Meet Celia Stone, the ultimate hyper-organised, journal-obsessed thirty-something with a life that is perfectly planned out and running like clockwork. From her promising writing career to her devoted partner and rigorous fitness routine, Celia has it all – and she’s right on track with her early retirement plan. But when her husband suggests it’s time to start a family, Celia begins to question whether a new addition might just throw off-course everything she’s worked so hard to achieve.
Follow Celia’s diary entries on a year-long journey of self-discovery as she navigates the ups and downs of trying to have it all.
Just finished this book by Emma Young, I read it retrospectively as a younger me. The ever present lists and organisation of life can be quite daunting. Emma captured this perfectly she made me laugh and gasp and sometimes want to cry. I was carried forward on Celia’s journey, sharing her doubts, fear, coping mechanisms and love. It was well written and I would recommend it, better than any self help book, it’s full of heartfelt reality.
The book is Celia’s diary entries for 2019. It’s a fun style, easy to read, but it draws you in as you start to realise ‘this is serious’. Celia is 34 years old, happily married to Jes, trying to lead the perfect life. She exercises and runs, works at eating healthily, makes sure to keep up with friends and family no matter how exhausting, has a difficult and responsible career that she takes very seriously, is trying to save money and be environmentally responsible, AND she’s writing a book. To manage all this she keeps innumerable lists, writes affirmations, practices yoga and mindfulness. Are we surprised then when she mentions in her diary that her hair has started falling out? Things spiral into disorder when Jes proposes a ‘next step’ in their marriage, and the reader starts to understand some of the factors that lie behind Celia’s need for perfection. For anyone who suffers with anxiety, this book could be triggering – or irritating – or therapeutic! I felt all those emotions as I read it, but most of all empathy for another list-maker. Happily, Celia’s year ends in a positive and hopeful place (but next year is COVID!)
It’s well worth overcoming any personal dislikes of Scheduling Lists, Self Help Books and New Year Resolutions to meet the very genuine and quite loveable Celia Stone, and accompany her through an important year in her life. A mash of diary entries and journaling takes us right into the thinking processes of Celia as we follow her recognisable life; we see her caring, thoughtful nature and her plans and ambitions for a happy married life with Jes – to be achieved by strictly disciplined control and detailed planning. Spontaneity is stressful for Celia. Surely some distorted thinking here? But all these lists seem to work (uneasily I’m thinking) as her career takes off, her manuscript is accepted, her goals are within reach and then the plot takes a surprise turn. And this is where the author really succeeds in bringing home truths about, and insights into, dealing with mental health issues – the rocky road to acceptance.
The skilful writing/journaling provides a wonderfully intimate and honest account of contemporary life – the possibilities, the difficulties, the challenges, particularly for sensitive young women.
I loved the storyline. A journey to discovery.
A good lesson in we can’t control all of our life sometimes we need to surrender to our hearts.
Can’t wait to read Emma’s next book.
Who is Celia Stone? Modern women, high achiever, people pleaser, list maker and eco-warrior. But how can you save the planet if you can’t save yourself? Emma Young writes with empathy, insight an honest account of life in the fast lane that will leave you asking if shredded lists are compostable and which bin do use to dispose of them.
The Disorganisation of Celia Stone is such an appropriate title for this novel, as we discover the central character whose approach to life is to be completely organised and in control of every facet. We soon discover that Celia’s life is in fact the complete opposite. I enjoyed the diary entry style of the book, it had a real ‘Bridget Jones’ vibe to it, with lots of humour and filled with laugh out loud moments throughout.
We meet Celia, a financial counsellor, who has a lot going on. She is to the point of obsessive with list making and has a minimalist approach to life, by following a healthy lifestyle with exercise and clean, controlled eating. Celia believes in being fiscally responsible and contributing to a sustainable planet by reducing clutter and nonessential purchases so we only have what we need, opposite to modern society that tends to be more like a ‘throwaway culture’.
Celia is trying to balance the stresses of modern day life, by fitting everything in (relationship, friends, family work plus interests and hobbies), and she is trying to say ‘no’ more to social invitations and seemingly failing at this. Celia likes to be productive, making the most of her time and has a strong belief that success in life equates to being a ‘high achiever’. She is also a workaholic and will not take a day off work.
