Wow, did I love this book! I've seen a lot of organizing books, but this one was full of ideas and suggestions I hadn't seen before. They were very, very easy to implement quickly and cheaply. I particularly loved her suggestions on labelling files in way that's actually meaningful to you - labels and folders that make you WANT to do the work inside rather than avoid it. That was a huge change in my way of thinking. I'm also an out-of-sight-out-of-mind person, and I liked her suggestions on using simple clear/translucent containers (as opposed to all kinds of 'specialty' single-use containers that just add to my clutter). A must-read, particularly for creative types. — TheCafeWriter (Chicago, IL USA)
When I saw HOW TO GET ORGANIZED WITHOUT RESORTING TO ARSON by Liz Franklin, a self-described Cultural Anthropologist, I just had to read it if just for the title . . . and I'm glad that I did . . . the book delivers on its promise. Franklin uses humor to get her points across, yet she also provides a lot of very concrete advice . . . in addition, she doesn't tell you what you have to do, and she recognizes the fact that everybody is different. — Blaine Greenfield (Belle Meade, NJ)
I've read quite a few books on organizing. After awhile, they all come out about the same in advice, each with their unique point of view and maybe a couple of "wow" moments. This book though, had something different to offer. It helped me to show and help others how they could organize themselves to fit their personality. The book is packed full of helpful and thoughtful things yet it's easy to understand. It's also down to earth so that you can actually start carrying out what you've learned without the "inspiration high" many self-help books give. Though I enjoyed this book, there was one drawback. I wish this book would have been longer! All in all, this is one of the best books on organizing an office that I've come across yet. — Rosamede (Minnesota)
If you want - no MUST - change your life, READ THIS BOOK. It's more than just "how to straighten up your office" although it does that more compassionately and with more humor than any book or person I've seen. This book is the one that finally WORKS for me, maybe because my nervous system isn't wired like most organizers, and Liz Franklin takes this into account. Besides, have you ever met an organizer who's FUNNY? I recommended this book unequivocally to anyone. Try it. I was surprised. — Pamela Crawford (Berkeley CA)
I have every organizing book known to man, and this is one of the best. The author deals with real problems in the e-office, organizing styles, tools, and furniture placement. You'll find ideas you can use. — Patricia Murray (NYC)
This is so refreshing! It's a totally different approach to finding your own personal organizing methods rather than using the traditional one-fits-all ways. I am already using Liz's hints as they apply to my personal style, and have noticed a definite reduction in the stress level, dealing with office matters. I can recommend this book to anyone who is ready to end the customary confusion of tracking their paperwork, their hobby, their lists, their calendar --- whatever. She's got it down cold. — Annie Maugham (Portland, OR USA)
This book was useful, witty, relaxing, and simple enough to be applied by just about anyone. — Stephan Branczyk (Emeryville, CA United States)
I have bought nearly every book on organization from many how-to gurus. None really helped. Thinking back, they were stuffy and complicated with stale, rigid rules. This book is the only one that makes sense to me and gives real life solutions that actually work. The fresh, ingenious recommendations ideas found here are great for linear thinkers, creative types and for people who are a mixture of both. And if you have a bit of rebel in you - this book is definitely for you. As I follow the book's suggestions, I am realizing how lucky I was to stumble upon this little gem. It's one of the few how-to books that will save you money and time. If you allow it, this will be a life changing book. — Just me (Florida)
The unusual approach to organizing is refreshing. Everyone is different, and Liz's book gives you clues to your personal style, making it possible for you to do your organizing in a way that will work for you. And it's humorous. I laughed out loud several times while reading it. And these things work! — A Customer
I love it! I was laughing out loud at 2 in the morning! I'm planning to put as much of your advice to use as I can. Thanks again for the help and the laughs! I'm passing on your information to all my friends! — Karen Johannessen
I'm astonished! I read this book and discovered $7,000 lying under lost papers. Once you follow Liz's fun but wise advice, you open the doors for money to come to you faster than you can say, 'Read this book now!' — Joe Vitale, author of "Spiritual Marketing"
Franklin’s book is full of laughs and useful information for organizing office space—whether it’s at home or work, or is used by one person or many…Franklin offers fun ways to test your office mates’ personalities. . . Bosses will also benefit from the insight. — The Oakland Tribune
Really long title, pretty funny stuff. Franklin believes you can blame most clutter on your furniture. She has other usefully wacky ideas, too. — The San Francisco Chronicle
(Franklin) approaches this serious matter of chaos and clutter with the humor needed to tackle an office space, whether at work or at home. . . Part of Franklin’s appeal as a writer is her way of directing questions and information to the reader. (Franklin) sprinkles her advice with lots of amusing asides, which turn what could otherwise be a rather dull subject into an entertaining read. — The Montclarion
How to Get Organized Without Resorting to Arson is every bit as much fun to read as its title suggests, and it makes sense. . . .Throughout, Franklin emphasizes that the system that works is the one that works for the individual. — The Latrobe Bulletin
(Franklin’s) descriptions of work personalities, organizing styles, and access types are clever, comedic, and useful . . . it does away with the axiom that every other how to get organized plan stresses and allows you to handle a piece of paper more than once without feeling guilty or inefficient. If you follow the book chapter by chapter you will definitely be better organized like it or not. If used in an office setting everyone should have a copy of the book. — Heartland Reviews
Great book! A must read for any business person! — Patricia Stirnkorb, Cox Media, Fairfield, OH
This book saved my life! They were trying to make me do things the way they did them and it didn’t work for me. This book removed the guilt I felt that I wasn’t measuring up. — P. Stroud, Director of Student Affairs, Cal State Hayward, CA
My space has been pretty much clutter-free for a month now. WOW. And I have the very nice security of knowing where everything is located. It feels wonderful. Thank you, thank you! — Sharyn Gayton, Gayton Design, Oakland, CA
Franklin's energetic wit made the process easy. — Sal Glynn, Author, THE DOG WALKED DOWN THE STREET
I just had to write to say how much I enjoyed your book. I'm a college student so organization in small spaces is key! I loved identifying the sparklebrain in me! I was also so happy to recognize that I am synesthetic. Well, I could go on and on of course. Thanks for writing the book and making my life easier! — Allysse, St. Paul, MN
Your book is innovative and fresh! — Jennifer Vernon, San Ramon, CA
