Rating: 3 stars

In our materialistic society some judge others—as well as themselves—by how much “stuff” they have. Between having the latest electronic gadget and keeping up with the Joneses, one wonders where the line is that tells us we have enough or even how much is too much. Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things explores that line and finds millions who take saving to the extreme.

The prologue starts things off with one of the more vivid stories featuring Langley and Homer Collyer, two shut-ins from a wealthy New York family, living in a three-story Harlem brownstone and rarely seen in public. In 1947 the brothers were found dead—one from a heart attack (most likely brought on by starvation) and the other crushed by bales of newspaper when he accidentally triggering one of the many booby-traps.

The debris removal had to be done slowly and cautiously, as there was significant danger due to the now-crumbling house and the support these possessions provided the structure. In the end 170 tons of debris was removed, including 14 grand pianos and a Model T Ford.

Frost, a professor of psychology at Smith and Steketee dean of social work at Brown began their research into hoarding a decade ago, having no idea of the compulsion’s incredible scope. Through individual portraits, the authors introduce those they’ve met and studied; noting the similarities and differences in the how and why of hoarding.

Stuff isn’t a book to read for “entertainment value". Hoarding is a serious condition with serious consequences. Those who hoard (or knows someone who does), will find this book helpful in understanding why people hoard and hopefully how to stop. Although quite informative, the reading can feel bogged down and heavy at times due to the psychological explanations and the extensive descriptions required to give visual reference to the reader.
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Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (April 20, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0151014231