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145th out of 209 books
—
125 voters
How to Live Well Without Owning a Car: Save Money, Breathe Easier, and Get More Mileage Out of Life
by
Chris Balish
You don'¬?t need to own a car to live well in America. In fact, you'¬?d probably be better off without one. In this groundbreaking guide, award-winning journalist Chris Balish exposes the true costs of car ownership and shows how car-free living can put anyone on the path to financial freedom. Using the book'¬?s car cost worksheet, first figure out how much owning a car re...more
Paperback, 224 pages
Published
September 1st 2006
by Ten Speed Press
(first published August 5th 2006)
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O. K., true confessions, I'm "car lite." But we ride bicycles everywhere we go locally when it's not icy on the roads.
This is a good book, and the basic thrust of it is, "you'll save money by ditching your car!" To which your response is, "But . . . but . . . but . . ." to which the author's response is, "well, this is what you do in that situation." So his style is more practical and less theoretical than "Divorce Your Car" (which is also good). The emphasis is on how you can go car-free, now,...more
This is a good book, and the basic thrust of it is, "you'll save money by ditching your car!" To which your response is, "But . . . but . . . but . . ." to which the author's response is, "well, this is what you do in that situation." So his style is more practical and less theoretical than "Divorce Your Car" (which is also good). The emphasis is on how you can go car-free, now,...more
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My 13-year-old car is about to bite the dust (the poor thing has broken down for the third time in a little over a month). And, since I live only a short distance from work, and since I can't yet afford the new SmartCar, I've recently wondered what would happen if I just never replaced the Hyundai? Would life be so impossible? Add to that carbon footprint guilt and a distaste for driving, and going car-less doesn't seem like such a bad idea. So... I read this book.
This is mainly a how-to guide t...more
This is mainly a how-to guide t...more
I saw this book at the library and picked it up because my boyfriend doesn't drive, and I'm trying to understand it.
I still think he should learn to drive, but I can kind of understand not owning a car now. It does cost a lot of money and cause stress. Right now I'm putting up with no AC and just a simple radio with no cassette or CD player so I can't play songs I want to on my commute (I also tried the RoadTrip + iPod with little success). I don't like driving; it stresses me out, and I find it...more
I still think he should learn to drive, but I can kind of understand not owning a car now. It does cost a lot of money and cause stress. Right now I'm putting up with no AC and just a simple radio with no cassette or CD player so I can't play songs I want to on my commute (I also tried the RoadTrip + iPod with little success). I don't like driving; it stresses me out, and I find it...more
Two weeks ago our car was totalled and we got a check from the insurance that would allow us to buy a new car and continue as we were, struggling with debt, or to pay off all our debts and go car-free as we'd been thinking of for several years. It turned out to be a pretty easy decision.[return][return]This book was an interesting (and quick) read, but to be honest, it's kind of a waste if you're already car-free or pretty well convinced that's the way you want to go. It's definitely focused on...more
Such an important book. Whether you go car-free or not, it is certainly in your interest (and the interest of everyone else, except the car and oil companies) that other people go car-free. But alas, as this fine little book explains, most of us are addicted to driving. It's not a "love affair" America has with the automobile, it's an addiction. "Driving is the new smoking," as one of the wise commenters in this book notes.
The book is an utterly practical manual to not only getting by but prosp...more
The book is an utterly practical manual to not only getting by but prosp...more
A good resource to get people thinking about going car-free or car-lite. Chris Balish lays out various scenarios chapter-by-chapter: getting to work; being social with friends and dates; doing your errands; to get you thinking about the possible ways you can get along just fine without a vehicle. While the research and explanation of living car-free and car-lite was well researched, I did feel that the book was missing a bit of realism.
Balish provides various charts showing you how the money yo...more
Balish provides various charts showing you how the money yo...more
I didn't think this book was that great overall, but its strong point is in providing convincing financial reasons for not owning a car. The title is pretty misleading; it is has more useful info about WHY you might not want to own a car than HOW to live without one. If you are investigating ways of saving money, have been concerned with gas prices, or are interested in the financial implications of car ownership, this book is worth reading for that aspect.
