Sweet spot between Kondo and Extreme Minimalism!

I have practiced minimalism for over 11 years. Didn't know it was minimalism back then- started after I read Clutter's Last Stand.

Have listened to Goodbye Things a dozen times. Listened to Spark Joy and implemented all her rules. Downloaded every single book on Audible with the word declutter, minimalism, minimalist, frugal so I know what's out there.

Would say I am somewhere between an Extreme Minimalist and the level of L'art De La Simplicite. My heart jumped while listening to this book as most books teach you how to declutter which I am well beyond. This book is for a minimalist who wants to get the next level of culling with possessions. While listening to this book you will not be able to sit still- as it gives you the boost to get over hurdle no other book gives you.

It is definitely geared to women for sure but as I am a female it spoke well to me.

5 people found this helpful

A droning list of commands - maybe a better book to read?

Maybe something was lost in translation from English or to voice, but this seemed like an endless list of orders (including some fairly extreme health and beauty commandments) with the occasional quote interspersed.

That said, there were insightful and inspirational words here and there. But the bulk of it seems almost comedically didactic. I listened while on a cleaning binge and tried to take most of it with a grain of salt, but I suspect this is a book best approached visually, not audibly...

5 people found this helpful

How to have an eating disorder, narcissism, and OCD

This is literally the worst book I’ve encountered in at least a decade once you get past the early pages.
There were a few snippets about art and zen philosophy at the beginning that lured me in but by the end I was skipping ahead in leaps and bounds to see if the author said anything to redeem herself from the impression I had formed of a narcissist trying to sound deep and mostly talking about personal appearance. She did not redeem herself one bit. This book should come with a trigger warning for anyone with an eating disorder, anxiety, weight issues, depression, perfectionism and OCD. It was like the worst sort of women’s magazine mumbo jumbo unsupported by science and frankly damaging and not even published in reputable women’s magazines any more which is perhaps why she kept quoting complete twaddle from women’s magazines from the 1930’s and 1940. She talks constantly about toxins, seeking perfection; recommended multi day fasts, recommends drinking vinegar (bad for tooth enamel); tells people that anything wrong with their body is entirely their fault and a lack of willpower. Clearly this woman hasn’t faced any major medical issues. I was looking for ideas on simplifying and beautifying my home and life, but there was a constant focus on personal appearance and diet. I’ve read plenty of French books and am used to some cultural differences about female beauty standards but this was just painfully awful. She talked endlessly about the need to be bathed and well groomed including step by step information on how to manicure your nails. The whole book seems written entirely for single women to loathe themselves and seek perfection. She occasionally would put a very thin veneer of spiritual quotation on things much like some narcissists will occasionally try to sound deep but it came across as her own internal reminders to not do thing that are perfectly obvious to the average person. I thoroughly hate this book and am thinking of asking Amazon for a refund. The narrator did a serviceable job; her speech was clear but having this sort of thing read in English Received Pronunciation was a bit like having a deeply unpleasant headmistress of an all girls school tell you off for several hours. I’m guessing the narrator just wanted to slog through it, but when saying such harsh and judgmental things I think she could have softened her tone.

2 people found this helpful

Very Good Advice, Very Posh Way of Reading

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would change the way it was read. It sounded very posh, the reader sounded like a snob, a pretentious person who likes to brag.

What other book might you compare L'art de la Simplicité to and why?

The Osho book collection of his teachings.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator unfortunately ruined this book for me, I am sorry to say that. The fact that one should choose his/her clothes with care became the fact that you must only wear fancy expensive I-AM-BETTER-THAN-EVERYONE clothes. Because of the way it was read, I found that terrible..

Do you think L'art de la Simplicité needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I think it covered everything, no need for a second book, unless it actually is a list of activity ideas.

2 people found this helpful

A good manual for life.

Some parts are directed towards women; but there is plenty here for all. At times I wish she went into more detail on some topics.

Excellent job by the narrator. A pleasant relaxing voice with a nice accent.

I think I will buy a hard copy for all my daughters.

2 people found this helpful

Hey it's Le Secret!

I liked it even though it's fairly vague and extremely woo woo. Think The Secret or Stuart Smiley.

I love the narrators voice, tone and delivery. She makes you feel SO calm.

Oh and this is definitely a book for the ladies.

5 people found this helpful

Love

I simply love this book. It has truly changed my life. I am so grateful!

1 person found this helpful

Should be Required Reading

This book should be required reading for every American. So much practical wisdom written with concise, easily digestible words.

1 person found this helpful

This book set the rule for life

summarized essential key factors when we live daily life. With minimal loading,we may enjoy life better

1 person found this helpful

I Go On Happily with Less of This Book

What a volume of snobbery dished out in a posh Mary Poppins voice — a paltry handful of useful information puffily fanned out in the guise of supposed expertise. Je suis annoyed.

2 people found this helpful