I have done an unusual thing (for me) and read two books at the same time. Changing Gears by Greg Foyster and Running Away from home by Jane de Teliga. They were both able to be read and put down and returned to easily. I feel compelled to review them together as there were uncanny similarities, and yet worlds apart.
So Jane escaped life to Europe, a life she knew from her work travels. Greg escaped the rat race with his girlfriend to cycle up the east coast of Australia (with a detour via Tasmania). In there own ways they realised living simply, relative to their outlooks. They both had sea change experiences of a large magnitude.
They both had interesting sections, they both had some dryer sections. Jane was more introvert in her reflections, Shane reflected more deeply on community living, living simply broadly. They both applied what they were experiencing and learning to their respective realities.
If you want to still have modern comforts but get some guidance on how to make a big move, read Jane's book. If you want to understand what you mean by the words "living simply", assuming any one or combination of greeny, conservationalist, saving mother earth, or living off the land as being a catalyst for your approach, then Changing Gears may well help.
One question remained unanswered in Shane's book. His brother gave him a challenge to make a new friend on the journey.