Feng Shui Dos and Taboos: A Guide to What to Place Where

Rating:
Summary: Fun hints, but you'll need another book for context.
Review: This is a cute little book to keep on the coffee table and flip through during commercials, or even to use as a reference when you've just brought home a new decorative item and don't know where to put it. Each page lists one "do" or "don't", and the pages are arranged alphabetically according to subject. For example, under "Hallways" you'll find suggestions on how to mitigate the negative effects of a long narrow hall. Unfortunately, some of the suggestions won't be helpful to anyone not planning to move or completely renovate their home.

Without some other knowledge of feng shui, these tips may be bewildering. Some call for arranging items that most western households don't have around, such as crystals and Chinese coins. Some are just confusing, like saying to place a bird in a southwest room facing north but only if it's green, otherwise put it in a north room facing south, unless it's a metal bird figure then it has to be in a west room on the east wall. I'm paraphrasing here, so for heaven's sake don't try this out.

A few of the tips are so simple and striking as to make the whole book worthwhile. The words on gardens are particularly lovely. If you're planning to rearrange your entire household though, you will need more help.