 The best book for those who want to simplify |
| Review Date: March 8, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| In this wonderful, inspiring book, Janet Luhrs provides myriad ideas for and insight into how simplifying your life can help you shift gears or even start over from scratch. The book offers loads of practical advice about how to implement changes in your life and escape the cycle of work, consumption, debt, and stress. The author states at the outset that the book provides a variety of options for those interested in simplifying. Some of these options--like living off the grid or on a boat--will appeal to only a small number of people. However, the great stories from real people's lives do make you think about your job, house, and possessions and how you could streamline. Most of the suggestions (e.g., improving eating and exercising habits and better managing money and time) can be implemented by anyone. I recently read Elaine St. James's Living the Simple Life and found it wanting and often impractical--foregoing sunglasses and wearing only three colors of clothing are not helpful suggestions to me! This book also focuses solely on the changes St. James and her husband made, with little mention of the wide spectrum of alternative approaches. Luhrs's book differs by providing a vast array of resources, in addition to using life stories to outline approaches that folks have successfully employed to create more time, less stress, and more joy in their lives. Buy this book and take from it the inspiration to help you realize who you really are! |
read "Your Money or Your Life"
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| Review Date: March 9, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Wyote, Seoul |
First of all, if you haven't read "Your Money or Your Life" already, just click over. That's the classic, the essential, and this is just an accessory. That's why there's 4 stars here: just to distinguish this from that. This book is for those continuing in simplicity, not getting started. If you read the negative reviews, I think you can tell that they started in the wrong place, and that some of them misunderstood "simplicity."
I am not the typical "voluntary simplicity" guy. VS is not about living on $2/day. It's about financial awareness and choices. I've thought about it, and I want to look like I spent about a thousand dollars getting dressed everyday.
But that requires choices, since I don't make $365,000 annually. Not, um, quite. That's what "simplicity" taught me. I don't need to buy an espresso machine, a blender, a dishwaher, a microwave, an MP3 player, or a car. My mobile phone is a dinosaur. I buy the cheapest coffee when my friends and I go to a coffee shop. When we go to a bar, I drink slowly, and thus less (but I buy good beer). I often buy used books, and they look better on the shelf anyway. I do my own laundry, and shine my own shoes. I work out at home rather than buy a gym membership. I eat fruit for lunch. I don't have children, and won't for a long time--the implicit trade-off: I might not live to see grandchildren. I prefer to make my dates dinner and rent a movie rather than go out. I bought my couch used, but it is far more romantic than a theater! And I am no chef, but I can whip up a tiramisu. The VS movement has certainly made me more romantic. I'd like a bigger apartment, but....
On the other hand, I have handmade Italian shoes, wool jackets, silk ties and satin sheets. I turn the heat way down in winter and wear sweaters in my house: each month I save enough to buy a first-rate pair of boxers! (No joke!) That's choices--and that's what voluntary simplicity is all about. You don't give up anything you love: but you choose what you love over what you like. (And hey, as for simplicity: a well-cared for $400 pair of shoes should last at least ten years. I have only one pair of black oxfords, and I won't buy another for many years. Hand wash those knit socks. Etc.)
Although none of my friends can tell, I'm one of these VS folks. I still put about a grand a month into savings. I do shop carefully before I buy clothing, actually taking notes with a notebook, so that I make good choices, and I buy on sale. I recently changed jobs: taking a small (about 15%) pay-cut in exchange for substantially less work (about 50%). No one questioned that, actually! At least not to my face. But anyway, it was MY choice; or rather, my CHOICE.
Everybody's at a different point in life: for some people, VS means telling their kids they can't have a Playstation, or buying generic cereal in bulk, or learning to boil macaroni rather than hitting Taco Bell, and that's a situation far different from mine. But I really believe everybody should check out this VS stuff. It certainly won't hurt.
