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90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet
"90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet (...or more)" is a self-help/memoir book on organizing and downsizing your stuff so you can live the life you want, no matter what size home you live in.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
129 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2016
9 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Felice Cohen
10 books99 followersKnown nationally and internationally as the woman who lived in one of the world's smallest apartments, Felice Cohen is the grandchild of two Holocaust survivors and the author of the award-winning book "What Papa Told Me," a memoir about her grandfather's life before, during and after the war. Her second book, "90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet (...or more)", is based on the video of her 90-square-foot Manhattan studio that went viral with tens of millions of views on YouTube.com, gaining media attention around the globe, including the U.S., Australia, Germany, Canada, Ireland and South Korea. What enabled Felice to "live large" in that tiny studio is that she's been a professional organizer for over 25 years.
Felice's newest book, "Half In: A Coming-of-Age Memoir of Forbidden Love" is about a secret, lesbian, age-gap love affair she had when she was 23 with her boss, a 57-year-old woman who had a long-term partner. Felice kept it a secret for three decades. In this candid memoir, Felice chronicles the happiness and heartbreak of an age-gap love affair while struggling to figure out the direction of her future.
"What Papa Told Me" was endorsed by Elie Wiesel and Yad Vashem, has sold over 40,000 copies worldwide and has been translated into Polish. It won three honorable mention book awards, is taught in US schools' Holocaust curriculum and is in several Holocaust Museums in the US, Poland and the UK. Felice has spoken to tens of thousands of students and adults across the country and is featured in two documentaries focusing on grandchildren of survivors, and has a chapter in the anthology "In the Shadows of Memory: The Holocaust and the Third Generation," written by grandchildren of survivors.
Felice also writes a series of illustrated books called The Fancy Tales, which are modern day New York City versions of the classic fairy tales we grew up with, yet they contain a wholesomely presented and slightly sophisticated gay twist. She writes these under the pen name Weecee. The first three in the series include: She'safella, Peter Pan Zee and Jack and the Bad Stock.
For information on speaking engagements, her books or having Felice organize your life, please visit her website www.felicecohen.com
Felice's newest book, "Half In: A Coming-of-Age Memoir of Forbidden Love" is about a secret, lesbian, age-gap love affair she had when she was 23 with her boss, a 57-year-old woman who had a long-term partner. Felice kept it a secret for three decades. In this candid memoir, Felice chronicles the happiness and heartbreak of an age-gap love affair while struggling to figure out the direction of her future.
"What Papa Told Me" was endorsed by Elie Wiesel and Yad Vashem, has sold over 40,000 copies worldwide and has been translated into Polish. It won three honorable mention book awards, is taught in US schools' Holocaust curriculum and is in several Holocaust Museums in the US, Poland and the UK. Felice has spoken to tens of thousands of students and adults across the country and is featured in two documentaries focusing on grandchildren of survivors, and has a chapter in the anthology "In the Shadows of Memory: The Holocaust and the Third Generation," written by grandchildren of survivors.
Felice also writes a series of illustrated books called The Fancy Tales, which are modern day New York City versions of the classic fairy tales we grew up with, yet they contain a wholesomely presented and slightly sophisticated gay twist. She writes these under the pen name Weecee. The first three in the series include: She'safella, Peter Pan Zee and Jack and the Bad Stock.
For information on speaking engagements, her books or having Felice organize your life, please visit her website www.felicecohen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 7, 2017
Helpful book for cleaning my house!
May 16, 2019
Very enjoyable, if brief, book on organisation and living with less. The structure was unique but very effective - a short memoir with ninety tips on living sandwiched in between.
There were several good truisms including,
"you already know everything you need to be successful. The secret is remembering to act on what you know."
There were several good truisms including,
"you already know everything you need to be successful. The secret is remembering to act on what you know."
October 14, 2021
I have to admit that I was a little disappointed with this book. I reached the final page thinking, "Was that it?". I was very confused. I really was expecting more! I know there's the whole idea of less is more, but this was taking the piss! I was hoping for a little umph, something that made you think, or at least have an "aha" moment. Unfortunately, it was bland.
