Radical Simplicity [Paperback]

Dan Price (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 6, 2005

Radical Simplicity is a hand-lettered, illustrated book that speaks directly and elegantly to that craving we all have for an authentic life, one that we’ve each “hand made” for ourselves, rather than one dictated by outside circumstances. Author Dan Price, a Thoreau for the twenty-first century, has helped champion a growing trend that’s been variously referred to as “downshifting,” “opting out,” or “simple living.” What makes his book so different and engaging is that he speaks from the authenticity of first-hand experience, for Price is an American original who has made his dreams a reality. His message is: “You can live a life of freedom, in harmony with the rhythms of nature, and your own internal rhythm and creativity. You can live very well with very little money. That’s what I’ve done, and I can show you how.” This is as much a “reading” book as a how-to guide, one that expresses its profound insights into carving out a life of meaning in a beautiful, practical way. It is bound to strike a chord with world-weary baby boomers as well as time-pressured but still idealistic members of the younger generation.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A former news and fine arts photographer, Dan Price is best known for Moonlight Chronicles, a series of hand-lettered and illustrated diaries which he self-published before finding sponsorship from Simple Shoes, a progressive footwear company. He lives in Joseph, Oregon, in “an 80-foot wide underground hobbit hole when not on the road pulling crazy stunts like walking across the state, . . . or pedaling over 4,500 miles on a three-wheel racing tricycle to Key West.” He is the father of two children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Running Press (September 6, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762424923
• ISBN-13: 978-0762424924
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #179,512 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Some distractions throughout, December 29, 2006

By 

Square Peg (AZ) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Radical Simplicity (Paperback)

I appreciate Price's passion for living simply and authentically. Throughout the book, however, I was distracted by two things:

1. Poor grammar throughout. I guess Price wouldn't feel like an authentic writer if he had hired an editor.

2. Simple living is always a great thing when you put the burden of raising your children on your spouse. While Price wrote of the small amounts of money he made and of his own expenditures living his life, I wondered how in the world his ex-wife/partner, who lived elsewhere, sometimes very far elsewhere, was raising their two children and going to school at the same time. I don't doubt Price's love for his family. His lifestyle and theirs just weren't compatible. He and his children's mother made it all happen. It would be interesting, though, to hear their points of view about this family arrangement.

Still, there were good thoughts and ideas to be gleaned from this book.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Radical-less Mediocrity, October 20, 2007

By 

J. Barton "j Gregory" (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Radical Simplicity (Paperback)

Dan Price sounds like the kind of guy I'd like to have beer or who might make a fun neighbor, especially if you're a twelve year-old, but his book offers very little in the way of adult inspiration or creative vision. It fails to insight possibility beyond the mundane and too often dregs up self-indulgence and petty distraction. There is a huge difference between bold simplicity and creative aimlessness. This book dwells in the latter. If you want a 15 minute distraction, this book is nice. If you're wanting inspiration toward a life that is radically authentic and enriches your soul and those around you, start your search somewhere else and save your money.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars essential inspiration, September 8, 2005

By 

prinsing "prinsing" (usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Radical Simplicity (Paperback)

This amazing little volume is quite simply (pun intended) brilliant! Whether the small nests you build for yourself are still in your daydreams or your pack is on your back as you head for the meadow of your dreams, this inspiring handbook can serve as guide, mentor and friend. As with all of Dan's books, and if you haven't read them all you "simply" must, they are solid reminders in a crazy world of what really matters, of how little we need to have everything. I just finished Radical Simplicty and my journal is on my lap, my pencil in hand, and I am a child again, making forts out of blankets under tables, sketching entire miniature worlds in which to live out my magic.