Goodbye Things, Hello Minimalism!

by Mai Kurosawa

People around the world apparently do not cease to come up with various lifestyles in accordance with their own personal perspectives, views and needs. Some of these lifestyles created and implemented are known to be radically opposing to each other, with the rest being considered more or less "in between" these opposite categories, characterised in turn by peculiarities and standards that can be a fit for almost all human inclinations, orientations and intellects. Of all these lifestyles, minimalism has appeared to the public and has been met by wide approval and a huge interest in the implementation or at least the attempt of it. So far, minimalism has multiple definitions and many elaborate ideas which can be considered to revolve around the same mutual concept of pursuing and committing to simplicity in life in a continuous and consistent manner. The term "minimalism" does actually define itself. You may think of it in simple words as the lifestyle which includes having the "minimal" or "simplest" standards and criteria, associated with accustoming and successfully convincing oneself with such a lifestyle. The other definitions of minimalism chosen to be included this guide are for clarification and enlightenment regarding the subject. Minimalism is about maintaining things of importance in your life. The things that bring balance and alignment. These should be the items that you prioritised and valued the most. This guide addresses mainly minimalists who have families and kids to reassure and confirm to them that minimalism is compatible within a varied scope of family sizes. This guide hope to dispel the notion that minimalism is impractical and incompatible with families especially larger families.

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction

54 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2018

Reviews

[Ren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. I borrowed the audiobook through my library and even though it is super short (only 37 minutes), it nearly put me to sleep trying to get through it. Judging from other reviews, it doesn't look like I'm the only one. So glad I only borrowed this one! I think maybe the printed/ebook version might be easier to get through, there's nothing new here. Check out a couple blogs and you'll get essentially the same info.

[Donna Gower · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so basic and boring. Find a different book to read about minimalism.

[BellasCreativeLife · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short, simple, and I liked it. It wasnt amazing or anything but still good stuff ^^

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine introduction to minimalism. If you want a quick rundown, this is for you. If you're looking for more depth, look elsewhere. Rating a 4 because it's a book about minimalism... it always makes me laugh when books about minimalism are 8-10 hours long. It's a simple concept, is it not? :)

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only useful part was that there are different types of minimalism. I thought it was only about reducing stuff, but apparently there are different motivations/ areas of emphasis --e.g., aesthetic, eco. It makes sense now that I know. (In an ironic twist, however, there were ads for extra stuff before and after the audiobook.) 2* (Audiobook)

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and this sounds like an AI entry about minimalism. It explicitly says not to include the refrigerator when considering your belongings in a kitchen. Uhhh no one needs to be told not to get rid of their fridge. If it’s not AI, then it reads like someone trying to write an essay for a class. Skip this one and go read things by Joshua Becker or the Minimalists.

[General · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is really short, not adding anything new to the minimalist philosophy. It creates a small guide about what things you should have at home, but those are also the same things that you can find on internet. Not worth it.

[Alli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is totally boring but it does have the very basics of minimalist. So if you are interested in the basics it’s not too bad to read. If you are advanced then look for something else. I did like the simple basics.

[Juan Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course, a book that talks about minimalism had to be a few pages long.

Minimalism is a way of life that does not mean ceasing to have a variety of things or luxuries, simply having only what is necessary. No more.

A book that clarifies the concept a little, with practical tips.

[Teacatweaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is basically an intro to Goodby Things by Fumio Sasaki. If you want a quick view of what us or isn’t minimalism, thus is the book for you. Short. Minimal.

[Amira Khalifa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful book.
Simple and specific.

[Becky Clark · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing new here - I borrowed the audiobook from the library - the reader is incredibly dull and monotonous I struggled to get through the 37 minutes of it.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a great intro to minimalism (particularly the first section), but if you're already a practicing minimalist, there's probably very little here for you.

[Janelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reads like a textbook. Only kept listening to the audiobook to up my Goodreads Challenge count. AVOID! It's really not worth your time... even on x2 speed in an audiobook.