As far as lifestyle goes: choose for yourself. You don't have to buy second-hand clothes to be a "true" VSer. This isn't asceticism. Do you love fine wine? Do you want a classic Harley? Choose what you love, and live in a way that enables you to have it. That's voluntary simplicity. |
Simple ideas lead to simple living
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| Review Date: October 25, 2002 |
| Reviewer: StalkingGhostBear, Michigan, USA |
| We dream of a good life, one that is not cluttered by mounting stress, by deadlines, by worries about money. We dream of a more fulfilling way to live. Unfortunately simple living is an art that one probably never truly achieves, but I think journey is far more important than the goal itself. "The Simple Living Guide" is a guide to beginning your own journey to a simpler and more fulfilling life. While the book can be read as a whole, cover to cover, it seems to read best when broken down into its individual chapters. The reader is invited to begin their process of simplification where and when they are ready leaving other area for later. I began my journey three years ago dealing with the clutter that I, and so many other Americans, gather around ourselves for no other reason than it is expected to have more than we need. Cleaning and exorcising my home of useless kitchen appliances, clothes I could no longer wear, and knick knacks pretending to be works of art was a painful process but one made easier by Ms. Luhrs book. Cleaning out my home led me to simplify my budget, and then to simplify my leisure activities, and most recently to simplify my career. Ms. Luhrs presents us with the fact that simplifying is a process. One cannot just simplify one area of life and call it good. Every time you change and improve one area it radiates and effects every other area of your life. For example once you start simplifying your budget to save money it leads you to question how you spend your time, where you live, your quality of life, even the birthday gifts you give. The entire book is written in a warm, personal manner, often if feels as if one is having a conversation with the author rather than reading text. The advice presented is not only practical advice but philosophic or spiritual advice as well. Inner simplicity means thinking some thoughts that are occasionally rather deep. The fact that there is philosophy presented in this book is not a detraction from the book but a distinct positive. There are books about saving money and managing time out there but Ms. Luhrs asks us to pause a moment and ask just what we want from more money or more time. Life changes are always easier when you have an idea of where you are going and why you are making the journey in the first place "The Simple Living Guide" invites you to take your time, to think about your life and to grow while you simplify. What could be more simple? |
Living in the Sidebars
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| Review Date: July 21, 2002 |
| Reviewer: Virginia Lore, Seattle, WA United States |
| Janet Luhrs brings her experience as the editor of Simple Living: The Journal of Voluntary Simplicity to the Simple Living Guide. Over 400 pages, this compendium of ideas for "less stressful, more joyful living" is heavy on the many philosophical ideas that fall under the simple living umbrella. In 14 topical chapters ranging from Money to Virtues Luhrs balances her occasionally redundant reflections with sidebars highlighting case studies, offering tips, and providing the nuts & bolts how-to's. Some of these are tremendously helpful and/or interesting. For example, in the chapter on Simple Pleasures and Romance, there is an article by Kirk S. Nevin about his family's decision to live without electricity or plumbing; and the chapter on Inner Simplicity includes a very practical article on dealing with insomnia. Other sidebars are less helpful, more a mish-mash of 12-step generalisms, such as Luhrs' list of the 28 secrets to happiness, including "get organized," "be humble" and "learn from the past, plan for the future, and live in the present". My two primary criticisms are that most of the ideas in this book are available elsewhere (see The Tightwad Gazette or Your Money or Your Life) and that some ideas aren't included. There is almost nothing here about permaculture, for example, and very little attempt at introducing serious or radical sustainability. This book is a great primer for people who may have never encountered simple living philosophies before; however, those steeped in an already-intentional lifestyle will find little here that is new. |
Is 439 pages really simplicity?
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| Review Date: March 5, 2000 |
| Reviewer: Douglas Kendrick, Valencia, CA, USA |
| Some time ago, I purchased this book as I embarked upon my own personal quest to simplify my life. Somehow, I couldn't believe that a 400+ page, inch-thick tome would be necessary to guide me on that path. It has taken me over a year to read this book and I'm left with my initial first impression intact--why can 'simplicity' be made so complicated? This book is an incredibly dense read. There is so much information, so many statistics, so many examples and philosophy and suggestions that it leaves your head swimming. Some portions of it are so didactic that I felt like I was back in college doing a required reading assignment. To be completely fair, I do feel that The Simple Living Guide does indeed accomplish what its subtitle of "A sourcebook for less stressful, more joyful living" would suggest. It is a great SOURCEBOOK. With all this information packed in one place, it has become a useful reference and "jumping off point" for further study. On many occasions I've used the book to get a fresh perspective, find more in-depth information or contact outside organizations. Nearly everything you could possibly want to ferret out is in there somewhere. But if you're looking for a practical, day-to-day guidebook or introduction to the Voluntary Simplicity lifestyle, this is NOT it. A truly simple (and small) book like "Simplify Your Life" or "Living The Simple Life" by Elaine St. James is far more practical and user-friendly. After you're already on the road to simplification and want to deepen your commitment or understanding, that would be the time for The Simple Living Guide. |
Full of ideas
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| Review Date: October 27, 2000 |
| Reviewer: Erika Mitchell, E. Calais, VT USA |
| This book is full of great ideas for people following the simple living path. The author's essential thesis, although never explicitly stated, is that to live simply, we must consciously consider every consequence of the every decision we make. If we are unhappy with our current money/family/housing/health conditions, we need to realize that these conditions are the result of decisions we made in the past. To live a better life, we need to make better decisions and often a simpler option is the better choice. Along these lines, the author points out how going along with the average American middleclass lifestyle of large house, large debts, high fat diet, and too much TV is neither fun nor healthy. She suggests countless alternatives, but more importantly, stresses that each person needs to make the choice himself or herself. Even if a person chooses to go along with the usual average American habit, that's not necessarily bad, as long as he or she makes the choice consciously and is content with all of the consequences. This book doesn't have a lot of specific money advice on how to live a simple life. For this, a reader might look to a book like "Your Money or Your Life". Instead, its strength lies in helping the reader to develop a personal philosophy towards living simply, as well as providing ideas. To provide encouragement, each chapter ends with a short case history of a successful simplicity family story. |
Great Guide Full of Ideas - Not a perfect book, however
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| Review Date: August 16, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Elizabeth, United States |
| I am in my mid-twenties and a graduate student. I have, for a very long time, wanted to save more money and live a life that is less driven by getting things done and one that is more focused on living life right now and enjoying those things that are important to me. I think a lot of time the right book comes along at the right time in our lives, and for me, this book was it. It provides lots of ideas - some about being just a little more simple and some that are about pretty drastic changes. Another reviewer is right that this is not likely a book that people who want to live very radically simple lives would find valuable. This is for folks who still want electricity, maybe a car, some nice "things," and so on. I found it very readable with lots of ideas, and also a very exciting philosophy - driving home the idea that we lose sight of the point of life - that for most people, it doesn't make sense to work a lot, to get lots of money, to get a bigger house and lots of stuff. Rather, we can be more content (and have a lighter environmental impact) by working only as much as we need to in order to meet the needs that are basic and the needs that are most important to us. Thus, if having a nice car is important, save for that and cut down on expensive clothes. It encourages you to thin of life in terms of tradeoffs. If I work 50 hours a week, I can have a big house, but much less time to live in it or be with family. Is this worth it. It also helps to counter conventional wisdom about the kind of money it takes to live a "decent" life. It challenges assumptions and offers new way to think about things. The book did not come across as preachy to me. I think you can take from it what is helpful in your life - it is like a sourcebook or reference book. Take what works for you and leave the rest. I highly recommend it. |
Simple Living Bible
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| Review Date: September 13, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Sarah L. Wesch, Manhattan, KS |
I signed up for a Barnes and Noble online course on Simple Living that used this book. I checked out a copy of this book from the library (I was already frugal, before buying the book!) and sat down to begin the course. After about five minutes, I realized that there were far too many people signed up for the course. It would take me hours just to read my fellow "classmates" posts. So, in an attempt to bring greater simplicity to my life, I dropped the course! Turned off by the bland cover of the book and its hefty size, I went to return it to the library. In the parking lot of the library, I took one last look at it. It drew me in. Instead of returning it, I have kept it and renewed it several times. The book is now on my wishlist for my birthday next month.