The style of writing is completely acceptable for a blog, but not for a book I'm afraid. I have received more insight from some free blog posts out there, than I did with this book. Sorry Felice! On the other hand, the YouTube video was great! That inspired me to be happy within my small space, but that was free and only took up like 3 mins of my time. I was hoping the book would give me more insight, but instead it felt like it was written with page-filler common quotes, not to mention mentioning her papa's book! If we wanted to know about your other books, we would; don't kill this book with a tacky marketing message.
The style of writing is completely acceptable for a blog, but not for a book I'm afraid. I have received more insight from some free blog posts out there, than I did with this book. Sorry Felice! On the other hand, the YouTube video was great! That inspired me to be happy within my small space, but that was free and only took up like 3 mins of my time. I was hoping the book would give me more insight, but instead it felt like it was written with page-filler common quotes, not to mention mentioning her papa's book! If we wanted to know about your other books, we would; don't kill this book with a tacky marketing message.
June 11, 2017
A short book full of great tips for decluttering your space and your life. Many of the tips could be taken more broadly to apply to any personal goal. While not much of this was new information, I appreciate Cohen's light humor, brief personal stories, and the layout of the book overall. I can also appreciate that Cohen's minimalist approach to clutter also applies to her book, as it cuts out all of the repetitive affirmations that similar books use to bulk up the page count - she gets straight to business. I'll be copying down a few of her points before returning this lovely book to the library for someone else's use. 3.5/5.
February 20, 2020
Great book on de-cluttering and organizing small spaces. Great book for living contentedly.
June 10, 2020
Nothing ground breaking
Small spaces, minimalism, decluttering, and organization. It was a quick read, but nothing Earth shaking or offering any light bulb "Ah ha!" moments. Read it for free or borrow it from the library. Maybe you'll walk away with an idea or two, but keep your expectations low.
Small spaces, minimalism, decluttering, and organization. It was a quick read, but nothing Earth shaking or offering any light bulb "Ah ha!" moments. Read it for free or borrow it from the library. Maybe you'll walk away with an idea or two, but keep your expectations low.
June 15, 2020
Not enough content.
August 3, 2017
This book was entered and was a FINALIST in The 2016 Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: 90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet (…or more)
Author: Felice Cohen
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 25
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt the book was informative.
15 felt the writing style was perfect for a book of this nature.
15 loved the title.
14 felt the author understood his/her subject and, also, his/her readership
Readers’ Comments
‘Cleverly written with lots of helpful tips on how to declutter and live in a tiny space. I loved the cover too.’ Male reader, aged 43
‘I liked the way she turned the psychology of ‘having’ to get rid of clutter to a positive goal. It’s all in the mind, and this shows in the writing of this helpful book.’ Female reader
‘I recently moved house. When I was looking at others to buy, I was amazed by how much clutter people have. Mostly a garage, packed to the brim with stuff they will never need. People seem so obsessed with ‘owning things’. It’s sort of sad really. So a book like this that shows how you can simplify life; and how you don’t need all this stuff, was a breath of fresh air. Very enjoyable and helpful.’ Female reader, aged 57
‘Decluttering is as much an emotional issue as a physical one. The book attempts to deal with this.’ Male reader, aged 66
‘This book seems to have two parts to it. The first is it attempts to practically tell the reader how to declutter. The second is it attempts to show the reader how to declutter the mind. Very clever, actually. I’d recommend it to any hoarder.’ Male reader, aged 49
‘Inspiring, helpful AND practical! A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: 90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet (…or more)
Author: Felice Cohen
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 25
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt the book was informative.
15 felt the writing style was perfect for a book of this nature.
15 loved the title.
