fold them, do it with gratitude for their unfailing protection. If you do, you’ll start noticing little details, like places that are threadbare or outfits that have reached the end of their life.”
3. “What one person has forgotten another will remember clearly. Families support one another by complementing each other’s memories and emotions in this way.”
4. “People can forget things and memories, parents and children can forget their love for each other. Tidying up can return these precious gifts to us in unexpected ways."
January 20, 2025
2,5*
Non è questo libro il problema, sono io. Di questo metodo del riordino e di gente che ti entra in casa e ti ripete in continuazione se riesci a "sentire la gioia" per decidere se una cosa debba essere tenuta o meno, infatti, a me non importa nulla, lo trovo anche abbastanza irritante. Riconosco, però, che non è una pessima lettura, tutte le storie raccontate in questo libricino sono molto piacevoli, ma se l'autore non fosse stato Kawamura probabilmente non lo avrei mai preso in prestito dalla biblioteca.
Non è questo libro il problema, sono io. Di questo metodo del riordino e di gente che ti entra in casa e ti ripete in continuazione se riesci a "sentire la gioia" per decidere se una cosa debba essere tenuta o meno, infatti, a me non importa nulla, lo trovo anche abbastanza irritante. Riconosco, però, che non è una pessima lettura, tutte le storie raccontate in questo libricino sono molto piacevoli, ma se l'autore non fosse stato Kawamura probabilmente non lo avrei mai preso in prestito dalla biblioteca.
July 16, 2026
Just as I wanted something sweet ! These stories are full of light. It's funny because I do think it's fairly common knowledge that tidying feels exactly like this, airy and breathy, but it's a feeling I rarely see people focus on in fiction (including any media) - you only hear this from your friend who's done a big clean, and it was a bit of a chore but so worth it, etc etc.
I got The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up in my last Abney book sale, and I'm not sure whether this has pushed me to read it or skip it. I'll credit Marie Kondo for a lot of this, but obviously the lightness of the prose and story telling skills are Kawamura's, and I'm curious to read her other work. But the KonMari method has a process, and through each story she essentially explains a step of it, in the order she wants you to do it. Her dialogue discusses her philosophy around tidying, and obviously, the rooms whisper the stories of the people living there.
These images will stay with me; the middle aged woman who knows she has to leave her husband when she puts on her high school uniform, the man and his singing whispering books; the bickering couple who decided to show up for one another, the daughter who chooses her red shoes to face the world in, the man who couldn't figure out how to show up for his family. The grandmother clearing pictures with her kids, discovering and relearning their memories again, an overview of their lives.
Coincidentally I've been in a cleaning mood. I have refused invitations this month to spend more time tidying, and I know I still have much more to do. Her method is sort of what I had in my mind for my big summer clean; maybe this'll inspire my own cleaning festival. Who knows.
I got The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up in my last Abney book sale, and I'm not sure whether this has pushed me to read it or skip it. I'll credit Marie Kondo for a lot of this, but obviously the lightness of the prose and story telling skills are Kawamura's, and I'm curious to read her other work. But the KonMari method has a process, and through each story she essentially explains a step of it, in the order she wants you to do it. Her dialogue discusses her philosophy around tidying, and obviously, the rooms whisper the stories of the people living there.
These images will stay with me; the middle aged woman who knows she has to leave her husband when she puts on her high school uniform, the man and his singing whispering books; the bickering couple who decided to show up for one another, the daughter who chooses her red shoes to face the world in, the man who couldn't figure out how to show up for his family. The grandmother clearing pictures with her kids, discovering and relearning their memories again, an overview of their lives.
Coincidentally I've been in a cleaning mood. I have refused invitations this month to spend more time tidying, and I know I still have much more to do. Her method is sort of what I had in my mind for my big summer clean; maybe this'll inspire my own cleaning festival. Who knows.
July 12, 2026
Thank you to Pan Macmillan SA for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
What if the things we own could tell us the stories they've been waiting for us to hear?
Whispering Rooms is a delightfully whimsical collection of interconnected short stories that blends Marie Kondo's philosophy of tidying with Genki Kawamura's gentle storytelling. It may look and feel like a children's book at first glance, but don't let that fool you—beneath its charming exterior lies a thoughtful exploration of grief, love, regret, memory, and the quiet ways our possessions become intertwined with our lives.