Many of the ideas in the book were familiar to me, but I enjoyed having "amen" moments with the author. On top of what I already knew, I learned much more. I also found that each chapter provided a wealth of references to other resources where I could explore the ideas further. I began to tell my husband that this was the simple living bible. It had all the good advice on how to live a simple and compassionate life.
As for reviewers who had a hard time getting through the book, I would say that it isn't really meant to be read cover-to-cover. I read one chapter at a time, and will refer back to chapters, as needed. I would highly recommend this book. |
best simple living guide out there
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| Review Date: January 1, 2006 |
| Reviewer: B. Emory, Wilmington NC |
| A lot of people, including myself, have designated as their New Years resolution to simplify and enjoy what they have. This book is the best instructional guide to getting more out of life and finding happiness in simplicity. Luhrs has taken all the wisdom that she has gleaned from her Simple Living magazine and placed it in this book. The book is divided into different chapters such as health, money, food etc and includes articles from newspapers and magazines, profiles in simplicity (people, movements, organizations), checklists, and of course advice. Some tips I have obtained is to save my money to retire early, make priorities, control aggression and stress, embrace the slow food movement (opposite of fast and convenient foods), and be more mindful of my surroundings. I have enjoyed simple things again such as preparing vegetables for soup, or just walking my dog. I like how Luhrs also has included a lot of references to Scott and Helen Nearing who are my heroes (they are symbolic of the back to earth movement). The advice Luhrs includes are very easy to fall back on. I know that I reflect on my purchases and the time I have spent differently. Plus you do feel better when you take the time to pause and relish your relationships, money, food, clothing, family etc. This is really a great book to start you on a slower more fufilling life. |
Good for the"common folk".Great if you live in Yuppie Land.
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| Review Date: January 20, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| As I turned the corner into my fifties I realized that I really did not want to or need to strive as much to have more junk. I was also on a trendmill of buy, send,buy send and buy send some more. This book has really centered me and made me realize that I had better wake up if I want anything positive to be there for my retirement. I may be a little on the late side. The book seems to focus on a younger more educated cliential, and this is my big beef. I am a well paid blue collar worker. I cannot get a sabbatical nor can I just up and leave for the great outback. The reality of it is that most of us are "stuck" in one way or another and are not as talented or educated as the people that Luhr's interviewed for the book. The plus side of the book are the many tips and constant self talk that can help one realize that we do have some choices and even if we do have good paying dead end jobs we can change in many ways to improve our lives. |
Not for the Average Joe
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| Review Date: September 17, 2004 |
| Reviewer: T. Arnold, Pennsylvania |
If you are living in a large metropolitan area, wearing designer clothing and drinking $5.00 cups of coffee while chatting on your internet enabled handheld--then by all means buy this book! It was written for you and will, no doubt, help you simplify your life tremendously. However--if you are an average american--perhaps with a college degree and a family and a car that is more than three years old--think twice before buying this book. It has a lot of practical advice--don't get me wrong--but it is so common sense that most of you already do these things. Because, like most of us, you have to do them in order to pay the bills and feed the kids.
But the rest of you prada wearing people out there--put that coffee cup down and run out to pick up this book. You'll be happy you did. |
Life altering info contain within these pages
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| Review Date: October 30, 2002 |
| Reviewer: Dena R. Sigman, Denver, NC United States |
| Simply put, this book, along with The Complete Tightwad Gazette, have changed my life radically. The best part of this book is the constant reassurance that each journey is different from others and that it is up to me to figure out what is best for my life. So many other "simple" books made me feel that if I didn't do it exactly their way, I was a failure at simple living. I especially enjoyed reading about others and their journeys; this made the whole subject more real for me. |
Way Too Complicated
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| Review Date: May 16, 2006 |
| Reviewer: EternalSeeker, Albuquerque, NM USA |
The key to simple living is to simplify your life.
I don't think the author has really figured that out yet, because this book tries to cover sooooo much information and sooooo many ideas that it just misses the whole notion of simplicity. It made me tired just to try to read it (and I am a very avid reader!).