14 felt the author understood his/her subject and, also, his/her readership
Readers’ Comments
‘Cleverly written with lots of helpful tips on how to declutter and live in a tiny space. I loved the cover too.’ Male reader, aged 43
‘I liked the way she turned the psychology of ‘having’ to get rid of clutter to a positive goal. It’s all in the mind, and this shows in the writing of this helpful book.’ Female reader
‘I recently moved house. When I was looking at others to buy, I was amazed by how much clutter people have. Mostly a garage, packed to the brim with stuff they will never need. People seem so obsessed with ‘owning things’. It’s sort of sad really. So a book like this that shows how you can simplify life; and how you don’t need all this stuff, was a breath of fresh air. Very enjoyable and helpful.’ Female reader, aged 57
‘Decluttering is as much an emotional issue as a physical one. The book attempts to deal with this.’ Male reader, aged 66
‘This book seems to have two parts to it. The first is it attempts to practically tell the reader how to declutter. The second is it attempts to show the reader how to declutter the mind. Very clever, actually. I’d recommend it to any hoarder.’ Male reader, aged 49
‘Inspiring, helpful AND practical! A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
November 30, 2016
Felice Cohen once lived in a Manhattan apartment. On the plus side, the rent was low, only $700 a month, and it was right in the heart of the New York social scene. On the minus side, it was only 90 square feet. Ms. Cohen decided to make a virtue out of necessity, pared down her belongings, organized the rest, and moved in. She made a YouTube video describing her cozy little nest. The video went viral, which led to other life changing events. Ms. Cohen shares some of the lessons she learned in the process.
This is a very short, very readable book. Think of it as a collection of "life hacks," tiny bits of wisdom gleaned from a frugal lifestyle. Ms. Cohen has a good sense of humor, and a sensible outlook.
This is a very short, very readable book. Think of it as a collection of "life hacks," tiny bits of wisdom gleaned from a frugal lifestyle. Ms. Cohen has a good sense of humor, and a sensible outlook.
May 21, 2018
My son currently lives in a small studio in Phoenix, AZ and I thought he might find this book useful. I’m *still* trying to divest myself of stuff accumulated several lifetimes ago (this summer, I promise, this summer I will sort out the studio (storage shed) and turn my son’s old room into an office/studio, so I thought I’d read this before giving it to him and see if there were any useful tips.
Like all the other self help books about organizing, whether it be your house or your finances, I was dismayed to discover that I actually do almost all of the things recommended. So why is my house full of stuff (and my son’s stuff ffs), and why am I not rolling in spare $$$???
It was an interesting read, though, and the snippets of personal information were amusing.
Like all the other self help books about organizing, whether it be your house or your finances, I was dismayed to discover that I actually do almost all of the things recommended. So why is my house full of stuff (and my son’s stuff ffs), and why am I not rolling in spare $$$???
It was an interesting read, though, and the snippets of personal information were amusing.
January 22, 2026
90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet is an insightful and refreshingly honest blend of memoir and self help that reframes the idea of “less” as a gateway to more meaningful living. Felice Cohen’s lessons extend far beyond physical space, touching on freedom, intention, and the emotional weight we attach to our belongings.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its practicality paired with personal reflection. Each lesson feels earned, grounded in lived experience rather than abstract theory. Readers looking to downsize, declutter, or simply reassess what truly adds value to their lives will find this book both motivating and reassuring. Its message remains relevant in any era where simplicity and intentional living matter.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its practicality paired with personal reflection. Each lesson feels earned, grounded in lived experience rather than abstract theory. Readers looking to downsize, declutter, or simply reassess what truly adds value to their lives will find this book both motivating and reassuring. Its message remains relevant in any era where simplicity and intentional living matter.
December 14, 2018
Should have known I'd be coming into this with a very different life experience from the author. This book is for very privileged, affluent people, written by a privileged and relatively affluent person. Definitely would serve those who can afford a lot of clutter, and doesn't address the issues that broke or poorer people face living in small spaces and trying to make it work.
One this I did like about this book was the middle section of 90 tips--most of them were quick and easy to read, and didn't egregiously expand on minutae and details of how to go about executing each tip. A pleasant change from some other reduction-oriented living situation books.