Miko, a professional tidier, has an extraordinary gift: she can hear the voices of the objects inside every room she enters. From chatty wardrobes to grumbling kitchen drawers, each item has a story to tell, and as Miko helps her clients sort through their belongings, they begin rediscovering forgotten memories and reconnecting with the people and moments that truly matter.
The magical premise never overshadows the emotional heart of the stories. Instead, the whimsy makes the life lessons feel even more meaningful. I found myself smiling one moment and feeling unexpectedly emotional the next. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes letting go isn't about throwing things away—it's about making space for what genuinely brings us joy.
The charming illustrations by Yosuke Omomo add another layer of warmth and perfectly complement the cosy atmosphere.
This is a comforting, heartfelt read that left me looking around my own home a little differently. I might just have to "Marie Kondo" my life after this.
If you'd like to hear more of my thoughts, I'll be sharing a full video review on my YouTube channel, Mr Pink Ink, very soon—keep an eye out!
A wonderfully cosy and surprisingly moving read that proves even the quietest stories can leave a lasting impression.
What if the things we own could tell us the stories they've been waiting for us to hear?
Whispering Rooms is a delightfully whimsical collection of interconnected short stories that blends Marie Kondo's philosophy of tidying with Genki Kawamura's gentle storytelling. It may look and feel like a children's book at first glance, but don't let that fool you—beneath its charming exterior lies a thoughtful exploration of grief, love, regret, memory, and the quiet ways our possessions become intertwined with our lives.
Miko, a professional tidier, has an extraordinary gift: she can hear the voices of the objects inside every room she enters. From chatty wardrobes to grumbling kitchen drawers, each item has a story to tell, and as Miko helps her clients sort through their belongings, they begin rediscovering forgotten memories and reconnecting with the people and moments that truly matter.
The magical premise never overshadows the emotional heart of the stories. Instead, the whimsy makes the life lessons feel even more meaningful. I found myself smiling one moment and feeling unexpectedly emotional the next. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes letting go isn't about throwing things away—it's about making space for what genuinely brings us joy.
The charming illustrations by Yosuke Omomo add another layer of warmth and perfectly complement the cosy atmosphere.
This is a comforting, heartfelt read that left me looking around my own home a little differently. I might just have to "Marie Kondo" my life after this.
If you'd like to hear more of my thoughts, I'll be sharing a full video review on my YouTube channel, Mr Pink Ink, very soon—keep an eye out!
A wonderfully cosy and surprisingly moving read that proves even the quietest stories can leave a lasting impression.
July 27, 2026
"Life is blurred and lopsided. Sometimes it's too bright, sometimes too dark. You can't erase it or edit it, unlike photos taken with a digital camera. But some of those moments are treasures."
A thoughtful and heartwarming read. Every story has something meaningful to say, and a few of them really stayed with me. A gentle reminder to cherish the people we love and the moments we often take for granted.
A thoughtful and heartwarming read. Every story has something meaningful to say, and a few of them really stayed with me. A gentle reminder to cherish the people we love and the moments we often take for granted.
September 20, 2025
Marie Kondo senza dubbio mi dà gioia.
Read
June 5, 2026Marie Kondo telling us how to declutter again through sweet little stories, and a talking box.
May 19, 2026
Cute and cozy. Loved the accompanying illustrations. Inspired me to tidy and clean up my home!
January 2, 2025
3.5
"Gli oggetti che incontriamo, gli oggetti da cui ci separiamo. Ciascuno di loro ha un ruolo e un po' alla volta cambiano la nostra vita."
"Gli oggetti che incontriamo, gli oggetti da cui ci separiamo. Ciascuno di loro ha un ruolo e un po' alla volta cambiano la nostra vita."
April 30, 2026
Generational collab LOL it was cute and made me reflect on my hoarding habits
August 7, 2026
If I’m allowed to be mean for a sec
this was cheesy, boring, repetitive cleaning porn
Wouldn’t recommend
Not too bad as a nap read though
this was cheesy, boring, repetitive cleaning porn
Wouldn’t recommend
Not too bad as a nap read though
June 24, 2026
Lovely light quick read. Simplistic and approachable. While it won't solve your house, it can offer encouragement through the stories.