While the author means well, and has some good advice for those just beginning to try to find a simpler way of life, she tries to retain ALL the facets of life you may possibly want to ever consider trying to "simplify". It reminds me of those alternative "light" recipes for overly rich foods: the real point isn't to create less caloric forms of the recipes, the point is to stop eating that kind of food.
Simplify, simplify! I am afraid as an old practioner of voluntary simplicity I was confused and depressed by this book, which seems to offer very little in the way of true simplification and much in the way of things-I-didn't-know-I-should-be-worrying-about.
Simplicity:
Get rid of anything you haven't used within the past year.
Pay off your credit cards and just keep one or two for real emergencies.
Be monogamous.
Give your time instead of money to those you love.
Turn off the TV.
Think about how to live with only half of the possessions you have and then DO IT.
Eat fresh, simple, whole [organic] foods. Drink water.
Create a garden and spend time in it (instead of watching TV).
Let other people worry about "getting ahead", status trips, newer cars and bigger houses, trendy clothing.
Read: How To Make Your House Do The Housework.
If your kids don't like it, they can complicate their lives all they want when they grow up, but at least they will know how to LIVE first.
Oh, yeah. Read 'Walden' By Henry David Thoreau - often. |
A Wonderful Guide to Simplifying Your Life
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| Review Date: February 10, 2005 |
| Reviewer: szan18, USA |
| Reading this book made we literally want to sell my house in the big city and buy a small cottage out in the country. The idea of living my life based on what is important to me (family, spirituality, working with abused animals) is something that has become my new life's focus from reading this book. I've already started getting rid of my excess clutter and I feel less of a prisoner now to all my "stuff." I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this book and am now using what I gleaned to make my life more simplified and much more enjoyable. Even the kids are enjoying the changes (and I thought this was going to be my hardest challenge). The reason they are embracing this fairly easily is because the less time I have to spend taking care of all the other inanimate stuff in my life, the more time I have to spend with them. Now, that is something worth spending my time on. Thank you Ms. Luhr's for opening my eyes to a whole new world in front of me. |
Truly An Excellent Sourcebook
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| Review Date: October 15, 2003 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This is by far the best and most comprehensive guide I've read on the subject of simple living. If you're looking for something more in a deeply religious, Zen or philosophical vein, you should go elsewhere. But what I appreciated most about Luhrs' approach was her constant reminder that BALANCE is the key for most of us. She avoids the preachy tone many authors fall into on this subject, and tends to stay on the practical plane. The resources listed at the end of each chapter are worth the price of the book alone, where I found many titles I didn't know about. So if you want to go deeper, go lighter, or in another direction, you'll certainly find something in the resource guides. Very nicely written, too. |
An inspiring read
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| Review Date: April 16, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| Kudos to Ms. Luhr for writing this book. She places a strong emphasis on emotional and spiritual values and how they tie into one's finances. I especially appreciated Ch. 11, which goes into detail about alternative housing. She even profiles a woman who built a house for $4000. Which would you rather have, a simple, modest, but paid off house or a 30-year mortgage that straps you into a lousy job for the next 30 years? It's something to ponder, at any rate. She shows the readers that they do, in fact, have options to blindly pursuing the "American Dream" or is it the American Nightmare? If the whole world consumed at the rate of us Americans, we'd need 4 planet earths to support all the consumption. She shows us that it is possible to scale down and be completely at peace with the world and ourselves. Less can indeed be more, far more. |
Impressive... WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM LIFE!
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| Review Date: August 5, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This book ranges from RADICAL to SIMPLE ways to make your life what you want & need for it to be! Lots of "Food for Thought", great examples on what others have done to change & simplify their lives. Some of the reasons why, were infomative, as how they did it. This certainly isn't for everyone, but it is a great help for US who have a need for more DELIBERATE LIVING. Many of the steps were taken over periods of time. I didn't get the impression One needed to sale all thier worldly goods & go live in a cave,(well if it would make you happy), but offered real ways to enchance , enjoy, live life fuller...ie. Be Happier & Healthier with your self & future. Blessed be. |
A treasure-book for everyone who wants to live reasonably
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| Review Date: March 22, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I haven't even finished reading this book yet, but I can already say that I have not found a better book on the subject of living a simple, reasonable and fulfilled life. It might take a while to absorb the abundance of material and tips presented here, but for me, every time I open this book, it is like sneaking into a room full of goodies that make your eyes glow. I live in Germany and not all the tips are applicable to me, but there sure is enough for everyone; this topic is universal. I especially recommend the comprehensive lists of books and resources at the end of each chapter. Thank you, Janet. |
Choose your life!
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| Review Date: February 13, 2002 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I received this book two days ago and I cannot put it down. It has so many good ideas and new perspectives. This book is not just about "living simply," a phrase which may carry negative or lukewarm connotations for some readers. It is a book about living well and living fully, whatever that means to each individual reader. Luhrs presents her ideas, gives examples from her own life or from the lives of others, and then leaves the rest up to the reader. Her philosophy does not come across as heavy-handed. I have skipped around to many of the different chapters, and have appreciated them all. Of particular note are the chapters on money, inner simplicity, cooking and nutrition, and health and exercise. Her ideas about "I don't have time for (fill in the blank)" are so useful. So often we go through life on "automatic pilot," to use Luhrs' phrase. The question is often not "do I have time" but really "do I want to." Luhrs encourages and challenges her readers to actually make choices in life, not just make excuses. This book is a gem. I will be using and adapting Luhrs' ideas in my own life. If you are at all searching in your life, do consider reading this book. |
Thought provoking.. take what you want from it.
