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beniceorleaf's review
Not going to rate since this book is very clearly not meant for me and I don't want to skew results for anyone who would find benefit in it.
It is much more a how to guide than I realized. I didn't find it particularly insightful or drive a ton of understanding that I lacked before, but I realized pretty quickly that wasn't the intention. (I'm not part of the African diaspora, and I was raised outside the conspicuous consumption and endless consumerism of American culture). I was trying to understand more of the cultural background since I do often work with first gen college students around finances. I found those insights few and far between.
It is much more a how to guide than I realized. I didn't find it particularly insightful or drive a ton of understanding that I lacked before, but I realized pretty quickly that wasn't the intention. (I'm not part of the African diaspora, and I was raised outside the conspicuous consumption and endless consumerism of American culture). I was trying to understand more of the cultural background since I do often work with first gen college students around finances. I found those insights few and far between.
brieezy's review
5.0
A great short read! A lot of ideas and values I’m already aware of or practicing, but it was great to revisit & explore.
sphelix's review
5.0
A great read! I'm on a journey of living with less! Christine Platt does a wonderful job of sharing her journey. The book was like a needed therapy session. I'm making conscious choices when it comes to spending my money.
anaborissova's review
Dnf at 47%.
This book is very repetitive and feels very surface level. So many good ideas but barely any of them were discussed thoroughly. Also, I feel like book doesn't address mental illnesses like hoarding or shopping addiction well.
This book is very repetitive and feels very surface level. So many good ideas but barely any of them were discussed thoroughly. Also, I feel like book doesn't address mental illnesses like hoarding or shopping addiction well.
_claireross's review
4.0
I loved all the areas covered, especially areas white minimalism tends to avoid, but it felt extremely repetitive, and the added texts felt clunky.
toradiatewithcolor's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Christine Platt provides more of a loving and forgiving mindset surrounding minimalism, that is lacking in a lot of current minimalist ideals. While not exactly a how-to book, it showcases the psychology surrounding our purchasing habits and looks at a product’s life cycle fully.
I do wish the For The Culture sections were placed more strategically in the book. I really wanted to hone in on these to understand the African diaspora perspective, but the segments weren’t at good break points within the chapter and it didn’t help my focus.
I do wish the For The Culture sections were placed more strategically in the book. I really wanted to hone in on these to understand the African diaspora perspective, but the segments weren’t at good break points within the chapter and it didn’t help my focus.
tracithomas's review
4.0
I loved the connection to the psychology of ownership. This is often missing from books on downsizing/decluttering. The moments of address Black people (and other marginalized groups) showed a care that was much appreciated. I would’ve liked more direction on the how to parts. I felt the book got repetitive in parts. Overall a strong look at the holistic approach to minimalism away from the aesthetic based results.
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Christine Platt, the Afrominimalist, writes of how to make minimalism work for you. While she mentions other organizers such as Marie Kondo (does it spark joy) and methods of minimalism (organization vs decluttering vs extreme minimalism vs the tiny house movement), she has effectively coined her own offshoot. Coming from an empathy and community-oriented mindset, she urges readers to think about not only why they've purchased what they've purchased, but the true longevity of the item. You can remove an article of clothing from your closet, for example, but its life long outlasts your address.
She also makes note of her dislike of the word "purging" when decluttering. Such language denotes minimalism and organization as negative acts, when really, it should be a process that brings clarity and authenticity.
Furthermore, she uses quotations, snippets, and statistics to drive her points home. Being intentional, she argues, is the best way to curb one's materialistic appetite. Did you know that money in black communities stay in those communities for only 6 hours? In white communities, that money can stay for up to 3 weeks. In Asian communities, upwards of a month. Where you spend your money matters! So spend your money on items that are crafted, beautiful, authentic, and go towards your community. This will make your purchases more intentional and meaningful.
Platt also discusses the struggle of one's closet (how much is too much? should I use a capsule wardrobe?) and moving (why use storage? don't make all your purchases to fill your home all at once!).
This is bound to be a supremely helpful guide for those interested in both minimalism and intentional living.
She also makes note of her dislike of the word "purging" when decluttering. Such language denotes minimalism and organization as negative acts, when really, it should be a process that brings clarity and authenticity.
Furthermore, she uses quotations, snippets, and statistics to drive her points home. Being intentional, she argues, is the best way to curb one's materialistic appetite. Did you know that money in black communities stay in those communities for only 6 hours? In white communities, that money can stay for up to 3 weeks. In Asian communities, upwards of a month. Where you spend your money matters! So spend your money on items that are crafted, beautiful, authentic, and go towards your community. This will make your purchases more intentional and meaningful.
Platt also discusses the struggle of one's closet (how much is too much? should I use a capsule wardrobe?) and moving (why use storage? don't make all your purchases to fill your home all at once!).
This is bound to be a supremely helpful guide for those interested in both minimalism and intentional living.
justinebun's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
Found it quite repetitive