Summer Reading for the Feng-Shui-Minded
A sunny afternoon, a cool drink, and a thought-provoking book are a fast route to balanced qi. The seven titles below have all been reviewed on FengShuiLondon.net and blend design insight with environmental psychology, clutter clearing, and even luck science – perfect companions for feng shui practitioners and enthusiasts who want to deepen theory while relaxing by the pool or on the beach… Plus a review of Speed Reading Faster at the end, to get you up to speed with reading…
The Poetics of Space – Gaston Bachelard
Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard
Bachelard’s classic invites readers to wander from cellar to attic, showing how intimate places trigger reverie and shape identity. Jan Cisek’s review highlights the book’s usefulness for consultants who must tap a client’s emotional map of home before prescribing cures. You will finish the essays seeing thresholds, corners, and stairwells as reservoirs of stored memories that must be honoured rather than bulldozed by minimalism. Read the full review on Feng Shui London here.
Feng-shui takeaway: Map Bachelard’s vertical polarity (cellar = roots, attic = aspiration) onto your Bagua to spot blockages in life-path zones.
Good Nature – Kathy Willis
Oxford botanist Kathy Willis distils a decade of research proving that two hours a week in greenery lowers stress hormones, sharpens focus, and speeds post-surgery recovery. Cisek’s feng-shui commentary links these findings to biophilic design: place plants where the eye rests first, choose calming greens and whites, and schedule “nature appointments” just as you would space-clearing rituals. The site’s summary is available here.
Feng-shui takeaway: Treat 120 weekly minutes outdoors as compulsory qi replenishment rather than optional leisure.
Scientific Feng Shui for the Built Environment – Michael Y. Mak & Albert T. So
Scientific Feng Shui for the Built Environment Theories and Applications (Enhanced New Edition) by Michael Y. Mak, Albert T. So (2015)
Architectural researchers Mak and So test traditional Form- and Compass-school rules against airflow modelling, daylight metrics, and case studies from Hong Kong high-rises. Their expert-systems framework lets designers simulate how mountain-backed sites or “bright hall” plazas influence thermal comfort and social interaction. Cisek recommends the book for consultants who must convince sceptical engineers with data rather than symbolism. Explore the site synopsis here.
Feng-shui takeaway: Use empirical tools (CFD, daylight software) to validate qi flow assumptions before construction begins.
Feng Shui: Teaching About Science and Pseudoscience – Michael R. Matthews
Philosopher of science Michael Matthews dissects feng shui’s historical roots, evaluates chi claims against demarcation criteria, and argues that studying feng shui in classrooms sharpens scientific literacy. Cisek praises the text because honest critique helps practitioners clarify what is symbolic metaphor versus measurable environmental factor. The full review lives here.
Feng-shui takeaway: Pair Matthews’s sceptical lens with your own case studies to strengthen evidence-based practice and avoid magical thinking and bypassing.
The Luck Factor – Richard Wiseman
The Luck Factor
After tracking 400 volunteers for a decade, psychologist Richard Wiseman identifies four habits – maximising chance opportunities, listening to intuition, expecting good fortune, and turning bad luck into feedback – that distinguish self-described lucky people. Cisek’s post frames these habits as personal feng shui: rearrange routines, not just furniture, to align with auspicious flow. It’s a must read for anyone who believes in luck and wants to boost it for personal and professional success. Read the summary here.
Feng-shui takeaway: Schedule daily micro-actions (new walking routes, serendipitous networking) to freshen the Career and Helpful People guas.
A Perfect Mess – Eric Abrahamson & David Freedman
Clutter is good for you…
Contrary to Kondo-style purges, this management study shows that moderate disorder breeds creativity and resilience. Cisek’s review argues that the key is intentional, contained chaos – think “productive piles,” not stagnant clutter. For feng-shui practitioners, the book removes guilt when a desk holds active projects signalling alive, purposeful chi. Full discussion here.
Feng-shui takeaway: Differentiate between dynamic mess that sparks ideas and inert clutter that blocks prosperity gua energy.
Conquer the Clutter – Elaine Birchall & Suzanne Cronkwright
Conquer the Clutter- Strategies to Identify, Manage, and Overcome Hoarding
Written by a clinical social worker, this guide provides diagnostic charts to distinguish simple disorganisation from hoarding disorder, plus staged intervention plans. Cisek integrates the material into feng-shui consultations by recommending body-doubling and timed “clutter sprints” before any cures are applied. See the book summary here.
Feng-shui takeaway: Clear just one cubic foot per session to prevent overwhelm and create momentum in the Health centre of the Bagua.
Speed Reading Faster by Jan Cisek & Susan Norman
Speed Reading Faster by Jan Cisek & Susan Norman
If you need a refresher on how to speed read books to maximise your summer reading, Speed Reading Faster by Jan Cisek and Susan Norman is the perfect companion for your literary adventures. This practical, accessible guide draws on the authors’ combined 50+ years of experience to teach proven techniques and shortcuts that will not only increase your reading speed but also improve your concentration, comprehension, and retention. The book covers essential skills like identifying key information, reading in meaningful chunks, opening your peripheral vision, and moving your eyes in strategic patterns—all designed to help you become a smarter, faster, and more productive reader. With practical exercises, articles, and quizzes to help you apply the knowledge immediately, this 192-page guide makes speed reading simple and effortless, allowing you to tackle that ambitious summer reading list with confidence and actually remember what you’ve read. Whether you’re a student preparing for exams, a professional who needs to review more material, or someone who simply wants to read more books for pleasure, Cisek and Norman’s expertise will help you transform your reading experience and make the most of those long summer days.
Ready, Set, Read
Whether you crave poetic reflection, hard-science validation, or pragmatic clutter tactics, these seven volumes will keep your feng-shui skills fresh through the summer heat. Pick the title that resonates with the life area you wish to boost, follow the links for in-depth reviews, and let each page turn shift your home – and mindset – toward greater harmony.
How to Display Your Summer Reads
Arrange your chosen stack on a low table in the Knowledge sector of your bagua to invite conversation and shared learning. Vertical stands or tiered shelves keep qi circulating around the spines while turning covers outward sparks joyful anticipation. Or just stack them up, on top of each other.