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| Review Date: December 28, 1999 |
| Reviewer: Kelly O, Texas |
| I found the book very insightful, if a little fanatical. I don't think (as some reviewers do) that the author was trying to advocate that everyone live a highly simple lifestyle in a small house, but the examples are good for making one realize that we don't *need* all the things that we think we do, like a large house or even indoor plumbing. I really like the format of the book, because its sections allow me to read a little bit on something when I feel like it and not search through dense text. I find it to be a useful book on simplifying your life, even if I can't or won't do many of the things she suggests. |
Intelligent, informative, flexible, soul-searching.
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| Review Date: October 25, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| Unlike what other readers have described, Luhr's book is not extremist: in fact, the author gives numerous examples of others who use some basic strategies of Simple Living who are not on the lower scale of income. It seems that the point of the book has been missed for those readers. Rather, Luhr makes us ask ourselves a difficult question: what really IS important to you in life? No answer is definitely given. Instead, Luhr gives us a path in which to explore its possibilities, and the rich and spiritual depths of our own inner nature. |
Superb resource!
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| Review Date: December 30, 2006 |
| Reviewer: J. Ball, Upstate NY |
| This book should be renamed The Simplifying Bible! I read this many years ago (probably 15), and it is one of the books that I continue to take off the shelf to re-read. It is also one of the books most borrowed from my shelf. Be prepared to buy a couple of copies, because people will just "forget" to give it back! Excellent writing, and covers every aspect of simplifying your life. Should be required reading for everyone in our consumer-crazy culture. I'm gonna go start reading mine again right now! |
Simply the best simple living book
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| Review Date: April 6, 2004 |
| Reviewer: Anya, Provo, Utah United States |
| This is really the best book if you are trying to simplify your life. I have read many others, and although they all have good points, this book gets to the heart of the matter. There are also many examples of how to make your life more simple and enjoy it more. If you are looking to join the simple living movement, start with this book first. Then, if you are hooked get some others, they will just help you with what you have already learned. I wish everyone would read this book, we may just have a better world if they did. It is nice to have the focus off of consumer spending and keeping up with the latest trends, and putting the focus back on the simple pleasures in life. |
One of my favorate cheapskate/frugal books!!!!
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| Review Date: April 9, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Diana Wilson, sparta, ga |
| This book by far is one of my all time favorates. I had no idea how much more frugal I could deliberately be and feel good about it. Ms. Luhrs addresses almost every important part of peoples lives that can be improved or modified deliberately and by choice. However the book can be a stretch for those, who just love lavish luxury, those who live is big expensive cities and not likely to want to change. |
One part inspiration, one part common sense
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| Review Date: December 2, 2001 |
| Reviewer: J. Turner, Houston, Texas United States |
| When I picked up this book, I thought it would be a book about reorganizing my closet and simplifying my financial life. You know-- a few tips here and there. It is, and it isn't. It elevates the concept of living a simple and modest life almost to a religious fervor then dives into chapter after chapter of examples, inspirational anecdotes, and how-to information. It made me reevaluate why I had a cell phone and pager (and other financial decisions I had made). Although I never quit my job and went to live in a cave, I did take control of my situation and made some smart decisions, which prepared me for the technology downturn. Some of my ex-coworkers weren't so lucky. Luhrs has created an inspirational handbook on how to simplifying your life from the ground up, albeit with a philosophical bent. |
Full of very useful information
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| Review Date: September 27, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Janice White, Paragon, Indiana |
| This book is very good for those looking to simplify their life. Be prepared to change the way you think about spending, what you "need" to be happy, and how you spend your free time. |
An encyclopedia of simple living ideas
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| Review Date: July 24, 2001 |
| Reviewer: Karen Shay-Kubiak, Milwaukee, WI USA |
| This book is an encyclopedia of creative ideas for simplifying life down to include only what's really important to you. Covers housing alternatives, ideas for travelling cheap, shaving money off your food bill, how to garden anywhere, creative employment ideas, and more... all geared to help readers reduce expenses, break free from today's American debt albatross, and thus have the freedom to live the life they choose. Includes lots of real life examples of people who are doing just that, along with an extensive list of additional resources on each topic. Great inspiration! |
Excellent book with valuable bibliography of other resources
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| Review Date: December 18, 1997 |
| Reviewer: mham@ctb.com, Monterey, CA |
| The voluntary simplicity movement is producing quite a few books, and this is probably one of the best. It not only provides excellent thoughts on various ways to simplify one's life, it also includes at the end of each chapter an annotated bibliography of resources--other books, magazines, organizations, Web sites, etc. This is probably the one to get first. |
Don't buy this book, borrow it
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| Review Date: March 27, 2008 |
| Reviewer: v, |
| The author spends too many pages chatting and not enough giving solid advice. The entire gist of the book could be boiled down to one-tenth its current size. Don't buy this book, borrow it. |
EVERY person should read this!