In terms of the "hows", the info is fa...more
In terms of the "hows", the info is fa...more
Overall, this is a useful book in explaining how to live a car-free or "car-lite" life in the United States. It is well organized into sections, such as alternative modes of transport (bicycling, walking, motorcycling) and how-to guides (get to work, have a social life, use car-sharing). It is easy to read and peppered with anecdotes from people across the country.
Unfortunately, the author tends to downplay the difficulties of living car-free in the U.S. He does not address the fact that in some...more
Unfortunately, the author tends to downplay the difficulties of living car-free in the U.S. He does not address the fact that in some...more
The book is overly repetitive in some areas (I suspect this has more to do with current publishing standards than the author's intentions), and more geared towards those who have yet to decide whether or not a car-free lifestyle is right for them as opposed to those who have already committed to it.
On the contrary, I found many useful and original tips of which I wouldn't have conceived otherwise, so it made the entire read worthwhile. Balish certainly does a masterful job convincing the reader...more
On the contrary, I found many useful and original tips of which I wouldn't have conceived otherwise, so it made the entire read worthwhile. Balish certainly does a masterful job convincing the reader...more
This is an excellent book! The author Chris Balish states, in Chapter 6, that he was a TV news anchor when he became unexpectedly car-free. After a month of learning how to do everything without a car, he realized he had $800.00 extra in his bank account. $800.00 was how much he was spending each month because of owning a car.
About a quarter of the book are quotes from car-free and car-light people throughout the USA and Canada. Being car-free is financially, physically, socially, and otherwise...more
About a quarter of the book are quotes from car-free and car-light people throughout the USA and Canada. Being car-free is financially, physically, socially, and otherwise...more
Back Cover: Suggests doing with out a car in city and suburbs. What about the country?
Author Chris doesn't own a car and commutes year round by bike. I did that at one time. The only time I missed was one time after a show Betty came to pick me up in the van. She said I was disappoint when I saw that I would be able to ride the bike in the snow.
Index: Here is a new word; slugging, it is picking up strangers for the HOV lanes.
Pg v: The biggest contribution of the book may be; "The true financial...more
Author Chris doesn't own a car and commutes year round by bike. I did that at one time. The only time I missed was one time after a show Betty came to pick me up in the van. She said I was disappoint when I saw that I would be able to ride the bike in the snow.
Index: Here is a new word; slugging, it is picking up strangers for the HOV lanes.
Pg v: The biggest contribution of the book may be; "The true financial...more
The author didn't prove his "live well" thesis. Yes, you can manage in metropolitan areas without a car, but since several of his car-free solutions, such as subscribing to ZipCar or renting a car, cost money, I dispute that ditching a car saves money and maintains (or improves) quality of life, especially in suburban or rural areas.
He asserts that Greyhound and Amtrak are reasonable alternatives to using a personal car for transportation, so his research was lacking or he is badly misled. Five...more
He asserts that Greyhound and Amtrak are reasonable alternatives to using a personal car for transportation, so his research was lacking or he is badly misled. Five...more
I was halfway there, but I'm finally convinced to give up car dependency (it was going to happen anyway when the car died, but summer is a great time to get used to more biking). This book offers a lot of encouragement and suggestions for how to do it. Beyond environmental factors and saving money (I wouldn't save that much money because the car is paid off and I don't have a long commute), the biggest push to be car-free is the forced exercise. Why not combine exercise with commuting? I hate th...more
Since I started riding my bike to work more often recently, I have started pondering an everyday bike commute, ditching our second car completely. This book has some valuable tips for people like me, and even more for people who want to go completely car-free, instead of car-lite like me. Some of the choices he presents are hard: move closer to work, closer to services like the grocery store, choose doctors, dentists, churches that are closer to your house, and so on. The author focuses on the f...more
I was fortunate enough to finish this book in under a day, thanks to a quiet work day and a lot of tedious scanning to do. This book is essential to anyone who does not have a license, own a car, or like driving. It's also useful for people who want to cut back on their emissions, save more money, and improve their health. Balish offers anecdotes to personalize the book, though the best parts were definitely the actionable tips and recommendations for living well without a car.
Yeah, you're probably skeptical. The author is prepared for this, and opens with his own story of unintentionally foregoing his vehicle and finding his life improved. By using the cost calculator, you will discover the cost to you, in dollars, of owning your particular vehicle.
I'm continually delighted by the stories of others' experiences sprinkled throughout the book. And for those of you interested in making the change, many practical ideas are proposed.
I'm continually delighted by the stories of others' experiences sprinkled throughout the book. And for those of you interested in making the change, many practical ideas are proposed.
Having gone down to 1 car between the 2 of us for a while now, this didn't contain a lot of new ground -- but it's still a big step to go down to no car, even in a transit-friendly area. One thing the book does well is really driving home the financial point -- the money saved, that can be redeployed elsewhere, as well as side benefits such as improved health, even social situations, as you reach out to people more to share transportation.
While this book doesn't pose a lot of information that I didn't already know, it did frame it in a way that made it easy to absorb. It made some solid arguments against owning a car. One thing that I never considered was the true cost of owning a car (monetary cost). This was a real eye opener for me.
Some complained that the arguments were superficial, and many were, but it does provoke an inward discussion as to whether or not one needs to own a car. It calls into question the "American percept...more
Some complained that the arguments were superficial, and many were, but it does provoke an inward discussion as to whether or not one needs to own a car. It calls into question the "American percept...more
I love riding my bike--it's fun. I'd like to use it for transportation more often, especially to work. My car's getting quite old and I am already cutting down unnecessary trips in it. The financial savings of not having a car are very compelling if you live near public transport and do not have small children to transport. And what do I like to do when I visit big cities? Use their public transportation.
This book had me seriously thinking of giving up my car! My car is old and when it dies I won't be worried about getting another. It would be a lot easier to get around in a large city, I live in a small city where public transit is limited, but bike riding is easy! No car is not only good for the environment, but good for your savings and often your health if your getting around on foot or bike!
this really didn't tell me anything that i already didn't know or would have not figured out with my own common sense. i felt that the comic illustrations and testimonies were just padding and offered no real info, they were more distracting than anything. in discovering his occupation it totally makes sense why it is structured the way that it is, utilizing the common techniques of mass media, surface information with no real depth and the inclusion of visual stimuli. the book is targeting thos...more
Other than the redundancy of the first 30 pages, where the offer repeats the same info and basic premise again and again, the book is still inspiring and helpful. Or maybe it's just that I'm looking forward to living car free when I return from Peace Corps, so I am happy reading it! And chose to read it in the first place!
A lot of the info in this book is useful, especially in the chapters about car-free commuting. BUT the part that annoyed me was the tone for most of the book. It suggested that getting rid of your car is a get-rich-quick scheme that will make you millions of dollars in weeks!!! Sure, it saves money. But really?
The idea is a great one, but the book felt like it was intended more as a persuasive tool for people who weren't yet committed to the idea than as a detailed guide to actually succeeding in getting rid of your car. There's certainly advice, but it's all very general. Still, good book, and a great goal to have.
This book was not overly informative but it did provide hope that not only can you make the sacrifice to live without a car but that once you have adjusted your routine you will be better off for making the switch. I'd like to try this at some point, we'll see.
Balish offers a practical text as an inducement to escape the oppressive car trap and gain so many benefits--economic, psychological, physical, ecological, etc. he shows why you are better off not owning a car--a hard thing to swallow in a car-centric culture, yet it totally makes sense after you are have done it. He offers research, humor, lots of reason, stories, personal anecdotes,advice and many suggestions on getting around without a car. If you are not convinced, he offers plans to give it...more
i only read certain chapters of this book - it is primarily aimed at people who are currently living with a car and want to take up a car-free lifestyle. however, those of us who have never owned a car and are already familiar with living car-free can learn some tips from this book.
Most of this book offers some obvious advice. However, there are some technique gems littered throughout it -- ordering groceries and being informed on how car-sharing works were my big two. I'd say worth reading if you're seriously considering ridding the car.
I "borrowed" this from a cafe in North Oakland. The most frequent advice given is to mooch rides off your friends- hardly seems like living WITHOUT a car. Obvious advice about transit, biking, and hauling stuff. Fun, easy read.
I loved this book! Thanks to Maggie - I believe - for having it on her bookshelf. I'm looking at a move later this year to a place more hospitable to foot and bike travel, and think I may donate my car to my son. Yippee!!
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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| Car-free support | 2 | 10 | Jan 07, 2013 12:40pm |
