[.ca] Living the Simple Life: A Guide to Scaling Down and ... (ISBN 078686219X)

if you need it...:
This book is full of basic tips on how you can live a more simple and beautiful life. If you are coming from a crazy busy life, this book might be great for you! If you are already living a pretty simple, relaxed, non-materialistic life, you won't find much that is useful in this book.

Simple and Good:
No, this is not a book about time management. At least not directly. I do many of those things and still have had a hard time finding time. I have been trying to simplify my life, and this book is a good route. As the author points out, it does not mean moving into a shanty in the woods miles from anyone. There are many good suggestions and good examples. It is simple to read and can be read five minutes at a time without losing the train of thought. In addition to simplifying and reducing stress, you may find yourself spending less, saving more, more time with your family and be happier as well. Recommended.

Empty:
For those hoping to simplify their lives, this book may supply the inspiration they need to confirm their commitment. If nothing else, it may be the voice of a kindred spirit, which may be perfect in a time of transition. On the other hand, the content was insubstantial, offering nothing common sense couldn't provide on its own. More disturbing was a quiet misanthropic thread that would pop up, as if getting rid of people would simplify life. For example, a chapter on clutter ends up saying you may need to reconsider keeping the spouse if he treasures clutter and you don't...or you can simplify your life by keeping only two extra sets of dishes, avoiding "unwanted houseguests". Both my spouse and my houseguests are treasured, so this sort of advice just made my skin crawl.

A Good Place To Begin:
This book would be a good place to start for anyone just starting to consider scaling down and simplifying life - or even for someone who is just curious about the whole idea. It is a very basic book, and for people who've already made significant changes towards more simple living, it won't be very useful. But if you are overworked, stressed out, buried in clutter and feel you don't have a moment for yourself, pick up this book! It would be a good place to begin. Most of what the author recommends, our family already does. Some of it IS common sense, but most of it is "counter cultural" and many of us wouldn't think of doing these things on our own. I think she has some really good ideas. She is also a good example of someone who has lived an extremely successful, hectic life and moved toward a more simple existence - without depriving herself of anything she truly values. I agree with another reviewer that she's a little "misanthropic" - she does seem to consider people "clutter" and to be quick to recommend ditching the humans in your life. While this can sometimes be good advice with certain individuals, I truly value my family, friends, and "houseguests" \owhich she implies are always "unwanted"\c. I would not care for a life without these dear ones - simple or no. Sometimes people are messy, and sometimes we do need to move on from damaging relationships; but in general human companionship is worth the "complications" in my opinion. This is a good general "beginners guide to the simple life" and is also a very quick and easy read - good for mommies like me \oand others\c who have to do their reading in 5 minute snatches here and there!

24/7 isn't normal!!:
That could be the subtitle of this and St. James other Simplify books. Advertising, media, and our culture train bad habits into us, draining our energy, creativity, finances, and, in general, cluttering our lives with "stuff." I liked this book and felt, by the end, I "knew" the author (and I liked her, too). Some reviewers are more critical of this book, and there are weaknesses. Like most self-help book, too many pages are dithered away convincing us that Simplifying is good (presumably, the reader understands this already.) Also, many of these tips have meaning to those (and there are lots of us) who have been caught up in the yuppy-variety of consermerism (for example, you'll find out here what to do with the towels that no longer match you Color Scheme.) There is something here for everyone, though, and us older readers would like to grind the pages and sprinkle them over the young. And take a tip from St. James: check this book out at the library to keep your shelves clear!