The wheels eventually begin to ‘fall off’ as Celia develops some health issues, and it appears that everything Celia is doing is actually having the opposite negative effect on her health. Celia finally comes to the realisation things need to change as her current lifestyle is no longer serving her. She seeks professional help to change her ways and we follow her on this new journey of recovery and self-acceptance.
The book raises important issues and life lessons. Lots of people in modern day life face stresses in trying to balance and fit everything in to their busy lives, with the belief that if we don’t, we are somehow failing at life. It is a reminder to take stock at times and look for the more important things in life. It also highlights issues of body image and its effects, as Celia in particular is terrified of becoming ‘fat’. This is relatable as such issues have a big prevalence in todays society as women are constantly told that we need to look a certain way. Also with a ‘diet culture’ that embraces thin as healthy and lower weight is equated to higher value as an individual. The book highlights how easy it can be to spiral and develop unhealthy relationships with eating, and mental health disorders. This was an overall enjoyable read with some important takeaway lessons that we can all apply to our own lives.
Celia Stone, financial counsellor and promising writer, has been obsessively following lifestyle gurus and adhering to rigid schedules and “mindful eating” to optimise her health and productivity, while juggling the needs and social demands of others. And now her husband Jes wants her to add something else to the load. “Can I call in sick from my own life?”, she wonders.
Her diary entries over a year reveal her “work inbox overwhelm” and the rigid self-discipline which somehow leads to starvation – not just of sufficient food to keep her body well, but also of fun. “It started well, but somehow the rules grew and grew …”, Jes finally tells her.
It’s a rawly honest depiction – “so raw … it’s just about bleeding”, the author has admitted – of the gradual unravelling of an over-organised high achiever. Emma Young, a former bookseller and journalist, was inspired in this second novel by her own experiences of trying to juggle work and writing with staying healthy and motherhood.
It’s an absorbing tale many of us can relate to, about spiralling anxiety and trying too hard to do everything right. It also has lots of heart. And, ultimately, it provides us with hope.
Like many women, I indulge in lists, goals, and fantasise that having a perfectly labelled set of condiments is the secret to a happy and fulfilled life. I plan, I organise, and I get frustrated when those plans don’t materialise because of external events or my disobedient and vindictive body.
So, I could relate to Celia Stone. Well, to some of Celia. Celia has other issues, which gradually reveal themselves during this highly entertaining story.
The novel looks at several key issues of our time, such as the nature of a good life, the value of friendship, love and family, and how the pressure of modern life seeps into our consciousness even when we believe we are doing the exact opposite.
The novel, written in the form of a diary, is set in 2019. Over the year, Celia’s diary entries, which are self-deprecating to the point of hilarious realism, reveal her battles with her situation, and mostly with herself.
The writing flows, and draws you in, with references to many pop psychology and self-help books that will be familiar to many. It is also laugh out loud funny at times. I loved her voice on the page.
As I started reading this book, I got the feeling of comfort because Celia felt very organized and assertive, but then I quickly felt overwhelmed as she thought too deeply about too many things in life that should be simple and enjoyable. Being a perfectionist and always trying to do the right thing seemed exhausting to Celia and she was very out of balance mentally and physically. I felt sympathy for her and amazed how loving her partner was with her exhausting need to succeed at everything. She did, however, write and publish her book, which was particularly important to her life goals. As she got professional help and regained control by letting go of anxiety and expectations and became pregnant Celia found what she most desired in life was right in front of her, her husband.
This book is quite easy to read, though the lists were long and I lost focus here and there. I haven’t read any books by Emma Young before and am now inspired to see what else she has published. I definitely like the intensity and drama. Inspiring read!
Emma Young’s novel ‘Disorganisation of Celia Stone’ was totally captivating. It is one of those stories that fills your heart with connection, understanding and such relatable content. You are right there with the main character, willing them on and wanting to give advice from the sidelines, but as you can’t you are compelled to follow her story and find yourself page turning very quickly.