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| Review Date: July 10, 2001 |
| Reviewer: R. Ohana, Los Angeles, Ca |
| Second to the Bible, this is the most important book I have ever read. On the other hand, I appreciate that it wasn't at all religious or overly philosophical; not hard to swallow. Before I read this book, I had never even thought of some of the mindless mundanities I automatically waste time doing/being/thinking/buying just because I live here, in America, for one thing, and because it seems the way! What a trap materialism is! I have a four year old. She will never be this age again. Today will never be repeated! Live it! Cut out the over-busi-ness!!! This book is balanced and NOT extreme or at all ascetic. Best possible gift for graduates, newly marrieds, and new moms. |
A real treasure and a must read
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| Review Date: July 21, 1998 |
| Reviewer: Uwe Hauck, |
| A lovely book. I read it in two days, then reread it and am reading it now again. Great tips and insights on what frugality is all about. I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels that his or her life has become too complicated and who wants to bring back fun and joy in his or her life and settle down with outwardly less but inwardly more. 5 stars simply isn't enough for this pearl. |
FREE YOURSELVES FROM ECONOMIC SLAVERY - READ THIS BOOK
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| Review Date: July 5, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Mechang, The Klingon Empire |
After reading this book, you will see that you are nothing but an economic slave to the multitudes of businesses who clamor for your dollar each day of each year.
This work shows you how to have more for less and how to have more money while having more at the same time.
Simplify, streamline and downsize and refine your needs is the hallmark of this work. YOU DON'T HAVE TO SUFFER AND DO WITHOUT you just have to revise how you **DO**
My wife brought me this book after she had read it and it changed my entire viewpoint on how we should do things.
After banging our heads against an impenetrable wall to "keep up with the Jonses" and exhausting years of hard earned savings, it was simply time to do something else.
This book illuminated the way for us.
It is an easy read that can be done very quickly. It will show you some things and give you some ideas that may have never occurred to you.
Of course, if you are still caught up in the rat race and live it, then you certianly are not ready for this book.
If you have BEEN in the rat race and have had your measure of success and find that it simply is not enough because you STILL DON'T HAVE ENOUGH then
YOU ARE READY FOR THIS BOOK. |
Good for you if I have to cram it down your throat
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| Review Date: September 17, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| True, there's good advice in these pages, and it's presented in a convenient digest format (all of this territory has been covered before, by among others, Don Aslett, Jane Brody, and Thoreau). My problem is the author's self-righteous tone; although she begins, promisingly enough, by saying that "simple living has nothing to do with your level of income," she soon makes it clear that she will brook no slaggards, and that the leaner your existence, the better your person. Amy Dacyczn, the founder of the Tightwad Gazette, is pretty hardcore on the subject of paring down to the basics, yet her books are written with good humor and an awareness that she is, indeed, on the fanatical fringe; she is much more tolerant of the fact that people march to different drummers, something Luhr preaches but does not seem to really believe. If you enjoy being lectured, Simple Living will give you several days' worth. |
Helpful in keeping me on track
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| Review Date: January 18, 2000 |
| Reviewer: Bonnie Clyde, California |
| I picked up this book at the library by chance. Once I began reading it I couldn't put it down. I agree with most of what the author writes, although I do realize that I am not interested in following all of her advice. The most helpful sections for me were on money and working. I feel very stressed out about "making it," but after reading this book I've begun to reevaluate my idea of success. That alone has been helpful. I've already bought a copy to keep on my bookshelf for whenever I need a lift. |
Excellent!
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| Review Date: July 9, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I bought this book almost 2 years ago and unlike many books I buy, this one doesn't sit on the bookshelf collecting dust. I read it cover to cover the week I bought it and frequently reference it. The examples Ms. Luhrs provides are practical and the overall attitude of the book is encouraging and realistic. I suggest this book to anyone who wants to get motivated to live a more simple life. |
The Voluntary Simplicity Bible
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| Review Date: August 24, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This is a wonderful reference book that just happens to also have interesting anecdotes, case studies, etc. Should be required reading for everyone even considering a simpler, more rewarding life. There are chapters for how to make this work for couples, families with children, singles, everyone! It also addresses the inner life as well as the outer (financial/ecological) life issues. Don't be afraid to jump around in the book to get what you need, when you need it. This is not a book you have to read straight-through, cover-to-cover, although if you do, you'll learn heaps! |
Live simply, live consciously!
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| Review Date: August 1, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This book changed my life! Ms. Luhrs poses great suggestions for simplifying our over-cluttered existence... highly recommended for anyone looking for ways to live more meaningfully, more slowly, in a shallow, fast-food culture! |
Wonder source of simplistic inspiration.
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| Review Date: November 29, 2005 |
| Reviewer: mediaagent, New York, New York |
I like this book because it puts everything in perspective of what one can do just to live simply. While is was written pre-9/11, many of the stories listed can still be applied right now, when everything is under the pretense of buy more, buy bigger (gas crisis not excluded), many of the principals can be applied when it feels like life is just too much, and stuff is taking over in multiple quantities.
I recommend this book as well as "Your Money or Your Life". You will find that you will refer to both books, time and time again to set you on a more purposeful path in life. |
Excellent Tool for Beginners!
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| Review Date: March 31, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I love this book! It is full of useful suggestions in almost all areas of daily living. As someone who has become all too aware of the society of consumption in which we live, this book offers so many practical suggestions for bringing life more into balance and learning to value that which is genuninely important. It also offers many additional resources at the end of each chapter. I think this book should be mandatory reading for every high school senior. I wish I had been able to read it years ago. But better late then never! |
Simple Living
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| Review Date: January 23, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Robert F. Weir, Rochester, NY USA |
| You may have seen Simple Living at the supermarket checkout. It is a really well designed and edited magazine. This text, written before the author began to create the magazine, is a very good basic text on living simply. I liked the interviews, her analogies of how we live at times and can possibly reduce our need for other things. I liked the way the book was organized, in simple logical chapters including money, inner simplicity, time, travel, clutter and others very logically chosen. One of my favorite quotes from the book is "Our time famine is really an intimacy famine. It is much easier to stay busy and frantic than it is to love and know ourselves and others happy. Think NYC after 9/11. |
A guide to stop the treadmill of materialism in your life.
