Reviewing this about a year after I read it... but I remember really finding it useful and would certainly read it again, even though I can't rememberReviewing this about a year after I read it... but I remember really finding it useful and would certainly read it again, even though I can't remember specific things I got from it....more
I love this book so, so much. The illustrations make it priceless, but the writing is so thoroughly deep, entertaining, and enjoyable. It's a bit crasI love this book so, so much. The illustrations make it priceless, but the writing is so thoroughly deep, entertaining, and enjoyable. It's a bit crass and dirty, but I want Loki to read it when he's done reading the Hunger Games. I think he's ready for more grown up humor. Definitely read again!...more
Wow, I really loved this book. Now I want to read all the novels that are composed purely of letters. I'll have to talk to a librarian about how to fiWow, I really loved this book. Now I want to read all the novels that are composed purely of letters. I'll have to talk to a librarian about how to find more. Such an enjoyable and moving book! I'm loaning it to my mom, but I told her I want it back because I know I'll want to read it again!...more
Sadly this book is missing pictures for most of its recipes; however, there are tons of delicious ideas. I have used several with great success, and oSadly this book is missing pictures for most of its recipes; however, there are tons of delicious ideas. I have used several with great success, and only one dud. The author does waste a lot of print space going on and on about how wonderful each ingredient is for you. Save that info for the intro chapters, and leave the recipe pages for only what we need to know to make each dish, please.
This has to go back to the library before I've made all the recipes I want to try! So, I'm marking the pages: 115, 117, 146, 148, 154, 185, 190, 192, 201, 208, 211, 214, 216, 217, 222, 228, 229, 234, 236, 243, 245, 254,256, 261...more
This was a fascinating journey into a very foreseeable future where each community has only what they can shape by hand. No internet, tv, or phone, anThis was a fascinating journey into a very foreseeable future where each community has only what they can shape by hand. No internet, tv, or phone, and minimal electric power leave communities isolated in a way that allows each one to be unique--sometimes for the good of those living there and sometimes not. The protagonist is an upstanding, modest and capable person, a sweet relief from the other books I have been reading. I love imagining this world, where no waste is ever intentionally produced because they have no way of manufacturing anything new. If only societies the world over could consciously choose to live this way, before it is ultimately necessary! They have nothing made from petroleum products except what they can dig out of the old landfills and scrounge from vacant buildings. Nothing is wasted, and the biggest industry is the town dump, where treasures are dug up and sold. Every community shapes it's own laws which is sometimes horrible and scary, but in the case of the village in the central story the rules of conduct are simply practical and helpful. People have slow lives where they really get to know each other, they spend time helping their neighbors, and they figure out ways to make their simple existence more beautiful....more
This book is much less superficial than it's cringe-worthy title implies. It's basically saying "we can all be happier, here's why it's important and This book is much less superficial than it's cringe-worthy title implies. It's basically saying "we can all be happier, here's why it's important and here are some ways to do it". There are so many people who could also benefit from reading this one!...more
Just started this book last night, and I had to keep putting it down because it absolutely compelled me to clean up and simplify my house. This is a nJust started this book last night, and I had to keep putting it down because it absolutely compelled me to clean up and simplify my house. This is a no-nonsense and no-excuses type of book, but not too harsh or anything. I do think our possessions own us, and I spend way too much time sorting them, cleaning them, and trying to find them or figure out where to put them. Better to have less! Although we simply can't get rid of toys. Loki is always finding new ways of playing with them! There's a few we can part with, but they are just drops in the toy box, as it were. I am now considering getting rid of some pairs of shoes I've lugged around for 10 years now, which is a big step for me!
Having finished it now, I just can't recommend this book enough. There is hardly an American out there who doesn't have some senseless hoards or collections or whatever, who wouldn't benefit from the tips and advice and wisdom in this book.
Edit: I just read this again, 13 years later, and it holds up. Even though the examples of his clients are pretty extreme hoarders, the book is still inspiring for those of us who just maybe have too many coats, or all of the children's art work or whatever. He has lots of good tips and mantras to help clarify your life goals along the way, because our lives should be about more than being a caretaker and overseer of things....more
I'm so glad I read this book. It made me laugh so much! Fantastically better than the movie, even.I'm so glad I read this book. It made me laugh so much! Fantastically better than the movie, even....more
We were so moved by this book that we went to the website determined to complete all the assignments in order as a family project... but got deterred We were so moved by this book that we went to the website determined to complete all the assignments in order as a family project... but got deterred by assignment #1, the pink bunny suit. Maybe we'll come back and do some here and there, but not all of them are as easy as snapping a photo underneath your bed, or taking a pic of your parents kissing. ...more
How could anyone put their kids in public school after reading this book? It's mind boggling. I recommend it to everyone who has a say in a child's liHow could anyone put their kids in public school after reading this book? It's mind boggling. I recommend it to everyone who has a say in a child's life, and everyone who works in education....more
Emily Mellow
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