A Perfect Mess, by Eric Abrahamson and David H Freedman (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, RRP $35.99):
So, we’ve had the self-help books that tell us how to organise our lives and have everything running like a well-oiled machine. It’s big business, this organising lark, with books, websites and TV shows devoted to helping us poor suckers get ourselves sorted.
However, this book turns all that upside down. A Perfect Mess is a ground-breaking book that unlocks the power of disorder and shows how you can use it to change your life.
Ever since Einstein’s study of Brownian Motion, scientists have understood that a little disorder is actually a good thing, making systems more effective.
Packed with stories and case studies, this book provides and antidote to the acccepted wisdom that tight schedules and neatness are the keys to success.
There’s hope for me yet.