The format of the novel is diary style, and you know you were told to never read someones personal notes, well in this case you can, but this style of writing really creates an intimacy between author/reader. I really valued this reading bond.
The storyline delves through ups and downs, highs and lows and throughout this reading journey it’s refreshingly sweet, joyful, funny with empathetic and highly relatable moments.
On a side note – I always enjoy reading a book by an Australian author that contains Australian references within the content, adds to the realism and beautiful writing by the author.
This book is endearing, comforting, delightful, real and moving – there are take home moments and thoughts to process making this read such a pleasure – this book has so much to give.
Thank you Freemantle Press & Good Reading for giving me the opportunity to review The Disorganisation of Celia Stone by Emma Young.
I absolutely love the cover and therefore was very excited to read this book. I enjoyed being on the 12 month diary rollercoaster of life with Celia Stone, following her ups & downs it had me at times thinking about my own life.
It was an enjoyable read with laughter and at times some sadness it does also cover the topic of mental health issues.
I found the diary/planner lists to be an interesting concept but it worked well in this book. Overall I would recommend this book and I give it 3 1/2 stars.
This was an enjoyable read with characters that I related to easily. Celia is an obsessive planner, and someone I could empathise with. I really enjoyed this book, as I could relate to Celia’s lists and goal setting, and I could particularly identify with how Celia tried to fit everything in. Like Celia, I am trying to learn to say ‘no’ to too many social invitations. This is an easy read, and I appreciated the change in format. A reflective and thought-provoking book, with lots of humour and laugh out loud moments throughout.
Thank you @fremantlepress and Good Reading magazine for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I found this book very easy to read and having part of it written as diary entries gave it a different spin.
I was quite expecting it to be a ‘Bridget Jones’-type story but it definitely wasn’t!
I’m not a list-maker so to ‘live’ through someone else’s life through the lists they make was quite an eye opener. Making lists seems to make life feel quite regimented and doesn’t allow too much for spontaneity and it’s very interesting to see how we deal with things when the wheels start falling off–which often times is inevitable.
Celia (and her husband Jess) are both likeable characters and I felt invested in how their life was turning out throughout the book.
Definitely a book I would recommend!
The Disorganisation of Celia Stone was witty, well-paced and told a story that I think many women will relate to. I enjoyed this novel immensely and I feel it has broad appeal thanks to the engaging writing and contemporary topics. The relationship between the main character Celia and her partner Jes is not without its’ difficulties, however throughout the novel, they grow closer together thanks to open communication and love and respect for one another. The diary format of the novel works well to share just enough with the reader without going into too much of the minutiae of the main character’s life. It also helps to build a very strong connection with the main character as you are literally witnessing her inner most thoughts and feelings. I felt very understood by Emma Young as she was open and honest in her portrayal of what it is like to be a woman in today’s world. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is curious about personal finance, fertility and health or someone who just likes a good read!
It took me a while to adjust to the writing style which includes plans, lists, schedules, spreadsheets and the narrative told through diary entries.
I soon warmed up to Celia who is a perfectionist, organised to the extreme so that her life is regulated by self-imposed rules to make sure her every waking hour is productive.
She is also a kind-hearted, thoughtful, loving, supportive, but very controlling partner, friend, worker and family member.
We gradually see her deep seated fears and insecurities. Health issues make her realise she must change her lifestyle.
This valuable book demonstrates how stressful a “perfect, successful “ life can be, and shows us numerous solutions and ways to seek help.
Prepare for a tumultuous read through a year with Celia Stone. She’s kind, caring and thoughtful with family, friends and colleagues … everyone except herself.
Celia believes that her obsessive must-do lists and daily runs will ensure optimal health and keep her life plan on track to early retirement. Unravelling the truth behind this drive opens a window to witness the effect of long-held grief on Celia’s mind and body.
This contemporary Australian novel is relatable for women as we face a similar barrage of issues and expectations, many of which become internalized.
After a jittery start with a somewhat hectic amount of list boxes, the story unfolds with warmth and humour which builds along with the characters to convey a hopeful path forward.
I found myself skimming over Celia’s ‘to-do’s but don’t let that stop you from reading this relevant and sensitively crafted novel.