Keepsakes By Kristina Riggie (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
First, I have to say had this book not had the bad words marked out, I wouldn't have been able to give it such a high score. I really enjoyed the story but if all the whited out spaces had the F-bomb, it would have been too harsh to enjoy.The cleaned up version was enjoyable, however. At the end of the book, Kristina Riggle mentions an Oprah episode on hoarders that fascinated her and she eventually wrote Keepsake dealing with a competent, successful, organized person who is also a secret hoarder and has a house filled to the rafters with stuff. I had seen that same Oprah episode and never forgot it either. That experience with learning about some of the possible psychology behind hoarders made this book seem very possible & true to life for me. As a person who lives a life among a fair amount of stuff, I try not to hold onto everything, but frequently struggles with guilt or worry of regret if I part with things. I am a far cry from a hoarder, but I could relate to some of the thoughts and worries the hoarder had as she tried to let some things go. Of course, I also recognized the clean-freak sister had her own issues to deal with too. It was a good story about family dynamics, the role that "stuff" can play in our lives, letting go of childhood stereo types that we made for ourselves or others, depression, dealing with grief, supporting each other, not being ashamed to get professional help sometimes, etc. If you can find an edited version of the book (mine was borrowed), then I recommend it. If not, you'll want to steer clear. I don't think I'll read more of Riggle's books because of the amount of language in this one. Keepsake by Kristina Riggle is an interesting read about how hoarding affected the whole family. Trish and Mary are sisters but different as night and day. Trish is a hoarder to such an extent that social services came to her house threatening to remove her 7-yr. old son from his home if she didn’t get the house cleaned up—clutter and junk was everywhere! Trish’s older son left home and lives at his girlfriend’s house because he couldn’t stand all the clutter. On the other hand, Mary is a single neat freak whose best friend is a good book. Trish realizes she can’t clean it up by herself so reluctantly accepts help from her family. I found it interesting that often people become hoarders after having a traumatic experience that sets them off. The sisters in this book lost touch after their mother died but through cleaning out the house, got to rebuild their relationship. My dad had a lot of clutter in his house after my mom died with one narrow path to walk so I could identify with Mary in this book. If you know a hoarder or are a hoarder, I think you would enjoy this book. It includes discussion questions in the back so could be an interesting book club read.(Karen's review)
What do You think about Keepsakes By Kristina Riggie (2012)?
Loved this book! Yes, it's a page-turner. I didn't want to put it down!
—Hwan
bleh more like 2.5 just didn't enjoy it like I was hoping I would.
—kernmedic