One this I did like about this book was the middle section of 90 tips--most of them were quick and easy to read, and didn't egregiously expand on minutae and details of how to go about executing each tip. A pleasant change from some other reduction-oriented living situation books.
February 2, 2026
90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet is a practical and inspiring guide for anyone looking to simplify their life and maximize the potential of their space. Felice Cohen combines memoir and actionable strategies to demonstrate that size is no barrier to living fully and meaningfully.
What makes this book stand out is its combination of personal insight and practical advice. Cohen provides readers with tools for organizing, downsizing, and creating a lifestyle that prioritizes experiences over clutter. The lessons are accessible, relatable, and motivating, making this a must read for anyone seeking balance, efficiency, and fulfillment in small or large spaces alike
What makes this book stand out is its combination of personal insight and practical advice. Cohen provides readers with tools for organizing, downsizing, and creating a lifestyle that prioritizes experiences over clutter. The lessons are accessible, relatable, and motivating, making this a must read for anyone seeking balance, efficiency, and fulfillment in small or large spaces alike
January 13, 2017
Very enjoyable and interesting
I had watched the YouTube video that had over 15M views as I write this and was curious to learn more. For less than $4, I was entertained as I read and learned about living with what we need. lots of great tips how to get started and live bigger where you currently reside. I admire the author for her courage to live simpler in her goal to become a writer and in doing so learn the important stuff that makes her life richer... That I came away with some new skills after the read is a bonus.
I had watched the YouTube video that had over 15M views as I write this and was curious to learn more. For less than $4, I was entertained as I read and learned about living with what we need. lots of great tips how to get started and live bigger where you currently reside. I admire the author for her courage to live simpler in her goal to become a writer and in doing so learn the important stuff that makes her life richer... That I came away with some new skills after the read is a bonus.
May 15, 2022
A great book and read in April-May 2022 as it was spring cleaning time. I was curious about the author after I saw the YouTube video after a news article posted about this apartment. The person who occupied that apartment was also a writer so I google searched about the individual and saw this book. I read it from the library and really thought twice about my organization and what I need and didn’t. Short read and has great points, so I highly recommend it.
October 26, 2024
This book is terrific for anyone living in any sized home. Cohen is deeply wise in the ways of organizing our possessions and in motivating us to know when to let go and how to make those often difficult choices. Being organized always helps us be more efficient. And isn't that a wonderful way to feel.Highly recommended for all!
February 26, 2018
An inspiring tale of setting up your home to suit the life you want. Loved it!
April 23, 2019
A good, quick read with some great takeaways.
April 7, 2024
I need to look up the YouTube that launched her tiny living but lots of good advice here that isn't prescriptive.
January 13, 2017
Informative, motivating, and quick nuggets of wisdom for decluttering and organization.
May 31, 2016
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to live in a tiny space and to give up life's prescribed conveniences in order to explore the edges of your creativity and live life more adventurously? That's exactly what author and professional organizer Felice Cohen did and in her book “90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet” she shares with us key lessons from her five year “Living Large” journey.
Author Felicia Cohen explains in “90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet”, “We might live in our small spaces for a year, five years or forever, because our lives are more focused on enjoying life rather than on having extra square footage filled with stuff. And that, it turns out, is the grandest lesson of all.”
In the space of 142 concise and well organized pages Felice Cohen shares about living with her uncle in an uptown New York apartment where her life, though spacious and convenient was not really her own. She found her challenge waiting for her in a tiny Manhattan apartment. With chapter titles like, “Buy! Buy! to Buh Bye!” and “Purge the Past ” , Felice Cohen’s book “90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet” instructs us on how to focus on what we really and truly love and steers us clear of letting “the Wrong Stuff get in the way of the Right Stuff.”
