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The Big Book of Less: Finding Joy in Living Lighter
From Flow , a beautiful, mindful guide to having less stuff. Less stress. Less distraction. Less everything .
In less comes the freedom of letting go. This thoughtful and surprising book shows us how to get there, by paring down not just the jumble of things around us, but the clutter in our heads, too. And to help, interact with special paper goodies, including a one-thought-a-day diary, a foldout tiny house to let you imagine the pleasures of living in a small and cozy space, and art posters that depict a beautiful picture of what it means to do less, not more.
Paper goodies from The Big Book of Less
Decluttering your life and mind makes room for more—more listening, more focus, more wisdom, more time. More life.
In less comes the freedom of letting go. This thoughtful and surprising book shows us how to get there, by paring down not just the jumble of things around us, but the clutter in our heads, too. And to help, interact with special paper goodies, including a one-thought-a-day diary, a foldout tiny house to let you imagine the pleasures of living in a small and cozy space, and art posters that depict a beautiful picture of what it means to do less, not more.
Paper goodies from The Big Book of Less
Decluttering your life and mind makes room for more—more listening, more focus, more wisdom, more time. More life.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published April 2, 2019
37 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 9, 2019
I love these books that are published by Flow! I read the first one last year-- A Book That Takes Its Time. It is great to savor these books over time and read them in conjunction with other books that I am reading.
March 15, 2022
i loved all the contents -the writing, zines, posters and freebies in this book! 💝
my word of the year last year was LESS 💛 and I think in a sense I was able to achieve that.
This year my word is HOPE 💚
my word of the year last year was LESS 💛 and I think in a sense I was able to achieve that.
This year my word is HOPE 💚
January 17, 2021
I really wanted to love this book. It's well designed and beautiful to page through. Unfortunately, the articles don't go very deep. If you done much reading about minimalist lifestyles previously, you won't pick up much, if anything, new here. There are good external resources listed though, and I'm looking forward to some of those. I appreciated that not everything was about stuff or materialism, but also included chapters on "less control", "less information", and "less judgement".
I got the book used, so many of the "extras" were missing. Though pullout posters inside a book about having less seems counterintuitive.
I got the book used, so many of the "extras" were missing. Though pullout posters inside a book about having less seems counterintuitive.
December 1, 2021
The amount of unacknowledged privilege in this book is staggering. Isn’t it wonderful that during the financial crisis you could slow down and work less? Not sure the thousands of people who were laid off and lost their homes would agree. The sunrise is beautiful from your rooftop balcony of your mountain chalet? That must be nice for you. You HAD to live in a “tiny” house during the market crash … only to inevitably buy the big house when the crisis was over.
The book is beautiful. They are artists. But they are not qualified to lecture anyone on simplicity.
The book is beautiful. They are artists. But they are not qualified to lecture anyone on simplicity.
November 1, 2019
3.5 - 3.75 stars
The Big Book of Less: Finding Joy in Living Lighter is a very pretty and pleasing book, loaded with beautiful visuals and cute pullouts. While I did enjoy this book, I did not gain any new knowledge from it, so I cannot say that I really enjoyed it. In fact, some of the very small type irked me, and I found myself skimming the longer articles.
The Big Book of Less: Finding Joy in Living Lighter is a very pretty and pleasing book, loaded with beautiful visuals and cute pullouts. While I did enjoy this book, I did not gain any new knowledge from it, so I cannot say that I really enjoyed it. In fact, some of the very small type irked me, and I found myself skimming the longer articles.
January 22, 2020
A great January read to kick off the year. Full of inspiration and reminders to focus on what’s important and not consume so damn much. Yet another reminder to get off my phone.
March 12, 2022
I'm absolutely in love with this charming gem. I especially love all the inserts and add-ons that make this book an immersive and interactive experience. With a mini book on decluttering, a fold-out dot journal, a "one thought a day" journal, and even a paper tiny house to build, I couldn't decide which I enjoyed more. I especially loved the pages of tiny pleasures that inspire you to find pleasures in the small things in life. This is a book I will definitely be gifting to others.
