Objects of My Affection - by Jill Smolinski (Paperback)

About the Book

Includes Touchstone reading group guide.

Book Synopsis

"Smolinski gracefully balances lighthearted humor with insightful musings on addiction, mortality, nostalgia, and affection, making this an entertaining and touching read" (Publishers Weekly).

Lucy Bloom is broke, freshly dumped by her boyfriend, and is forced to sell her house to send her nineteen-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 huge home of reclusive and eccentric painter Marva Meier Rios, Lucy grabs it. But she soon learns that the real challenge may be taking on Marva, who seems to love her objects 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.

Review Quotes

"A charmingly breezy tone marks this warm appraisal of our addiction to stuff."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"A moving look at the dangers of holding on to both objects and one's misconceptions, Smolinski's third novel will draw readers in through her flawed but sympathetic characters."-- "Booklist"

"Funny, poignant, and achingly smart, Objects of My Affection will win the hearts of loyal fans and new readers everywhere. Jill Smolinski's writing is smart, funny, and true with fully realized characters that readers will come to love."--Mia King, author of Good Things and Sweet Life

"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

"Reading Jill Smolinski feels like hanging out with a charming, savvy, fun-filled new friend."--Claire Cook, author of Must Love Dogs

"Simultaneously breezy yet thought provoking, this is a fun read that stays with you."-- "Sarah Pekkanen, author of These Girls"

"Smolinski does an incredible job of weaving together the stories of two willful women. . . and gives the often emotional storyline a genuine feeling of reality."-- "Times Record News (Wichita Falls, TX)"

"A humorous story of self-discovery."-- "Woman's World"

"Smolinski gracefully balances lighthearted humor with insightful musings on addiction, mortality, nostalgia, and affection, making this an entertaining and touching read."-- "Publishers Weekly"