Great Writing

http://thepointmag.com/2015/criticism/the-magic-of-untidiness

I read this article because it has to do with a new book out explaining how eliminating stuff or 'decluttering' can make a person happier. Fittingly titled The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, it examines how messes around home can add to stress and anxiety in everyday life. I haven't read the book although it sounds a bit self-help-y with, most likely, a fair amount of psychobabble tossed in for good measure. The reviewer impressed me though; I've always felt that a good writer of fiction could force the reader to use all five senses to experience a time or place. Laurel Berger does this when explaining his (A man I guess?) fascination with old copies of books the way they look, feel, smell and taste. He gives a description of the dust blowing into his face when opening an old discolored copy that belonged to a professor, a collector of books. The richness of the prose forces the reader to continue in hopes of  discovering the mystery of the old book and what happened to the owner. A long-form piece is sometimes a slog for readers but a gifted writer can smooth out the rough patches and keep the surprise alive until the end. Great writing keeps the reader interested, no matter the subject and no matter the text. Berger is great. And to think I wasn't even interested in this new tidying up book.