Personally, I wanted to hear more about how the years of paring down and culling out affected her writing and what she learned about living as a writer in Manhattan. Please tell us it was everything you imagined and more. To the author, Felice Cohen, please accept this as our humble request that you fill another book with your adventures, that you tell us about sipping espresso in a tiny East Side Village cafe, living a spacious life as a writer living large in Manhattan.
Author Felicia Cohen explains in “90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet”, “We might live in our small spaces for a year, five years or forever, because our lives are more focused on enjoying life rather than on having extra square footage filled with stuff. And that, it turns out, is the grandest lesson of all.”
In the space of 142 concise and well organized pages Felice Cohen shares about living with her uncle in an uptown New York apartment where her life, though spacious and convenient was not really her own. She found her challenge waiting for her in a tiny Manhattan apartment. With chapter titles like, “Buy! Buy! to Buh Bye!” and “Purge the Past ” , Felice Cohen’s book “90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet” instructs us on how to focus on what we really and truly love and steers us clear of letting “the Wrong Stuff get in the way of the Right Stuff.”
Personally, I wanted to hear more about how the years of paring down and culling out affected her writing and what she learned about living as a writer in Manhattan. Please tell us it was everything you imagined and more. To the author, Felice Cohen, please accept this as our humble request that you fill another book with your adventures, that you tell us about sipping espresso in a tiny East Side Village cafe, living a spacious life as a writer living large in Manhattan.
October 12, 2016
This little book caught my eye in our library's Wowbrary newsletter. I had not heard of Felice Cohen nor seen the video of her 90 square foot apartment, but it sounded interesting.
It's a tiny book, which makes sense for those who, like Felice, had only enough room for one tiny shelf of books. I imagine this to be a more straightforward and condensed version of Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. She talks a bit about why she decided to move into this tiny space and about her background as a professional organizer, and then offers up 90 tidbits of advice. I say "tidbit" because most don't run longer than half a page and some are merely one sentence. Mostly, she advocates for less "stuff," and most of the tips revolve around how to get part with your "stuff." There are also some organizational tips, most of which I already practice (things like storing sheet sets inside of a pillowcase). More importantly, though, she talks about how much a good attitude will help you make the best of a small space and the work of decluttering.
It's a tiny book, which makes sense for those who, like Felice, had only enough room for one tiny shelf of books. I imagine this to be a more straightforward and condensed version of Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. She talks a bit about why she decided to move into this tiny space and about her background as a professional organizer, and then offers up 90 tidbits of advice. I say "tidbit" because most don't run longer than half a page and some are merely one sentence. Mostly, she advocates for less "stuff," and most of the tips revolve around how to get part with your "stuff." There are also some organizational tips, most of which I already practice (things like storing sheet sets inside of a pillowcase). More importantly, though, she talks about how much a good attitude will help you make the best of a small space and the work of decluttering.
June 11, 2016
Tl;dr: short read, 90 points about organising, and you can feel the Author's heart on each page. Less instruction manual, more affirmation on your choices. Can finish in a sitting, would buy digital only so that it doesn't contribute to physical Stuff!
***
A light pickup for a digital read; not something to keep on the shelf, you can be done in a sitting. The principles shared are the usual home organiser concepts, and are shared in 90 "dot points" vs a woven narrative.
The authors honesty and heart are felt on each page, and it's definitely a book that can connect to a wide audience.
Recommended for those that need a reminder to keep less stuff; are looking for ideas to support a spring clean/KonMarie style declutter; and a good companion piece for tiny home aspirants/owners who need a jolt about their Stuff.
***
A light pickup for a digital read; not something to keep on the shelf, you can be done in a sitting. The principles shared are the usual home organiser concepts, and are shared in 90 "dot points" vs a woven narrative.
The authors honesty and heart are felt on each page, and it's definitely a book that can connect to a wide audience.
Recommended for those that need a reminder to keep less stuff; are looking for ideas to support a spring clean/KonMarie style declutter; and a good companion piece for tiny home aspirants/owners who need a jolt about their Stuff.
