From the AuthorI wrote this book originally as a blog because after spending all day in Dad's house I used to come home only to spend any remaining hours of the day on the phone to my friends who all rang to see how I was getting on. I found I was ranting on about the same things over and over to each friend but I had to get it out and God bless them all for asking. I figured the best way to let them all know without boring them to death and so they could switch off when listening to my ranting became too much, was to write it all down. This helped me enormously to get it off my chest so to speak and stop it whizzing around my head and causing me ulcers and headaches and heavens only knows what else. how do i cancel my bookbub account Diary of a Hoarder's Daughter: A diary of dealing with an extreme hoarder written with honesty and humour.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. InterestingBy GinnyReaderThis was a very interesting true story about growing up with, and living with, a hoarder. My ex-husband had these tendencies but they were only tendencies. He still struggles with throwing things out, and when I read many of Imelda's reasons for keeping all sorts of oddball items, I could hear him saying the same things. BUT, he would give things a good cleaning out every so often.Many people commented about why the daughter chose to clean. I get that. She was respectful of her father's feelings and of his things. Even though he didn't pay her any attention (while growing up or when she was cleaning), she found ways to deal with that emotionally.As for growing up in that environment, I can see how it gradually became an issue and by that point nobody knew how to handle it. Times were different, too. Her mom was educated but trying to deal with the dad and his issues was way above her pay grade. The cost was her mental illness.Interesting book. Yes there were complaints, but it was part of telling the story.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. I enjoyed reading this book in a much it shed light ...By MissMarpleI enjoyed reading this book in as much as it shed light on the life of a Hoarder. I found it interesting in how the author described how her father reacted when she would approach him regarding getting rid of an item. I think all of us have a little "hoarder" in us. Keeping things that mean something to us yet nothing to someone else. My only problem with the book is the way it ended. It just dropped off and did not finish the story. But it is a pretty good read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Personal Look At HoardingBy Lori D'AmicoI found this book to be an interesting and somewhat informative read. I do think it could have been more helpful to those affected by hoarding if Ms Winter had included the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) definition of hoarding as well as some resources people could contact for help. If it had that information in the book, I'd have been able to give it a 5 star rating as it is very well written and very honest! I think the author was able to accurately convey what it must be like living in such an environment as well as a logical progression of thought that I suspect many of us would have when faced with such a situation! Feelings run the gamut from being a young child and thinking this is just how it is, to embarrassment, shame, confusion (why would anyone WANT to live that way?) to frustration and finally to a sort of weary acceptance! I wonder if there might be a sequel? If so, I'd definitely read it as I'd like to know if the author or anyone ever encouraged psychiatric help for her father's illness or if perhaps it was forced upon him to deal with it either by social services due to health reasons, the fire department due to safety issues and/or building code violations or perhaps, sadly, death intervened and left the author to deal with the aftermath of the disorder. I am also curious as to how her brother (who was discussed minimally in the book for privacy reasons) is handling living in that environment or if perhaps he too has broken free.All in all, an interesting and satisfying read!