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13th out of 23 books
—
19 voters
Living More with Less
by
Doris Janzen Longacre,
Valerie Weaver-Zercher (Goodreads Author)
In addition to the author's original reflections on themes such as doing justice, learning from the world community, nurturing people, cherishing the natural order, and nonconforming freely, "Living More with Less: 30th Anniversary Edition" contains new and updated essays, reflections, and practical tips in areas such as money, homekeeping, gardening, cooking, clothing, tr...more
Paperback, 253 pages
Published
November 1st 2010
by Herald Press (VA)
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376)
Mar 06, 2011
Leah
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
environmentalism,
christianity,
mennonites,
21st-century,
self-reliant-living,
gardening,
diets
Disclaimer: I am not a Mennonite. I'm not even a Christian. I began reading this with no idea that it was a Mennonite text. But that did not stop me from gaining much wisdom and foresight from this text, and I think, in spite of it being heavily influenced by Anabaptist Christianity, its message is truly for everyone.
The original "Living More With Less" was published thirty years ago, and since then, much has changed, for better or worse. This new edition of 2010 speaks to a modern age, with up...more
The original "Living More With Less" was published thirty years ago, and since then, much has changed, for better or worse. This new edition of 2010 speaks to a modern age, with up...more
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Doris Longacre wrote the Living More with Less Cookbook in 1976, as part of her Mennonite Community work. This followup book was begun a few years later, but unfortunately Doris died of cancer before she could complete it herself. Others finished it for her and it was published in 1980. It was interesting on several perspectives. First, it had a world view, sharing not only how Americans could live more with less, but also how others, around the world regularly did. Second, in many ways it paral...more
I also read and own the 1980 version of this book. Happily I also attend a group where we read and share about these topics in person, because the details of the way we live are too easy to ignore or belittle. My group started out reading the chapter on "Money and Stewardship" and, so far, whenever later topics do not spark conversation, we return to money. Money dependably brings up those topics we need to air, confess or question. Insurances, Bank accounts, Car habits, spending on this or that...more
I found this book at ten thousand villages while perusing the usual exciting knick knacks. I bought it not realizing that it was a Christian-themed environmentalism book, so I was a little perplexed by the introduction. Once I'd realized the target audience, I wasn't so confused.
I think this book has a lot of nuggets of thought-provoking wisdom (even for non-Christians). I especially like the idea of 'nonconformity' in that it challenges the standard american ideals of excessive consumerism and...more
I think this book has a lot of nuggets of thought-provoking wisdom (even for non-Christians). I especially like the idea of 'nonconformity' in that it challenges the standard american ideals of excessive consumerism and...more
It took me a long time to read this book. There is a lot to chew on in its pages, and a lot to challenge me towards action within my home and my person, within my community, and within the world at large. I plan to write a more reflective review hopefully in the next day or so, but for now, I just want to note a few things that were particularly interesting to me about this book.
1) This is not just a book for Mennonites. Although it's clear from some of the cultural references and jargon (for la...more
1) This is not just a book for Mennonites. Although it's clear from some of the cultural references and jargon (for la...more
A very challenging book that looks at simplifying life not only from a biblical stewardship point of view but also from a global poiny of view. One of the better books on simple living I have read because it doesn't take as its center making middle class Americans feel more comfort, or guilt, with their stuff. Instead, Longacre focuses on people and how doing with less will strengthen bonds between people. The format consists of short topicsl chapters accompanied by anecdotes from people around...more
Feb 21, 2009
Miriam
rated it
1 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
money-management,
ecology
I haven't looked at this book in eight years, but the fact that I still remember so vividly how much it annoyed me convinced me to write a review. I love Longacre's cookbook (the predecessor to this volume), and I bought this hoping for more practical ideas for living a simpler life. I was expecting some pontificating, since that is inevitable in these sorts of books, but a large part of the book consists of anecdotes built on the "All the evil consumers do X, but I do Y" model. One example stil...more
What an incredible book. Written from the perspective of a Mennonite. Sole focus is about making a conscious choice to do more with less. Tons of ideas for everyday life. Non-Mennonites (like me) can still gain from reading. We in our household already live fairly simply, but this book takes it to an entirely different level. A quote that really tells this book's story: "It sounds too simple, even for a book on simple living. But when we are more content to stay at home, to think and to pray, we...more
Sep 30, 2009
Amy
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
herald-press,
non-fiction
Almost 30 years old and still relevant today with tons of information on how to live simply. Perhaps more relevant in today's world of cutting back than it was even 10 years ago.
