Patience and the Porsche [Hardcover]

Valentina Sgro (Author), Carl E. Cormany (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2007

The first novel about a professional organizer, by a professional organizer.

Synopsis

Patience "Pat" Oaktree is the self-proclaimed most successful professional organizer in the State. Never mind that she's borderline chronically disorganized herself and can't seem to start, much less complete, some of her own projects. She uses her silent mantra of "Patience, Patience" to remind herself not to get frustrated. Pat's newest client is Susan Huffman, whose self-righteous sister Hellen has challenged her to get, and stay, organized. Success will bring $100,000! And Susan has promised Pat a $25,000 share if she helps. Susan and Pat both learn and have fun as they work their way through Susan's houseful of stuff, including the family china, a Wall of Food, and many home-party and late-night-TV buys. But will their efforts meet Hellen's standards? And just who is that drop-dead handsome man who visits next door with the shiny, black Porsche?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Valentina Sgro is a member of the Golden Circle of the National Association of Professional Organizers and a Certified Chronic Disorganization Specialist. She is the owner of SGRO Consulting, Solutions for Getting Really Organized. Her first book, "Organize Your Family's Schedule In No Time," was an iParenting Media Award winner. Val lives with her husband in Shaker Heights, Ohio. They are in denial that they are old enough to have a son in graduate school.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Green Square Publishing; 1st edition (June 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979355206
• ISBN-13: 978-0979355202
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,546,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great fun, June 18, 2007

By 

Alice Price (Long Island, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Patience and the Porsche (Hardcover)

Val Sgro has written a most delightful little organizing novel! In addition to being a very entertaining book full of organizing tips for the masses, this book is very much an `insiders' story.

Here's the first paragraph: Pat turned to look back into the living room as she always did as she left for work. Her eyes noted the collection of shoes sitting just inside the door, skimmed briefly over the wilted plant in the corner, and rested for a moment on the remains of her light breakfast - a half-empty teacup and a plate of cookie crumbs - on the dining room table that was visible beyond the living room. Her mind's eye noted regretfully the eggshells that should have been sent down the disposal still sitting in the kitchen sink and the jumble of recipes she had left sitting on the counter. Then Pat turned, pulled the door shut behind her, jiggled the knob to make sure it had locked, and headed toward the garage. And she concluded her departure preparations with her usual thought: Why am I going out to organize someone else when I should be staying home and organizing myself?

I am certain that every PO has had that thought at least once! And that is just the beginning. Val continuously and humorously keeps presenting our heroine, Pat, as a mirror for other POs - from the happily married woman who fantasizes about the handsome next door neighbor with the Porsche to the dilemmas of being a luncheon speaker to the many copious notes for the book she will write `someday'! By introducing a Professional Organizer as a fictional heroine, Val also shows the world the character and personality most of us possess. Sincere, kind, not-so-perfect folks, who strive to make the world a better place by helping our clients to re-make their worlds into the peaceful, serene place they desire.

Get this book as a gift to yourself and read it now! It will bring many smiles and giggles into your life. And who couldn't use more of that!

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun and intersting read!, August 3, 2009

By 

Kathi Burns, CPO® Author of How to Master Yo... (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Patience and the Porsche (Hardcover)

I really enjoyed reading this book. The field of Professional Organizing is growing quickly and now folks can learn more about what we do and how it works by following this highly entertaining professional organizer throughout her busy work week. I cant wait for the next Patience book!

5.0 out of 5 stars The inside Scoop, November 13, 2007

By 

A. Winner - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Patience and the Porsche (Hardcover)

In Patience and the Porsch Patience and the PorscheVal Sgro shows the world what organizing really looks like. And she pulls it off with humor and tact. The benefits of reading this book,for clients and organizers, are numerous. Val clearly lays out the organzing process in a way that will appeal to all. Motivating and captivating throughout.