Peter Lawrence (1)

This is a funny little book with some persuasive gems in it to guide the reader to becoming a minimalist. Reviews I've read elsewhere slam the book for being too austere, for repetition within and from other sources, for poor writing, and unrealistic statements. All of these may be true to some readers. I borrowed the book from the library, so have no financial bone to pick with the author.

The author is a "character" who has lived around the world, and whose lifestyle reminds me of my 20s. His over-the-top austerity does give the average American a glimpse into choices made by someone who is committed to being a minimalist at the expense of his own comfort; however, much of what Lawrence writes makes a lot of sense, particularly to many young people who are changing their focus from consumerism. Just today I read an article stating that very thing, that young people and Americans in general are not consuming as they have in the past, even if they have extra income. Savings is going up. This economy, which according to the article relies 70% on consumers to keep it strong, is feeling the pinch as U.S. citizens eschew keeping up with the Joneses. in order to not overextend themselves or even as a backlash for Wall Street's greed and the housing market bubble burst. But I digress.

This work is almost naiive in its idealism, it's commitment to a minimalist lifestyle, its common sense decision-making discussions, and its choice of what is important to this author. Some of the things he finds important are the ability to move easily, to use technology efficiently, to have little to clean and insure and store and deal with, to maintain good health, and of course, to save money and stay out of debt. All of these things make sense to me, although I prefer a bed over a sleeping bag on the floor. He makes a number of claims about different advantages of being a minimalist, but only provides a few sources for verification. It seemed as if I were reading an extended persuasive paper written by an enthusiastic college student; this was the tone and quality of writing.

I believe the book is worth reading by anyone who is interested in minimalism, the simplicity movement, sustainable living, or debt reduction. Although some of his ideas are radical for mainstream Americans, they aren't so much for those of us who are already living alternative lifestyles and on our way to more sustainable lifestyles. Anyone could get usable ideas from the book.… (meer)