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| Review Date: July 22, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| Janet Luhres opens the door for any person, family, or group to simplify their way of life. Abundant references and resources are listed for further study, yet the simplicity of her recommendations bring us back to the important reasons we are working and why we should or should not continue on the path we are following. A must read for anyone who is serious about simplifying their life and increasing its richness. |
This book will change your life.
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| Review Date: July 12, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| Not only does this book offer clear-cut, thoughtful ideas on how to simplify your life, but it is so in-depth! At the end of each chapter, the author provides a list of books and other resources to help you delve further into simplifying. Some of the ideas are radical, but she only offers them as examples...Ms. Luhrs shows readers that simplification can be achieved on all levels. |
Good fundamental theories
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| Review Date: June 16, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I highly recommend the first several chapters of this book. I agree to most of the theories, especially the chapter on spending. If most people lived "below their means" as this book recommends, they wouldn't be forced to get that paycheck doing something they don't truly love for a living. Happiness is found, in part, by doing something you enjoy for a living. However, the chapters near the end regarding food and housing, are a bit on the radical side to me. For those looking for a truly simplified life, these last couple of chapters would apply. Overall, I would recommend it. |
A very comprehensive guide to simple living
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| Review Date: February 4, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| A good beginners guide to simple living...does a nice job of reviewing related literature. Many useful and practical ideas to fit a wide range of views and accomodations to simple living |
Chock full of good things
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| Review Date: March 6, 2002 |
| Reviewer: Liora Hess, Atlanta, GA USA |
| This is one great book chock full of so many helpful tips on how to make your life more simple and the rationale for doing so. The author touches on everything from meditation to housing and work to physical health and travel. Scattered throughout are examples of people who are following their own path to simplicity. There are tips on saving on travel that I've never seen elsewhere. The author has also included tons of references so you know where to go to do more reading. A great book you'll probaby refer to time and time again! |
BRAVO!BRAVO!BRAVO!
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| Review Date: August 1, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE YOU GET A BOOK YOU CAN'T PUT DOWN & THIS IS TRULY ONE OF THEM! IT IS WRITTEN FOR THE AVERAGE JOE AND IS INSPIRATIONAL. I BOUGHT IT AT A USED BOOK STORE BUT WOULD HAVE PAYED FULL PRICE IN A HEARTBEAT! BUY IT! READ IT! LIVE IT! |
Live Deliberately- Enjoy Life (A Must Read)
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| Review Date: March 14, 2001 |
| Reviewer: R. S. Griffith, Beaver, WV United States |
| The second most insightful book I have read. Yes this is a compliment. I do not want to get into religion so I will not bring up the first. The book is well written and gives an excellent review of Deliberate Simplicity concepts. If you are stressed and tired of letting life live you instead of the other way around - this is the book for you. |
chaski
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| Review Date: September 14, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Marion Foerster, Oceanside, CA USA |
| The Simple Living Guide is very inspirational for those of us who are interested in living in a more sustainable fashion. The ideas in the book are practical and creative. This is one of the best books of its kind. |
A great, but somewhat dated resource
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| Review Date: June 26, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Jeff Horsager, Seattle, WA USA |
I think this is a great resource for anyone just embarking on a journey of simplicity. It's full of ideas and inspiration that will help you on your way.
My only gripe is that the financial sections are dated. Some of it seems quite naive in light of the recent financial crisis. For example, pay yourself first is still a very important concept but the advice on where to invest is almost comical given the recent upheaval. Additionally, many of the economic assumptions are flawed. Nearly all the examples on savings, investment, and compound interest assume a 10-15% return on investment. Who, besides the credit card companies, actually gets that kind of return anymore? Of course hindsight is 20/20, but that same hindsight could be used to rewrite the financial sections -- which is sorely needed.
So personally I highly recommend this book, but advise that you supplement the financial advice with more recent sources.
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I love this book! Great suggestions.
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| Review Date: December 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: holly, Florida, USA |
| I love this book. It has excellent suggestions whether you want to make small or big changes in your life. It was "green" before there was a green movement. Terrific stuff! |
A full of resources book though slightly outdated.
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| Review Date: December 20, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Trinity the Voracious Reader, Santa Clara, CA, US |
This book is full of amazing suggestions and resources in simple living. Luhrs defines simplicity as conscious, deliberate living, "stopping for a moment and asking what the heck we are doing with our lives". After this introduction, she then went to talk about time, money, inner simplicity, work, simple pleasures and romance, virtues, families, holidays, cooking and nutrition, health and exercise, housing, clutter, gardening, and travel. At the end of each chapter, there is a list of books, websites, and other resources to help us learn more about the topic. What's helpful was her short summary in each of the resources she listed.
