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The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store Audiobook
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Publisher Description
In her late twenties, Cait Flanders found herself stuck in the consumerism cycle that grips so many of us: earn more, buy more, want more, rinse, repeat. Even after she worked her way out of nearly $30,000 of consumer debt, her old habits took hold again. When she realized that nothing she was doing or buying was making her happy—only keeping her from meeting her goals—she decided to set herself a challenge: she would not shop for an entire year.
The Year of Less documents Cait's life for twelve months during which she bought only consumables: groceries, toiletries, gas for her car. Along the way, she challenged herself to consume less of many other things besides shopping. She decluttered her apartment and got rid of 70 percent of her belongings; learned how to fix things rather than throw them away; researched the zero waste movement; and completed a television ban. At every stage, she learned that the less she consumed, the more fulfilled she felt.
Blending Cait's compelling story with inspiring insight and practical guidance, The Year of Less will leave you questioning what you're holding on to in your own life—and, quite possibly, lead you to find your own path of less.
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“Flanders…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…Flanders is relatable in a way that will make listeners feel that they, too, can reduce their own unnecessary spending…[Listeners] will appreciate her honesty as she shares her journey to self-improvement and being a more mindful consumer.”
— Library Journal (audio review)
Quotes
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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 -
“This listen is not for those seeking a Kondo-like instruction manual on how to have less—Flanders’ story is more personal. One is engaged by her overall vulnerability and curiosity about her experiment…As narrator…what she lacks in vocal variety is outweighed by hearing her deliver these provocative reflections and observations.”
— AudioFile -
“A fascinating look into a living experiment that we can all learn from, in which ‘more stuff’ is not the solution.”
— Vogue -
“An inspiring story of how one woman overcame the obstacles of addiction—to shopping, alcohol, and food—to create a purpose-driven life. You will walk away ready to change your life and with an understanding of why embracing less will set you free.”
— Elizabeth Willard Thames, author of Meet the Frugalwoods -
“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
Awards
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A Vogue Pick of Nonfiction Books to Change Your Life
The Year of Less Listener Reviews
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Jenny Nechvatal, 12/11/2018
About Cait Flanders
Cait Flanders is a former binge consumer turned mindful consumer of everything. Through personal stories, she writes about what happens when money, minimalism, and mindfulness cross paths. Her story has been shared on Oprah.com, Forbes, Yahoo!, the London Guardian, the Toronto Globe and Mail, CBC News, and more. She inspires people to consume less and live more.