Alyssa Harad: Coming to my Senses

I must say, I really appreciate the names given to perfume  books I've been reading this year. I'm pretty sure you all realize the loaded meanings they carry but I still have to point out I appreciate it. :)

The second thing I really enjoyed about both The Perfume Lover and this book, is the fact they took me by surprise, once I started reading, I had to go on. And this coming from someone who never reads non-fiction unless forced by outside circumstance (which didn't apply here).

So, what can I say about this book that hasn't already been said? Probably not much - but it's not like I would know, I didn't read any of the reviews beforehand (I did glimpse some though).

Basically, what can I say - I relate to pretty much everything Alyssa had to say on the subject of perfume (and exercising) - the wedding thing is something I have no experience in.

There are so many points in the book where I was nodding my head in agreement:

• For a long time I didn't say to anyone how much I was in love with perfume
• Once that phase passed, I didn't mention to anyone I wrote  a blog
• Her NY experience, the scary part and then falling in love - exactly what happened to me in Paris
• Realizing there are smells all around me I never paid attention to and then did smelled which ever I could? - check
• Falling in love with JAR Bolt of Lightning because it smells exactly like the electric, post-thunderstorm air? - check
• Smelling coconut traces in fig? - check (but only after being pointed to it in the book - lucky for me I was on vacation and fig trees grow there)

And the list goes on and on. :)

Btw, one interesting tidbit I got from the book is Alyssa's realization that many of the perfume bloggers (female) tend to be petite women. I agree. :) After meeting Suzanne, and hearing about some of the others, I do see a connection there (and I know all about feeling big in their presence).

The great thing about this book is that if you are a perfume lover, it will make you smile and nod your head in agreement when you recognize the same steps you took in your perfume journey. It will also make you wonder what perfumes is Alyssa referencing by describing the way they smell.
It will also give useful advice on what to do and not to do if you are organizing your wedding.

But basically, it will confirm that enjoying your path in life with the people you love is the only way to live your life. Be it by smelling perfume and sharing it, or doing something else you enjoy.



I received my copy of the book for free from the book's PR team.