Love People, Use Things

I'm not sure what I was expecting going into this book- a little bit of Marie Kondo or Peter Walsh, plus a little bit of mindfulness?

This book was not that. It was a tone-deaf tirade from privileged white men that waffles between memoir (disguised as ill-fitting anecdotes) and a how-to book that is soaked in privilege. Once I got to the chapter about money, I was done.

The tone is more shaming than supportive, the chapters are too long and not valuable enough, and I wasn't sure what to actually do or try to take action on when ending a chapter, despite the “coda” section at the end of each one.

I tried to keep an open mind, but this is one book I am not going to finish. I'll be steering clear of the Minimalists books, podcast, and content.

Since I took the time to write a brief reply to a review by @Sweetheart_Seer, but was rejected—as only her friends can comment—I will place it here. (Nice boundaries, Sweetheart!)

My reply to her scathing one star review:

“That's so interesting. I always marvel how people can have completely different opinions. I happen to love Josh's writing style and enjoy how he comes across. I have always had a fear that because I naturally write and talk like him some people will roll their eyes at me. (It's been known to happen.) I guess I've just come to realize that is a-okay.

Initially I felt like this book was going to be a waste of my time (as I read their other ones and watched the film) and I was thisclose to returning it to the library, unread; however, once I got into it, I found many lovely reminders of how to live intentionally and love deeply. In a world that seems to thrive on chaos, it is comforting to remember that there are people who think, feel, and live like I do. I am not alone.”