I still feel there needs to be a further category of objects that don't spark joy but we must keep like medical devices added. But other than that, it is worth reading. Helpful tidying glossary at the end.
I still feel there needs to be a further category of objects that don't spark joy but we must keep like medical devices added. But other than that, it is worth reading. Helpful tidying glossary at the end.
February 20, 2026
I originally went to the bookstore for a different book, but when I couldn’t find it, this one caught my attention — and I decided to give it a try.
The premise of tidying up immediately caught my attention, especially since I used to love it. It turned out to be a great pick — no regret at all.
It tells a meaningful story about different types of people and shows how easy it can be to create a mindful personal space.
„Our living space is a reflection of our inner state.“ and „Our space should be dedicated to the person we are becoming, not to who we were in the past.“ are the two sentences that struck me the most.
The premise of tidying up immediately caught my attention, especially since I used to love it. It turned out to be a great pick — no regret at all.
It tells a meaningful story about different types of people and shows how easy it can be to create a mindful personal space.
„Our living space is a reflection of our inner state.“ and „Our space should be dedicated to the person we are becoming, not to who we were in the past.“ are the two sentences that struck me the most.
February 4, 2026
A gorgeous book, a lot more about life than you’d think! I’ve loved Marie’s method since I first learned about it, and often use it when decluttering or tidying. This book felt like that nostalgic feeling you get when you find an old school project, or old photograph. It was heartwarming, with the perfect balance of personal anecdotes and client stories. The story about Grandma Mikako particularly spoke to me as it reminded me so much of my own Grandmother. A really sweet book, I’m glad to have read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #WhisperingRooms #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #WhisperingRooms #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
February 13, 2026
I love this book so much!
Miko (Marie Kondo) as the main character goes to different families and places for tidying up. The stories are amazing. They will teach you about decluttering, what’s important and not-so important things that we consider important.
Love the illustrations.
Goodreads, update the book cover at the earliest! The book is so underrated!
Miko (Marie Kondo) as the main character goes to different families and places for tidying up. The stories are amazing. They will teach you about decluttering, what’s important and not-so important things that we consider important.
Love the illustrations.
Goodreads, update the book cover at the earliest! The book is so underrated!
March 10, 2026
I am a clutter-y person and over sentimental about things. My husband is the opposite. While recently complaining about my mess he mentioned Marie kondo and this was the book available at the library.
I thought it was fine. I can’t really believe I finished it but it was a very fast read. Kind of repetitive and a weird magical realism which to be honest felt disingenuous. Aside from that, the advice is good and I can see how my husband just naturally does a lot of the things that she recommends. Her other book that came out at the same time as her Netflix show is much better. Having said that, old habits die hard and I can’t see myself doing a festival of tidying up any time soon!
I thought it was fine. I can’t really believe I finished it but it was a very fast read. Kind of repetitive and a weird magical realism which to be honest felt disingenuous. Aside from that, the advice is good and I can see how my husband just naturally does a lot of the things that she recommends. Her other book that came out at the same time as her Netflix show is much better. Having said that, old habits die hard and I can’t see myself doing a festival of tidying up any time soon!
October 21, 2023
Veramente tanto carino.
Mi son resa conto solo dopo (è un regalo) che ha collaborato Marie Kondo.
È un libro molto leggero, a tratti emozionante, con una storia quasi banale, però nel complesso mi è piaciuto.
Mi hanno dato un po’ fastidio i continui cenni a Box, personaggio superfluo secondo me.
Molto utili i consigli sul riordino.
Mi son resa conto solo dopo (è un regalo) che ha collaborato Marie Kondo.
È un libro molto leggero, a tratti emozionante, con una storia quasi banale, però nel complesso mi è piaciuto.
Mi hanno dato un po’ fastidio i continui cenni a Box, personaggio superfluo secondo me.
Molto utili i consigli sul riordino.
April 18, 2026
read this in a day, a light and heartwarming read. will definitely watch marie kondo’s show in netflix though.
February 16, 2026
Whispering Rooms
Author : Genki Kawamura, Marie Kondo
Translator : Cathy Hirano
This seven-chapter novel is a compilation of short stories revealing the experiences Miko encounters w/ her chatty tidying companion w/ white & blue stripes named Hako (means "box" in Japanese), as they tidy over a thousand homes, w/ each room in those homes filled w/ overflowing memories & thoughts of different people & their respective belongings.
This was such a fascinating book to read w/ its magical realism combining the ability of the individuals' possessions to communicate, w/ the struggles every owner has w/ them : be it organizing, putting things in order, cleaning or tidying up their own mess.
The illustrations in-between the short stories were adorable; definitely adds to the imaginative spark of the narrative. The bickering & squabbles of the clothes though, as if they're siblings, reminded me of Anastasia & Drizella Tremaine, the stepsisters of Cinderella in the story. I wonder why. 🤭 Plus Hako's character & the way it speaks is just plain sassy, & whimsical, w/ a touch of sarcasm, & the way it gobbles up the food secretly before Miko can even taste it, I just can't. 😅
Somehow at first glance, my first impressions were more of like tips on how to live a minimalistic life. But when you dig a little deeper, physical things are not just the ones we need to be selective about. In life, there are also people in our circle or relationships that we might need to remove, especially those who make it toxic & unbearable or any unnecessary negative thoughts or vibes w/c bring only unhappiness.
As the story progresses, there are topics talked about in connection w/ consumerism, hoarding, overconsumption & clutter, as well as the famous "spark joy method" of the author herself. Although this was emphasized in a positive output, clients still faced the difficult task of disgarding items, simply because some stuff are mementos & keepsakes w/c trigger nostalgic stories & emotional memories, & are therefore of high sentimental value. On the other hand, only through tidying up are we able to learn to face the cruelties of reality w/c we try to deny or escape from.
A lighthearted, heartwarming & emotional read w/ a touch of humor, perfect for those in need of a change of pace, or as a palette cleanser after a heavy mental read!
Might not be for everybody's taste though, if the author's method come as preachy & purely idealistic. Might even be an insult to collectors! 🫣
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
P.S. Follow me for more book reviews on:
❥ Instagram @bookwormdenz
❥ Threads @denz.kaye
❥ Meta @bookworm.denz
❥ Goodreads @bookwormdenz
Author : Genki Kawamura, Marie Kondo
Translator : Cathy Hirano
This seven-chapter novel is a compilation of short stories revealing the experiences Miko encounters w/ her chatty tidying companion w/ white & blue stripes named Hako (means "box" in Japanese), as they tidy over a thousand homes, w/ each room in those homes filled w/ overflowing memories & thoughts of different people & their respective belongings.
This was such a fascinating book to read w/ its magical realism combining the ability of the individuals' possessions to communicate, w/ the struggles every owner has w/ them : be it organizing, putting things in order, cleaning or tidying up their own mess.
The illustrations in-between the short stories were adorable; definitely adds to the imaginative spark of the narrative. The bickering & squabbles of the clothes though, as if they're siblings, reminded me of Anastasia & Drizella Tremaine, the stepsisters of Cinderella in the story. I wonder why. 🤭 Plus Hako's character & the way it speaks is just plain sassy, & whimsical, w/ a touch of sarcasm, & the way it gobbles up the food secretly before Miko can even taste it, I just can't. 😅
Somehow at first glance, my first impressions were more of like tips on how to live a minimalistic life. But when you dig a little deeper, physical things are not just the ones we need to be selective about. In life, there are also people in our circle or relationships that we might need to remove, especially those who make it toxic & unbearable or any unnecessary negative thoughts or vibes w/c bring only unhappiness.
As the story progresses, there are topics talked about in connection w/ consumerism, hoarding, overconsumption & clutter, as well as the famous "spark joy method" of the author herself. Although this was emphasized in a positive output, clients still faced the difficult task of disgarding items, simply because some stuff are mementos & keepsakes w/c trigger nostalgic stories & emotional memories, & are therefore of high sentimental value. On the other hand, only through tidying up are we able to learn to face the cruelties of reality w/c we try to deny or escape from.
A lighthearted, heartwarming & emotional read w/ a touch of humor, perfect for those in need of a change of pace, or as a palette cleanser after a heavy mental read!
Might not be for everybody's taste though, if the author's method come as preachy & purely idealistic. Might even be an insult to collectors! 🫣
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
P.S. Follow me for more book reviews on:
❥ Instagram @bookwormdenz
❥ Threads @denz.kaye
❥ Meta @bookworm.denz
❥ Goodreads @bookwormdenz
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews