Simplify [Kindle Edition]

Joshua Becker (Author)

Book Description

Simplify is a celebration of living more by owning less. Written by Joshua Becker, who inspires hundreds of thousands of people on his personal blog, this is a book that calls for the end of living lives seeking and accumulating more and more possessions by highlighting the enjoyment of living with less.

Three years ago, his typical, suburban family of four made the decision to minimize their possessions, declutter their home, and simplify their lives. In so doing, they discovered countless real-life benefits of living with less. And now, to help others experience the same freedom, they offer the most important lessons they’ve learned through the process. Simplify is full of personal stories, practical tips, and powerful inspiration.

It is based on a rational approach to minimalism. It will forever change the way you look at physical possessions. And most importantly, its approach will free you from the burden of clutter and provide you with the extra motivation to realign your life around your heart’s greatest passions… however you choose to define them.

Praise for Simplify:
• “A must-read.” - Leo Babauta, Zen Habits, TIME Magazine Blog of the Year
• “If you’re looking for specific advice on how to live well with less, this book is worth a look.” - Naomi Seldin, The Times Union, Albany, NY
• “It is a simple, straightforward guide to simplifying your life and brings new light to the term minimalist.” - Tanna Clark, Professional Organizer

Product Details

• File Size: 167 KB
• Print Length: 46 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006431ADS
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,449 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #39 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Self-Help > Happiness
  • #86 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Self-Help > Motivational

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 53 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great blogger produces great book! November 11, 2011

By Sarah Mollie

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've been reading through becomingminimalist.com for months now and I've gone through all the archives. Joshua Becker is a talented writer who is also a real human being living in the real world. He doesn't make the reader feel guilty or shamed for their stuff, he just tells you how he escaped from the cycle of buying, cleaning, storing, fixing and moving the same types of clutter most of us struggle with. Becker won't tell you to own only what fits in a back pack, unless that's what you really WANT to do. Becker tells you how to be a minimalist while at the same time not making your family worry that you're giving everything away and contemplating running off to join a monastery.

Also, this is my very first ebook purchase and it's pretty great - reading on my Android.

178 of 222 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars I'm Finished With Blogger "Quickie" Books December 9, 2011

By Mike Donovan

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This..."book"...is little more than a pamphlet if it were printed out. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was sucked in by a blogger's quickie attempt at a "book." These are all the rage these days with bloggers. I've since visited his blog and the "author" is quite enamored with having a "#1 Bestseller!" Well, of course, you offer a nice cover with a nice topic at a nice price and people will buy ebooks. But, this is the new thing for bloggers; get your blog popular enough and then "write a book" (meaning an ebook) and listen to the cash register ring!

Bottom line: This is an amateurish attempt at writing about a serious subject that could have deep philosophical analysis and a plan of action that would seriously allow one to simplify their life. This has a few good common sense platitudes, an anecdote here and there...this isn't a 'real' book. I wish Amazon had a separate section for blogger wanna-be authors to peddle their wares. No more blogger quickies for me. I'll pay closer attention next time.

26 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great insight on simplifying in a way that works for you November 11, 2011

By Debbie O'Byrne

Format:Kindle Edition

This is a great and easy way to get a lot of good advice and suggestions on making minimalism work for you. It doesn't tell you the one way to do it, making it easy to take what you need and de-clutter your life.

If nothing else, I would strongly suggest this book to get an idea of how to just make small steps to simplifying your life. I've been slowly removing unnecessary things I have that just get in the way---too many things in my house only makes me feel more stressed and crowded.

Great book and extremely helpful!

29 of 35 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Lacking November 25, 2011

By summitday

Format:Kindle Edition

I was very disappointed. This is a very short book with very little substance. When I finished it (much quicker than I anticipated), my first reaction was, what...that's IT???? Another review said the checklists are helpful, but there are no checklists here. While I haven't read much of the author's blog, the book seems like it is just a compilation of blog posts. I was unable to glean anything new or fresh from this book. I feel like I wasted my money.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars pretty minimal book... November 28, 2011

By sp

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

not much there, finished the book in about 15 minutes. Had some good concepts, but not much on how to go about doing things.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book November 7, 2011

By Tony Roos

Format:Kindle Edition

Simplifying doesn't mean living with less it is being more with less. I purchased this book because I was intrigued by the minimalism lifestyle and was trying to reconcile the minimalistic approach to being a father of two in small town America. After reading this book I was compelled to Simplify our home and lives. I can not say that the process was easy but it is freeing.

