slelswick's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the way that Cait Flanders learned to live with less by addressing her alcoholism, her binge eating, and her mindless shopping. All three were connected and she tackled each one holistically and shared how she did it, along with confessions when she slipped up. This was an encouraging way to start the new year off right by being a mindful consumer.
madisongturner's review
4.5
In a world where most minimalist evangelists are men, I really appreciated the difference in perspective. Cait does a really good job of discussing her personal motivations in a way that simply pushes you to live more aligned with your own values. I found the specificity and personal stories to really make this a lovely read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Alcoholism, and Addiction
lucysmom828's review against another edition
4.0
This is the decluttering book that folks should read if they are looking to really get into spring cleaning and downsizing. Cait talks about what led her to decide to go a year without shopping, the different lists she created to help guide her, and then details her progress month by month.
But more than that, she delves into why she makes so many purchases. She talks about things in her past and present that influence her shopping habits, inviting the reader to take similar stock of their own life. She invites you into her world, showing you her vulnerability and when she made mistaks along the way. This not only shows that she's human and is still figuring this out, but also shows you that it's okay to make mistakes, as long as you get back on track.
She also charts her progress, including what percentage of her belongings she's given away and how confident she is that she'll finish. I loved these details because I love data, and it's encouraging to know the truth; that it's not going to be smooth sailing from day 1, but the progress at the end is worth it.
But more than that, she delves into why she makes so many purchases. She talks about things in her past and present that influence her shopping habits, inviting the reader to take similar stock of their own life. She invites you into her world, showing you her vulnerability and when she made mistaks along the way. This not only shows that she's human and is still figuring this out, but also shows you that it's okay to make mistakes, as long as you get back on track.
She also charts her progress, including what percentage of her belongings she's given away and how confident she is that she'll finish. I loved these details because I love data, and it's encouraging to know the truth; that it's not going to be smooth sailing from day 1, but the progress at the end is worth it.
jbrins1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Not really about buying less, but I preferred it that way.
corourke's review against another edition
3.0
While I quite enjoyed the autobiography as a story, and became slightly inspired to continue my debt free journey, I listened on audiobook and it was excruciating to get through. Did no one listen before publication? Drops tone at the end of ever sentence- like the entire book is a shopping list.
al07734's review
hopeful
4.5
This is the like a Western application of the principles outlined in Marie Kondo's book series. I am a huge Marie Kondo fan so of course I loved this book! It's personal about her life but filled me with so much hope about mine. I enjoyed this a lot!!
annemariewellswriter's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book and it is inspiring me to 1. quit drinking (again) and 2. really REALLY analyze what I spend money on. It really makes you take a look at consumerism and what we use in our daily lives to mask pain/stress/anxiety/sadness/anger or even joy.
vharting's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Interesting concept. I may attempt to incorporate some of this into my own life as a challenge since I would like to save more for travel.