From the Publisher
If you've ever felt there must be more to life than consumerism and its vicious cycle, you'll find inspiration to break free in The Year of Less. Cait's highly readable and personal story is encouraging, challenging, and unbelievably helpful.” ---Joshua Becker, author of The More of Less
From the Publisher - AUDIO COMMENTARY
If you've ever felt there must be more to life than consumerism and its vicious cycle, you'll find inspiration to break free in The Year of Less. Cait's highly readable and personal story is encouraging, challenging, and unbelievably helpful. —Joshua Becker, author of The More of Less
Library Journal - Audio
04/01/2018
Blogger and personal finance writer Flanders's "self-help memoir" isn't an instruction manual on how to eliminate spending but rather a personal account of the author's yearlong shopping ban. She explains the rules she established for herself and offers some advice but mostly focuses on the life events that led her to choose to live with less and the challenges she faced in adapting. Her story actually begins well before the shopping ban as she also shares past experiences eschewing alcohol, changing her unhealthy eating habits, and eliminating substantial consumer debt. Although eliminating shopping for a year may seem extreme, Flanders is relatable in a way that will make listeners feel that they, too, can reduce their own unnecessary spending. She doesn't advise listeners to replicate her ban but rather to create their own rules and stick to them. VERDICT Followers of Flanders's blog will enjoy getting to hear the author narrate her own story and will appreciate her honesty as she shares her journey to self-improvement and being a more mindful consumer. However, those needing more practical advice will want to look elsewhere.—Theresa Horn, St. Joseph Cty. P.L., South Bend, IN
JULY 2018 - AudioFile
This memoir by the 20-something Flanders, a former binge consumer, reflects on the interconnectedness of her addictions to alcohol, food, and shopping. In it she documents her year of living with a self-imposed shopping ban. This listen is not for those seeking a Kondo-like instruction manual on how to have less—Flanders’s story is more personal. One is engaged by her overall vulnerability and curiosity about her experiment—buy nothing except groceries, toiletries, and gas; cast off many unnecessary objects. As narrator, Flanders has a somewhat limited expressive range in communicating the highs and lows of her journey; she can sound a bit subdued. Still, what she lacks in vocal variety is outweighed by hearing her deliver these provocative reflections and observations. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
