4ndysmith's review

Go to review page

5.0

What a lovely and peaceful experience reading this book was. I don't think I've read anything like this before.

The author doesn't explain at all what you should do to live a simple yet abundant life. Instead, he details stories and thoughts from ten different people living in rural Japan, leaving me, the reader, to decide for myself what’s important.

As others have said, much self-examination occurs during this book. You can't help but re-evaluate your own way of living and try to align it with a more slow-paced, intentional, mindful, and ecologically friendly way of life.

bridge_enginerd's review

Go to review page

5.0

This book is life-changing.

simplymary's review

Go to review page

3.0

The library won’t renew after one cycle so I’ll have to let go of this book for now, though I haven’t finished it yet. The photographs are amateur and the writing pretty straightforward, but I was excited to find a book that fused together my two loves: minimalism and Japan. Each chapter highlights a different person or family living in a self-sufficient, simple way in rural Japan. They aren’t realistically lives I could duplicate, but it gives me a feeling of calm to see others attain simplicity.

imqs's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This book helped my soul

One of the best books I've read. The ways of living of all this people make you realize how less things make you full. It's not about material possessions but spirituality. Humbleness is key for a life that can help not only our souls but the Earth's.

alymac42's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful reflective relaxing slow-paced

4.0

rovingsoul's review

Go to review page

hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing slow-paced

5.0

audeliame's review

Go to review page

informative inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

5.0

xaynmaliqu's review

Go to review page

5.0

Beautiful and inspiring.

hitanshi's review

Go to review page

5.0

I really enjoyed reading this book about the Japanese individuals who choose to move to rural areas to practice and simple and sustainable lifestyle. From a materialistic Western perspective to a spiritual Eastern perspective. Something I've been curious of and trying to explore. It was refreshing to check out different homes that felt so long ago, yet so rich and present in the current day.

I can't wait to re-read this book.

toniapeckover's review

Go to review page

4.0

Second time reading these interviews with inspiring Japanese artists and activists who have chosen truly simple lives.