Though I wish there is a new edition of this book with updated resources, I continue to reread and use this book as a reference. I highly recommend this book for those who are interested in living more consciously and taking as little as possible from this earth that we share. |
A Keeper In My Library
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| Review Date: June 2, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This is a wonderful book. Ms. Luhrs' tips are easy to follow. The list of resources at the end of each chapter allows a reader to explore frugal living in more depth. I really enjoyed the personal stories of people living simplified lives. |
The only practical reference guide for action minded people
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| Review Date: January 3, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This book is a very practical reference guide for all families who wish to focus on a more simple living style. It's chapters are well divided and permits the reader to read only those of interest. Most importantly this book does not preach and keeps it's suggestions at a very practical level. |
The concepts are provocative; the book too long.
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| Review Date: June 22, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I found the first chapter of this book detailing the concept of Simple Living and the second involving money as it applies to this concept quite thought provoking. It encourages one to evaluate priorities and to avoid being enslaved to things; the idea being the more "stuff" you have, the more you have to work to pay for it, the more time you have to invest to maintain it, etc. The remaining chapters became redundant and boring. |
The book that converted me
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| Review Date: April 28, 2001 |
| Reviewer: , Santa Clara, CA United States |
| This was the first book I read, and by far the best. It starts out mellow, talking about the reasons/philosophy, and move on to easy / practical suggestions to radical ones (like eco-friendly housing). Reading this book I feel that I have many options -- it makes moving towards the goal manageable and personal. |
Love it but financial chapters are dated
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| Review Date: July 21, 2010 |
| Reviewer: J. Kalis, Columbus, OH USA |
| In general I loved this book and got a lot of great ideas for my life. I plan to keep it and reread parts every so often. I especially enjoyed the section on holidays. However, the whole first part of the book relates to finances and investing using examples that worked in the 90's but could never work today in this market and economy. The problem is that much of the point of the book kind of depends on this saving and investing, so it can leave you somewhat depressed realizing you can never achieve what she's telling you to do. |
Great book to make you stop and think
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| Review Date: April 5, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Kimberlee Bush, New York State |
| I first found this book at my local library. After the first few chapters, I knew it would be worth purchasing my own copy. The book I purchased gently used was in far better condition that the library book I mentioned. I'm very pleased with my purchase. |
Simple living is to each his own
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| Review Date: November 7, 2007 |
| Reviewer: an introvert quilter, NJ, USA |
I love this book because it said it all. We have different views about simplicity & these are only guidelines not rules written in stone.
Saving is important because in this country, a lot of people are up to neck about debt, really it is hard to make ends meet, whether one is single or married w/ children. A lot of books are in sync w/ this book like , Richard Foster's " Freedom of Simplicity" or Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach. They are also must read. It will really help make a life lighter if we are only content w/ what is basic. |
It changed my life!!!
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| Review Date: April 15, 2002 |
| Reviewer: Hope Campbell, |
This should be the gift you get for everyone including yourself.
It really did change my life, my attitude, and way of living. It is great to pick up every once in a while and read again. ... She approaches all aspects of life with a fresh perspective that has helped me get through the rougher parts of life and helped me to enjoy the wonderful times more. Thanks to Janet Luhrs for writing such a great book! |
Repetitive
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| Review Date: September 5, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I liked the general idea of the book, however, I found much of it to be redundant. Some of the ideas were too harsh for my lifestyle. The beginning of the book dragged a bit but the last two thirds were more interesting. I think this book would be excellent for someone who is disiplined and willing to have a simple life. It is not very good for the weak at heart. |
This book will change your life FOREVER!!!!!
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| Review Date: August 31, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| If I had to give up all my books except two...this and the Bible would be the two I would keep! My life will never be the same. I have bought more than a dozen to give to friends...who have turned around and bought more to give to their friends. I don't know how Janet was able to put SO much into one book! GET IT! You will wonder how you ever got along without it! Thank you Janet! |
I Re-read this book every year
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| Review Date: January 5, 2008 |
| Reviewer: allygmail, |
| This book has changed my life. I re-read it every year for continued inspiration. |
Good advice hidden in hocus-pocus spirituality
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| Review Date: July 6, 1999 |
| Reviewer: , |
| The chapters about work and money were helpful, but all the examples of "simple living" were too impractical for most people. While the definition of voluntary simplicity is alleged fluid, why give the most extreme examples of people building adobe houses without indoor plumbing? The author talked too much about spirituality and quasi-religious matters. Just stick to the hints, please. |
My favorite book in the world
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| Review Date: July 8, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Deena Sao, Lowell, MA United States |
| This is my favorite book in the world! Is that sacrilegious? That I'm a Christian and didn't say the Bible? tee hee. Anyway, I love that it describes simplicity in all the different catagories- clutter, housing, finances, etc. Simplicity is multi-faceted and the more I embrace it the happier I am. Also, I grew up learning about Henry David Thoreau, but this book helped me to understand him as a philosopher I really admire. |
Penny pinchers delight
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| Review Date: February 19, 2003 |
| Reviewer: , Key West |
| Yes, you will find lots of money saving ideas here, but this book and the lifestyle it promotes, will appeal mainly to miserly types. You needn't beat yourself up for every penny you spend, nor should you reduce your entire life to a mad hunt for additional money saving ideas. If you spend as much time planning a sensible investment approach, you will enjoy life more and come out ahead in the end. And you just might become rich--and guilt free! |
Irritating, dated, tedious
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| Review Date: May 25, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Pythia, manalapan, nj United States |
| I believe this may be the first time in years - no, it's the second - I've bothered to return a book. I usually find something redeeming about any book I read. Not this time....well, perhaps as kindling.... |
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