Read
September 5, 2016I was at the Tiny House Jamboree here in Colorado Springs when this tiny person with a big smile and a ton of energy bounced up to me and offered me a free book.... I was skeptical ...But, you know what? I am so glad I accepted the truly free book! All she asked is that I review it on Good Reads, which I am more than happy to do.
The book may say it's about living in tiny spaces, but it's not just that. I don't know how many pages I dog eared because the advice/lesson just hit me right in the gut. I'm at a time in my life when my life is evolving - I can either get on the merry go round, or let life pass me by. This book spoke to me and reminded me that the merry go round is where all the fun is at. The best things in life aren't things. And, I'll shut up now, or this review might be longer than the book.
Thank you Felice!
The book may say it's about living in tiny spaces, but it's not just that. I don't know how many pages I dog eared because the advice/lesson just hit me right in the gut. I'm at a time in my life when my life is evolving - I can either get on the merry go round, or let life pass me by. This book spoke to me and reminded me that the merry go round is where all the fun is at. The best things in life aren't things. And, I'll shut up now, or this review might be longer than the book.
Thank you Felice!
September 12, 2016
This is a quick, inspirational, read about Felice Cohen's experience moving into a 90 square foot apartment, her professional organizing, and tips for downsizing your own life and reducing physical, emotional, and even some digital clutter. It can easily be read in one sitting and I think it should be reread periodically.
I love how it's separated into bite-sized chunks, much as how Cohen advises that you take your decluttering journey. I'm going to be ready several books about organization and living a more minimalistic lifestyle in order to (hopefully) inspire me to move beyond some of my own clutter. I will keep coming back to this one.
If you don't care to ready the book, do give the video touring her little microapartment a look here: https://faircompanies.com/videos/simp...
I love how it's separated into bite-sized chunks, much as how Cohen advises that you take your decluttering journey. I'm going to be ready several books about organization and living a more minimalistic lifestyle in order to (hopefully) inspire me to move beyond some of my own clutter. I will keep coming back to this one.
If you don't care to ready the book, do give the video touring her little microapartment a look here: https://faircompanies.com/videos/simp...
July 30, 2016
Felice is famous for her youtube appearance showcasing her 90 square foot apartment. In order to live in such a small space, she would have to be good at organizing~ so it should come as no surprise that she's a professional organizer for a living. She gives some good general tips on organizing, but a lot of them aren't that thorough.
If you're really serious about organizing your apartment and downsizing your belongings, I would suggest picking up "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up," which not only discusses the importance of downsizing and what it will do for you, but also provides in-depth application tips. This book falls severely short of that.
If you're really serious about organizing your apartment and downsizing your belongings, I would suggest picking up "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up," which not only discusses the importance of downsizing and what it will do for you, but also provides in-depth application tips. This book falls severely short of that.
May 2, 2016
What an interesting book that I have to say I really enjoyed. It had me rethink many things that I currently do and has some great organizational ideas that everyone can benefit from. I won this
book on GoodReads and like I do with most my wins I will be paying it forward by giving my
win either to a friend or library to enjoy
book on GoodReads and like I do with most my wins I will be paying it forward by giving my
win either to a friend or library to enjoy
January 12, 2017
Really enjoyed this book. Lots of examples and common sense approach to finding ways to simplify and reduce both clutter and live bigger in any space. Quick easy read and at $3+ for kindle version, I found it entertaining in addition to useful. Anyone that has ever moved and packed themselves will get a deeper understanding of what they went through after this read. Recommended.
September 29, 2016
Recommended by Chris S.
"90 Lessons" is a heartfelt self-help/memoir about organizing, downsizing and living life for yourself, not for your stuff. They are 90 short lessons that could be read all at once or, my preference, could be read a few at time to let them sink into my brain.
"90 Lessons" is a heartfelt self-help/memoir about organizing, downsizing and living life for yourself, not for your stuff. They are 90 short lessons that could be read all at once or, my preference, could be read a few at time to let them sink into my brain.
September 20, 2016
Very interesting and great tips for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews