God, Stuff, Life and Trivialities

As those of you who know me, I definitely fall on the minimalist side of the consumerism/minimalism spectrum. Not that I live out of a backpack or hold "no buy" month challenges. For me, it is more of a way of life. I don't shop as a distraction, I don't care for upgrading technology without need, I don't think about the Jones, let alone about keeping up with them. This is just the way I view life, not a huge insight and conscious effort. 

The minimalism movement intrigues me. On one hand, I do agree with a lot that is said, minus any radicalism (see said backpack). On the other, it seems like some people see decluttering as synonymous with minimalism and as a way of life, not as a step to a different life. As though it were an end to itself. I never went deep into the minimalism websites but even I had heard of Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist website, so I was curious about his book.

I must say I was underwhelmed by the book. Most of what he says is a repeat of things I've read before, even without a lot of effort on my part. A lot of feel good stuff about finding your true calling, meaning, etc. There isn't much new material. However, a lot of readers have called it life changing and inspiring, so it must speak out to some people.

I also hadn't expected so much religious content, citing the Christian Bible and scriptures as models. I understand that this will be helpful to some but I would have preferred that this side of it had been more obvious from the marketing and cover.

Bottom line - some people will appreciate it as an introduction to minimalism, others will prefer to get the information available online. If you are looking for a book on decluttering and organize, I would recommend getting a book specifically focused on that. If you are looking for self help and the meaning of your life, head over to that shelf.

This review was based on a copy I received from the editors, in return for my fair and unbiased opinion

Hi - long time no see. Don't you just hate it when real life gets in the way of literary life? But I am back and I have quite a backlog to post. Today's book is Eleanor, by Jason Gurley. It was first published by a small indie press and caused enough impact to be picked up by a larger publisher.

I am going to avoid talking about the plot. It is rather intricate and I don't want to spoil anything. I'll just say that it builds up slowly (too slowly for some) and there are lots of layers and links between different people and generations.

Eleanor is one of those beautifully written, almost ethereal books that are also slow. Creating that delicate atmosphere takes time and a gentle touch, both of which slows down the pacing. The story really only gets moving in the second half, which may be too late for some readers. I admit I was nearing my limit before the story started picking up on the elements I was attracted to in the blurbs (oh, I am so trying not to spoil anything). 

Perhaps I was not in the best mental state for reading it, since the gloom did eventually get to me more than the more positive side of it. There was the feeling that there was always some meaning just out of my reach, deeper down in all the layers. Rating this book was very hard. At times, I felt it was a fantastic book, at others, it felt like the characters were far away and muted, their reactions informed, instead of real.