Customer Reviews

Living Simply: Choosing Less in a World of More

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I read most of this book before I realized I was not going to get actual advice from this book. It is most "what a simple life is" and not practical things to do in order to make your life more simple.

I read have this book and then traded it off for something else. It was terrible. I didn't find anything helpful in this book. Its not a book about living simply. Its a book about living simply as a christian. Had i known it was only going to be a book of scripture quotes and comments on christian living... i would never have bought it.

I know I'm not alone--a wife and mom who CRAVES order and calm and simplicity in my home and life. I don't want to be in a perpetual rush, I'm sick of clutter, I want to make time for the things (and people!) that truly matter. The beautiful cover of this book drew me in, and the author's warm, delightful and funny tone kept my attention to the very end. I devoured Living Simply in less than two days, and I only let myself read a chapter at a time (as a reward for accomplishing things that needed done around my home!). I immediately started putting Joanne's advice into practice, and I'm already seeing results! I'm reading through it again, underlining and starring all the things I want to remember for always! You'll find a kindred spirit in Joanne! This book is a gem!

Living Simply is truly a wonderful book that I hated to see come to an end! Joanne Heim writes as if she is talking to you as a true friend. This inspiring book is filled with God's Word, as well as, personal and practical life examples that empower you to choose to change. As a wife and a mom to three, it is refreshing to find others who value simple lives filled with God, family, traditions, and contentment. In a world that stresses "bigger, better, more...", this thought-provoking book helps you examine your current life and strive for a life of simplicity!

Very common sense interpretation of a biblical view of a simple life, and very common sense ideas for mothers who want to establish great ideas and traditions into everyday family life!! Very creative, and appreciated by someone who isn't!!

I love this book. It helps you realize a life with less possessions does not mean a life of less! It is a more fulfilling life if you execute it properly, and with the right heart. There are dozens of ideas for making traditions with your family, which I loved! Memories are the most important thing to pass down, and this book has endless ideas for that. I would recommend this book to any and everyone! I can't wait to re-read it.

I immediately devoured this book the first time through and then went back a second time with a highlighter to mark all the spots I wanted to remember. I find myself frequently quoting the book's practical ideas and suggestions to other busy mom friends. The author inspired me, through her personal stories of childhood, family and relationships, to live a life that is filled with "the kind of abundance that doesn't leave me feeling crowded and pressed down and cramped and uncomfortable" (pg. 204)--an abundance that comes from the Lord when we give him the time and space in our lives. I especially enjoyed the chapter on "A Simple Sabbath" and am now trying to rest more on the seventh day. "The Sabbath is supposed to be a guilt-free vacation day each week--a day not to work and not to feel guilty about not working." (pg. 176) This book is a must read for any wife, mother or woman trying to balance it all.

The first chapter really gave me the impression that this book was about creating a simple life. Although is was a heart warming book, I just felt like it was mostly an explanation of how much she likes the life she has created for herself. Congrats. But I am looking for more practical advise.

This is limited to women who stay home to be with the kids. Her writing style is good, comes from a Christian perspective.

If you are looking for a book that just gives you lists of things to do to make life easier/simpler, this is not it. That's ok. There are plently of those books out there. If, however,you are looking for deeper truths about making lasting changes in your life, you've come to the right book.

Joanne goes to the heart of the problem of our crazy lives: our hearts. Until we learn to slow down inside ourselves, all the lists of simple tricks really won't matter. Yes, she has practical ideas and writes about specific ways she has simplified her life. But really, her life isn't the same as yours or mine, is it? No. Each one of us is unique. While we may try some of the specific ideas and see if they work for our lives, there is so much more offered.

It is an easy to read volume that keeps drawing you back for more. I, too, read through it in one day; excitedly turning each page, feeling as though I was sitting with the author over a nice cup of hot tea. I then reread it taking notes and marking passages. I've since gone back to it several times.

Read it fast, but then read it slow, absorbing each detail. A simple life can be done. It is done by choice.