Rescue from Domestic Perfection: The Not-So Secrets of Balancing Life and Style [Paperback]

Dan Ho (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 4, 2006

Dan Ho, described in "USA Today" as the "anti-Martha Stewart," humorously discusses how to simplify life and find one's true style with minimal money and time. 150 full-color photos.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dan Ho is the publisher and creator of Rescue magazine and has been called "the anti-Martha" by Time magazine and USA Today. In 2006 Ho will have a series on Discovery Health network, as well as four one-hour specials.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Bulfinch; First Edition edition (October 4, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821258036
• ISBN-13: 978-0821258033
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #136,577 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #46 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Interior Design > Decoration & Ornament

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Consumerism Is Not The Answer, November 13, 2006

By 

Virginia Allain "(retired librarian)" (Poinciana, FL) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Rescue from Domestic Perfection: The Not-So Secrets of Balancing Life and Style (Paperback)

For a habitual HGTV watcher like myself, Dan Ho is a bit of a shock. He advocates against painting your walls red and lining up all your pictures, just so, above the sofa. Personally he minimized his possessions, moved into a smaller space and says we all work too hard trying to be in style.

His book tells us how to let go of the idea that possessions lead to perfection. I'd think we would all realize by now that having-it-all leads instead to messiness. If you own a book on clutter or getting organized, then you know what I'm talking about.

I haven't seen his new show yet, but after having my eyes opened by his book, I want to hear more from this man. He says we just need to relax and tap into who we really are and that's style.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Follow the spirit not the letter of advice, May 26, 2007

By 

Old Fashioned Girl (VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rescue from Domestic Perfection: The Not-So Secrets of Balancing Life and Style (Paperback)

While I found the concept Dan is selling--"gai" as true style--refreshing and compelling, I was puzzled by several sections in the book where he spent much time/effort/space trying to tell his readers what they should or should not be doing in order to have authentic style...my understanding of his philosophy was that we should do what resonates for us, yet he felt compelled to make sure that we understood that kitchen canisters (among other things) are terrible things that are not "gai." While I agree that buying something just because it is "in style" is not the way to be authentically stylish, it does not mean that any one product can't be part of a person's authentic style if they have a personal motivation behind using it.

Bottom line--if you are looking for an alternative to the "style" magazines and TV shows that will help you make your house a home and your life more authentic, check out this book, but remember to absorb the spirit of what he is saying, ignore the declarations about various items, and make up your own mind about what is "gai" for you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love him!, May 12, 2007

By 

Niffer (Seattle, wa United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rescue from Domestic Perfection: The Not-So Secrets of Balancing Life and Style (Paperback)

Dan Ho breathes new life into the style/decorating/DIY/self help genre. He pumps you up, giving readers permission to enjoy the important things in life, rather than waste valuable time creating the perfect craft room or hunting down useless kitchen gadgets at culinary boutiques. I appreciate his positive, no nonsense approach and value his humourous, helpful insights!

You go Gai!