The book is an easy read and offers many great insights into doing more with less.
Thanks for a great book at a great price!

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Breath of Fresh Oxygen November 26, 2011

By mylady

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I had not read a single post from his blog before purchasing this book. I was in for a pleasant surprise.

This book is extremely concise (less than a 100 pages), which I value in any blog post, article, or book on simplicity. Quality over quantity.

Which brings me to the next point, this book is on PRINCIPLES (as indicated by the title of the book), meaning it will teach you how to fish instead of just handing out fish. If you want someone to hold your hand, buy the Simple Living Guide (500 pages!) and she will direct step by step, dump your drawers out, separate into three piles kind of stuff. There are many blogs on declutting, and Miss Minimalist and Zen Habits will walk you through. There is no point in Joshua reiterating what countless others have covered in regards to clutter. He is simply here to introduce to you the simple life, offering principles that you'll want to keep for a lifetime. The benefits are immense.

BOOK UNFOLDING:

Book starts out with his story. I like the approach, makes you feel welcome. His stories are insightful and entertaining throughout the book. First story goes: some neighbor tells him about her minimalist daughter while he's spending time in the garage cleaning, yet another weekend gone.

He boils things down to the top reasons why you should simplify your life. He points you to his blog if you need more reasons. I was delighted to see the bullet point about simplifying so your kids don't have to rummage through all your stuff one day! Other minimalists don't touch on this important subject. All the junk piling up in my mother's house --- I wonder how I will counter that monumental task if my dad passes or if some tragic accident happens to both of them.... It's not a delightful topic to think about, but it makes it easier on everyone if you prepare and figure out what really matters in life before you pass, not just for your sake, but for the environment and for your children.

Josh takes you through the pros and cons of capitalism. You hear both sides. There are pros and cons to everything. Going green has cons like less-than-baby soft toilet paper or having to lug your empty water can around instead of drinking out of throw-aways. When people write books about their ideas, they often leave the cons out. I like his balanced approach.

He then takes you into budget making (critical for a life of simplicity). His plan is the simplest I've come across. He mentions (wisely) that you can't just put $400 for food, because it varies from month to month. He implements savings and charity donations into his budget, so the rest left is free to spend. He's on the money!

The book covers these topics: Find clutter magnet spots in your house. Opt out of junk mail. Turn hangers around when using a garment to get a clue as to what you actually use every month (brilliant idea!). How to deal with simplicity with kids. How to manage enjoyable gift exchanges (clever points here). Buy quality. Don't get addicted to anything. Give. Don't take short cuts. Love things without owning them, love nature. Speak with integrity. Manage time and your computer desktop. Benefits of less TV. (Basically, he reveals the right direction with innovative ideas to try immediately.)

He finishes the book off inviting you on this wonderful journey of less encumbrance with superfluous things...more time with people who matter. Gives you a lovely family, Christmas portrait on the last page.

IN SUMMARY:

I enjoy how Joshua doesn't push his religious beliefs. I am a Christian, but I still don't like to be preached to. I did enjoy all the great quotes throughout, especially the one by Spurgeon. My dad loves Charles Spurgeon!

If you can't tell, I thoroughly loved this book. I have read a great deal of books on minimalism, but nobody sums it up and packages this kind of life like Joshua does here. Definitely worth having in your Kindle library. I have reaped plenty from having less: mobility, time (to enjoy life), more savings, focus --> a satisfying career, stronger relationships, a greener lifestyle... The list goes on, and it will for you, too. Read more ›

More About the Author

Joshua Becker and his young family of four live in Peoria, AZ. They are just your typical middle-class, suburban family... minus the dog and relentless pursuit of physical possessions.

After a conversation with their neighbor on Memorial Day 2008, Joshua and his family decided to pursue a minimalist lifestyle. Consequently, they removed all of their nonessential possessions. Eventually, over 70% of their belongings were sold, donated, or discarded. Their story has been featured on numerous media outlets around the world including the Guardian, the Wall Street Journal, and the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.

Joshua's blog (www.becomingminimalist.com) has experienced phenomenal growth since its beginning. Through it, Joshua has inspired millions around the world to consider the practical benefits of owning fewer possessions and given them the practical help to get started. His writing has led to speaking opportunities all across America.

No doubt, you'll be inspired to approach life with a whole new mindset after meeting Joshua.

Media or Speaking Inquiries should be directed to Joshua at becomingminimalist [at] gmail.com.