megan_prairierose's review
3.0
We’re along a similar path and it was nice to see that in print.
I am mindful that this author is a CIS white woman who has the privilege of a house and not working full time. Take it all with a grain of salt.
Overall a good reminder to be mindful with our habits and money.
I am mindful that this author is a CIS white woman who has the privilege of a house and not working full time. Take it all with a grain of salt.
Overall a good reminder to be mindful with our habits and money.
librarian_nic's review
challenging
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
3.5
If you’re more interested in how Druidry ties into consumerism, start with part 2. - page 71 in my edition. I almost gave up because part 1 (to me), was repetitive , a bit heavy handed, and slow.
It’s almost like Townsend wrote part 2 first (which was still in itself a tiny bit repetitive), and then went back to write part 1 to fill a 100+ page count. The list on pages 64-66 easily sum up the first part (in my opinion).
Am I glad I found this through my library network? Yes. Will I ever revisit it- yes, but only for the further reading or a list of locations the author visited on their Druidry journey.
It’s almost like Townsend wrote part 2 first (which was still in itself a tiny bit repetitive), and then went back to write part 1 to fill a 100+ page count. The list on pages 64-66 easily sum up the first part (in my opinion).
Am I glad I found this through my library network? Yes. Will I ever revisit it- yes, but only for the further reading or a list of locations the author visited on their Druidry journey.
catacombkitten's review
5.0
I received a digital ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Anti-Consumerist Druid: How I Beat My Shopping Addiction Through Connection with Nature got my attention from the moment I first stumbled across it. Never in my life had I considered the possibility of a link between something as mundane as a shopping addiction and one's spiritual journey, but I was intrigued. Needless to say, when I was offered a digital copy in exchange for an honest review, I did not hesitate for one second but dove right in.
Katrina Townsend invites the reader to join her on a unique journey of self-discovery. In the first half of the book, she gives a very open and honest account of her relation with overconsumption, and more specifically, her struggle with a serious shopping addiction. The reader gains insight into her attempts to overcome this addiction through trial and error. In the second half, Townsend finds a deeper understanding of nature, spirituality, and therefore herself, which helps her beat her addictive habits.
Townsend’s writing style is inviting from the get-go. She comes across as friendly and non-judgmental and manages to dip her tales of woe into a healthy dose of humour. Her openness about not only the ups, but also the often overwhelming downs of her quest makes it virtually impossible not to sympathise with her. Despite the perhaps somewhat unconventional subject matter, there is nothing too woolly about Townsend’s prose. She comes across as delightfully down-to-earth and also provides insight into her own bouts of scepticism, making her all the more relatable.
The Anti-Consumerist Druid differs from most other anti-consumerist books in that it does not promise to change your life: it will not make you impulsively throw out half your possessions and create a brand new budgeting spreadsheet, inevitably resulting in a ‘new and improved you’. On the contrary, Townsend acknowledges that change doesn’t happen overnight because human behaviour is far more complicated than that. Instead, she warmly invites the reader to be more mindful about their daily habits. Townsend’s path may not be one-size-fits-all but it does offer far more nuance than your average self-help guide. It’s also a delightful read to boot.
Review first published on Graveyard Picnic.
The Anti-Consumerist Druid: How I Beat My Shopping Addiction Through Connection with Nature got my attention from the moment I first stumbled across it. Never in my life had I considered the possibility of a link between something as mundane as a shopping addiction and one's spiritual journey, but I was intrigued. Needless to say, when I was offered a digital copy in exchange for an honest review, I did not hesitate for one second but dove right in.
Katrina Townsend invites the reader to join her on a unique journey of self-discovery. In the first half of the book, she gives a very open and honest account of her relation with overconsumption, and more specifically, her struggle with a serious shopping addiction. The reader gains insight into her attempts to overcome this addiction through trial and error. In the second half, Townsend finds a deeper understanding of nature, spirituality, and therefore herself, which helps her beat her addictive habits.
Townsend’s writing style is inviting from the get-go. She comes across as friendly and non-judgmental and manages to dip her tales of woe into a healthy dose of humour. Her openness about not only the ups, but also the often overwhelming downs of her quest makes it virtually impossible not to sympathise with her. Despite the perhaps somewhat unconventional subject matter, there is nothing too woolly about Townsend’s prose. She comes across as delightfully down-to-earth and also provides insight into her own bouts of scepticism, making her all the more relatable.
The Anti-Consumerist Druid differs from most other anti-consumerist books in that it does not promise to change your life: it will not make you impulsively throw out half your possessions and create a brand new budgeting spreadsheet, inevitably resulting in a ‘new and improved you’. On the contrary, Townsend acknowledges that change doesn’t happen overnight because human behaviour is far more complicated than that. Instead, she warmly invites the reader to be more mindful about their daily habits. Townsend’s path may not be one-size-fits-all but it does offer far more nuance than your average self-help guide. It’s also a delightful read to boot.
Review first published on Graveyard Picnic.
owls_rainbow's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Ebook provided by the author for review. Thank you!
An engaging and beautifully written book. A little bit memoir, a little bit self-help, and a sprinkling of spiritual guidance in the vein of follow your instincts and emphasis on everyone's journey is different.
Katrina writes with unflinching honesty, she openly admits when she makes mistakes but dispenses with a woe is me attitude, she just gets on with it. Her advice is real and solid and you can apply the principles of shopping consciously and appreciating the small things in life even without having issues with a shopping addiction.
There are also some great points about the climate and social media. It's too easy to feel powerless and overwhelmed about climate change but even small changes can make a difference. Katrina doesn't say it specifically but a lot of the book in general makes me think of the old make do and mend philosophy. As for social media, moderation is key and kill the comparison. It always feels like everyone is in a better place than you but so much is behind the scenes and not all of it is necessarily good.
As for Druidry... It's not something I knew a lot about beforehand although I have had fleeting interests in Wicca and Paganism over the years (and a lot of witchy themed books on my shelves to show it). However, reading Katrina's story of discovery and her spiritual experiences and finding that Earthly connection was truly inspiring.
On the whole I loved and appreciated this book and I look forward to reading future works by Katrina.
An engaging and beautifully written book. A little bit memoir, a little bit self-help, and a sprinkling of spiritual guidance in the vein of follow your instincts and emphasis on everyone's journey is different.
Katrina writes with unflinching honesty, she openly admits when she makes mistakes but dispenses with a woe is me attitude, she just gets on with it. Her advice is real and solid and you can apply the principles of shopping consciously and appreciating the small things in life even without having issues with a shopping addiction.
There are also some great points about the climate and social media. It's too easy to feel powerless and overwhelmed about climate change but even small changes can make a difference. Katrina doesn't say it specifically but a lot of the book in general makes me think of the old make do and mend philosophy. As for social media, moderation is key and kill the comparison. It always feels like everyone is in a better place than you but so much is behind the scenes and not all of it is necessarily good.
As for Druidry... It's not something I knew a lot about beforehand although I have had fleeting interests in Wicca and Paganism over the years (and a lot of witchy themed books on my shelves to show it). However, reading Katrina's story of discovery and her spiritual experiences and finding that Earthly connection was truly inspiring.
On the whole I loved and appreciated this book and I look forward to reading future works by Katrina.
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