I read it right out of college 10 years ago and just skimmed it again. From ideas on how to simplify birthdays and holidays to recipes for ecological housecleaning products, this book has it all.
I read it right out of college 10 years ago and just skimmed it again. From ideas on how to simplify birthdays and holidays to recipes for ecological housecleaning products, this book has it all.
Oct 17, 2011
MaryBliss
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
essays-and-commentaries
Food for thought. Reading others' decisions on how to put into practice the good principles to which they are devoted does not make me want to implement those specific practices, but it does spur me to make sure that I am putting into practice (though in a different outward form), with integrity, those same good principles in my own life.
May 14, 2012
Gloria
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Spiritual Lifestyle Enthusiasts
Shelves:
non-fiction
While some of the suggestions may seem a bit austere for some, this is the Mennonite guidebook for living well, but very frugally, all with the intentional of leaving a lighter footprint in the world and perhaps making life a bit better in less advantaged countries. Originally published 30 years ago, this is updated with contemporary examples. There is a definite spiritual tone to it, but even those who are not religious will find many take-aways.
I don't spend a lot of time reading books with such religious bents, but I am interested in the notion of "simple living", and this has a different take on it than some. Some good ideas here, even for non-Mennonites.
Dated & sometimes a little self-righteous in places. Still a very thought provoking read. Funny how some of the suggestions & submissions are now deemed as the new, cool green thing to do 30 years after the book was published when most of them were even passed down in families before that! And the kicker is, some of it seems like it should just be common sense...
Highly recommend this if you're thinking of simplifying life. And don't buy this new without checking out a Re-Uzit store -- seen it there a lot and used books exemplify the the message of this book!
This book was written in 1980 so some of the tips and ideas are a bit out of date. However, there is still some good information here and the chapter introductions are quite thought provoking. If you are looking for simple living tips you may find a newer book to be more beneficial, but if you are interested in the philosophy of simple living the information here is timeless.
This book was okay and I guess worth the read but it seemed to be more of a guilt trip approach for living sustainably than just taking a postive, lets roll up our sleeves and heres how to do it type book that I had hoped it would be.
Excellent book on living simply and ecologically. Very interesting.
We need more people who think like this.
one of the best books on this subject.
Material is kind of dated.....but still relevant and interesting. Clever ideas throughout.
A bit dated and not what I expected.
What I'm learning:
1) Simple living isn't something that can really be quantified, and it is a process of learning and being teachable, as well as a position of the heart; much less a place that we "arrive at."
2) There are many practical ways that we can learn from each other, and that we should learn from each other. Specifically, that the western church can learn from the rest of the world.
3) Community unity and nurture are key elements.
1) Simple living isn't something that can really be quantified, and it is a process of learning and being teachable, as well as a position of the heart; much less a place that we "arrive at."
2) There are many practical ways that we can learn from each other, and that we should learn from each other. Specifically, that the western church can learn from the rest of the world.
3) Community unity and nurture are key elements.
One word: Inspiring. Did not read like a 30-year-old book. Sad that most of what the contributors are suggesting still isn't being done on any grand scale. But it made me feel that I'm not alone in the wilderness. Also a delight to hear about what people are doing in other places, and how they view American excess. That it is centered in a peaceful Christianity is also comforting. Oh, yeah. *THAT* Christianity....
I read this book over and over again to remind me how blessed we are living in the US. Makes you think about what you can do without.
Not nearly as good as the More with Less cookbook. Some ideas are brilliant, but many are mundane and completely impractical for living in the Bay Area. I did give me food for thought, and helps to get me thinking about all the things I do have and waste.
A practical and convicting book about simple living, written by the same person as the More with Less cookbooks. Lots of stories from people, and even though written in 1980 is surprisingly relevant for today. Planning to use this book in class.
May 19, 2013
Marissa
marked it as to-read
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