Note: I received a free copy from Workman Publishing in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
Note: I received a free copy from Workman Publishing in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
October 11, 2019
The essays at the beginning were enjoyable and inspiring. Although I normally skim through a book like this, the writing and topics were engaging so I allocated the time to read completely through the book. As the book continued, the topics seemed to diverge from "living lighter" to a little more philosophical essays on the current human condition. When picking up the book I was looking for more applicable and pathway discussions so the end of the book veered a lot from how much I enjoyed the beginning.
December 28, 2019
Simplistic and easy; it doesnt go into deep details or mind bending revelations, simply a few suggestions on how to live life with less (not always materialistic). I'd recommend to someone who was looking for a change but had no prior knowledge of the subjects. I felt I didnt learn anything, but had soft reminders. Having the physical book, it had several mini books and activities glued inside you take out to work with, (and prints of paintings? why?) which felt totally counter intuitive to the nature of the book.
September 24, 2020
This book is a total oxymoron. On the front of the book, it says "Filled with dozens of paper goodies!" it seems the opposite of "living lighter" to fill my house with more paper clutter! It's in magazine format which feels scattered and the articles, while offering some good tips, are very contradictory: "Use a bullet journal to schedule every single thing in your life" and then "Ditch your to-do list!" Looking through it and reading some of the articles left me feeling mostly mentally cluttered, the opposite of what the cover promises.
June 4, 2020
I have always loved Flow books and magazines, they are outstanding in their contents and illustrations, which are so smoothing and inspiring. Also, activity workbooks attached are very engaging and interactive. In this Big Book of Less, the authors focused on helping you to find peace in mind through living lighter physically and mentally, with an emphasis on decluttering and mindfulness (as always).
September 10, 2025
Despite the love I have for Flow Magazine books, this one is repetitive for me. Also, some articles are from another planet, I mean, you cannot relate to that kind of lifestyle due to where you live or other circumstances. The paper goodies are not really useful here, at least not as useful as in the other books. The book is of course still cute and well designed.
February 21, 2025
For a book of less they sure packed in more tiny books and things that fall out. For a decluttering book, I felt like it was cluttered! Many nice articles and essays for inspiration, I did feel like having less! Even deleted my Target cart that I realized I did not actually need any of!!
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January 28, 2023 To create a book that catches the eye of any reader, you need to stand out from the crowd. You don’t necessarily need bells and sirens to lure in the reader, but you do require an imaginative premise, unique from the competition. The BIG BOOK OF LESS does that. The authors have created a book that as the cover notes, “Finding joy in living lighter.” Now living lighter does not simply refer to decluttering, though this fits into the equation.
Another way of living lighter is getting rid of emotional baggage, along with excessive thoughts and attitudes that have done their part in slowing down one’s emotional growth. There is also the solitude of getting away from the noise and commotion that signifies today’s world.
There are seven chapters in the book, as well as many fold-outs, enhancing the nature of the book. One of the chapters is “Decluttering with Astrid, where she tells us how we can declutter in 52 weeks. She writes of her experiences in getting rid of unnecessary things, making life much easier.
A booklet included inside is “One Thought A Day.” It is a sort of do-it-yourself journal, like a diary, where you can write down a single thought each day, making note of the day it entered your mind. There is another pull-out, “Fold A Tiny House.” You can make a mini-house, add furniture and have you own playhouse. It may sound like something children would enjoy, but adults can create as well, showing joys of living in smaller spaces, and maybe your own living space.
The book may sound simplistic in spots, but simple works well, and the book gives you a chance to find pleasure in simple ideas and notions, which this book advocates. We need to be reminded about this every now and then.
Another way of living lighter is getting rid of emotional baggage, along with excessive thoughts and attitudes that have done their part in slowing down one’s emotional growth. There is also the solitude of getting away from the noise and commotion that signifies today’s world.
There are seven chapters in the book, as well as many fold-outs, enhancing the nature of the book. One of the chapters is “Decluttering with Astrid, where she tells us how we can declutter in 52 weeks. She writes of her experiences in getting rid of unnecessary things, making life much easier.
A booklet included inside is “One Thought A Day.” It is a sort of do-it-yourself journal, like a diary, where you can write down a single thought each day, making note of the day it entered your mind. There is another pull-out, “Fold A Tiny House.” You can make a mini-house, add furniture and have you own playhouse. It may sound like something children would enjoy, but adults can create as well, showing joys of living in smaller spaces, and maybe your own living space.
