Objects of My Affection

By: Jill Smolinski

Narrated by: Xe Sands

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)

Performance distracted from the story.

How could the performance have been better?

I will make sure I never listen to another book narrated by Xe Sands. The end of her sentences are faded out and gravely, in a way I'm sure is fine if you're chatting with her in person, but was very distracting in an audio book. Her voice made the characters sound confused, like they just woke up from a nap, even during the most strong, passionate dialogue in the story. I kept expecting to get used to her style, but it was annoying until the very end of the book. On the other hand, I got to the end of the book so it wasn't so annoying as to make me waste a credit!

If you can relate to "Too Much Stuff"...Read on!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, for anyone who has either had a problem with too much stuff of their own or had frustration with others close to them who have too many things. The author crafted a sometimes funny, sometimes disturbing, but always captivating story about a gifted and eccentric artist and the life events that lead her into years of hoarding. I'm going to recommend it as my book for our book group.

What other book might you compare Objects of My Affection to and why?

Unlike anything else I have read. Novel topic and a great listen.

Have you listened to any of Xe Sands’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were many moving moments. I was most moved when Marva, the artist who generally seems cold, unfeeling, and disconnected, is able to show compassion for Lucy, a personal organizer hired to help her, in her relationship with her son.

Any additional comments?

Besides being a fun listen, the author has given me some food for thought about what I value in life and what I should do about it.

Delightful

I really enjoyed this book. Poignant and fun. Gave me a better understanding of hoarding. About holding on and letting go.

Really Engrossing Story

I had no preconceived ideas about this book - it was listed as a free book with the Audible membership. But I liked the description and thought I’d give it a shot…and I’m so glad I did! A very personal and relatable story that keeps you surprised along the way. I love that the protagonist (and voice) of the story is far from perfect. She has many flaws and much to learn and we learn all of it along with her. The narrator is terrific. She doesn’t have specifically different voices (as in “character voices”) for each person and it’s doesn’t matter. Her acting is spot on and I had no trouble distinguishing what was going on at all times. I highly recommend this story of struggle and growth and learning how to accept - especially yourself.

Characters need more development

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

The characters need more developing.

What other book might you compare Objects of My Affection to and why?

New to Audible and audiobooks so don't have anything to compare to.

Would you be willing to try another one of Xe Sands’s performances?

Undecided.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes.

Enjoyable!

What did you like best about this story?

I found the main character to be believable and sympathetic, especially as the novel brought in the secondary storyline related to her drug-addicted son. Yes, you could say it's a light and breezy tale, but it touches on deeper themes as well.

loved it

What did you love best about Objects of My Affection?

this was perfect for me after living in my own home for 30 years I am now ready to let go without losing my memories. It gave me the confidence to move forward.

Great story

It’s a coming of age story of not a young person but a mother of a young adult. She’s learning how to handle tough situations with her son. Then there’s the older well known artist who is also hitting a place in her life where she’s not sure or even if she belongs. Narrative is very good with her voice changes. I enjoyed it to the last word.

great story.

I really like the story. I almost didn't listen past beginning as reader was horrible.

Such a great book!

The narrator was fantastic and I loved the story! I found myself smiling g many times throughout the story!