The book may sound simplistic in spots, but simple works well, and the book gives you a chance to find pleasure in simple ideas and notions, which this book advocates. We need to be reminded about this every now and then.
May 17, 2022
2.5 stars - The first article in this book is a serious analysis of the American economy, the financial crisis of 2008, the history of consumerism, and progressive theories about economic change. Not what I was looking for in this book. I wanted something much more lighthearted, personal, and inspiring; not a bunch of political theories.
However, there were many other articles and little personal biographies in this book that I DID enjoy, and which I found very inspiring! There is one article about stepping away from our screens that really spoke to me, and encouraged me to spend less time on my phone. I like the overall message of this book about slowing down, living more simply, and embracing what it truly important.
The whole design of this book is so attractive! The photos and illustrations are beautiful. The design really makes this book so special, and a joy to read. I also loved the neat little journals, booklets, and posters that are sprinkled throughout the book. There is even a section with some yummy recipes!
However, there is also a section with some famous paintings, one of which is of a nude woman. I don't understand why that was included. It is so inappropriate for this type of book.
Overall, I liked this book, but some of things included were just not what I was looking for.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
However, there were many other articles and little personal biographies in this book that I DID enjoy, and which I found very inspiring! There is one article about stepping away from our screens that really spoke to me, and encouraged me to spend less time on my phone. I like the overall message of this book about slowing down, living more simply, and embracing what it truly important.
The whole design of this book is so attractive! The photos and illustrations are beautiful. The design really makes this book so special, and a joy to read. I also loved the neat little journals, booklets, and posters that are sprinkled throughout the book. There is even a section with some yummy recipes!
However, there is also a section with some famous paintings, one of which is of a nude woman. I don't understand why that was included. It is so inappropriate for this type of book.
Overall, I liked this book, but some of things included were just not what I was looking for.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
June 26, 2019
This book really got myself into the tiny house movement even more... i am the same way into where i find the most joy in the least amount of things... people call me ceazy when i want to do this, but so many people are minimizing their lives and moving tiny... i love it... and all of the paper inserts that are included to help you on your tiny journey are amazing!
March 18, 2020
This felt like reading a giant magazine (which makes sense because it was published by a magazine). I enjoyed the articles and the paper products included in the book. By no means life changing, but nice to pick up and read a calming article now and then.
June 6, 2021
This book was such a treat. Only note is to buy a personal copy for the art posters, mini book and notebook, and paper craft tiny house that are included. Beautiful reflective prose from the makers of flow magazine. One to savour and keep on hand.
July 26, 2022
I read most of the articles in this book and found it to be a soothing and pleasant diversion that I looked forward to picking up every time I had the chance. It especially encouraged me to return to my attempts to declutter my life and I am enjoying the results.
December 1, 2022
love love love!!!!! layout and art and stuff to take out and use and really eyeopening and useful ideas and ways to think ab things and life and how we can all do with less of most things! lot of highlighting, notes and will most definitely be reading again, over and over!
December 17, 2023
Adorable little book with beautiful design/layout/color on quality paper. It features snippets of people who value simplicity in their lives. I enjoyed the beginning and end portions, but the middle was a bit dull for me. Lots of wisdom and book recommendations throughout.
May 5, 2019
A very beautifully put together book, and a lovely reminder of enjoying the moment.
September 16, 2019
Beautiful illustrations, so-so content.
November 5, 2019
Adorable, thorough, and super whimsical. A fantastic find at the independent bookstore in my building.
November 10, 2019
A helpful guide for living more mindfully. Given by a colleague. I would not have picked it up on my own, and I am glad they did for me.
December 14, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's beautiful to look at, and as someone with a clutter issue, I found it helpful and comforting.
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January 20, 2020Great! But could use a little more detail on some of the ideas presented
January 28, 2020
This was a fun book, but not quite as fun as the last one. Though there is a little house you can make in here, which is cute.
February 17, 2020
a lot of great advice
March 11, 2020
Just what I needed to simplify my life. I used it as a journal book as well, it has the most beautifully planned activities to do. Gorgeous.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews