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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
simplymary's review
5.0
On my personal Instagram feed, I started following @afrominimalist over a year ago. I’ve been anticipating her book coming out and signed up to receive a copy the moment it was published. As a professional organizer who is passionate about simplifying, I love to keep current on what is going on in the minimalism movement.
This is a great read! Christine focuses on the heart of the issue of owning too much stuff, and gently guides you through the process of eliminating.
1) acknowledge you have too much
2) forgive yourself
3) let go!
4) pay it forward
I love her authentic voice and efforts to engage the Black and other marginalized communities in a conversation that up until now has been dominated by one aesthetic.
My favorite quote from the book:
“In addition to helping rid my life of excess, minimalism also empowered me to embrace a radical reimagining of home as a sanctuary…Each room reflects and represents my life, and I remain intentional to ensure that my home only contains things that are necessary to sustain and bring me joy. Scents that are uplifting. Colors that calm or motivate. Clothing that flatters my body type and embodies my personality. Objects and trinkets that remind me of who I am, what my ancestors overcame, and what I want loved ones to inherit.”
I identify deeply with this perspective and try to do the same in my home. Great read!
This is a great read! Christine focuses on the heart of the issue of owning too much stuff, and gently guides you through the process of eliminating.
1) acknowledge you have too much
2) forgive yourself
3) let go!
4) pay it forward
I love her authentic voice and efforts to engage the Black and other marginalized communities in a conversation that up until now has been dominated by one aesthetic.
My favorite quote from the book:
“In addition to helping rid my life of excess, minimalism also empowered me to embrace a radical reimagining of home as a sanctuary…Each room reflects and represents my life, and I remain intentional to ensure that my home only contains things that are necessary to sustain and bring me joy. Scents that are uplifting. Colors that calm or motivate. Clothing that flatters my body type and embodies my personality. Objects and trinkets that remind me of who I am, what my ancestors overcame, and what I want loved ones to inherit.”
I identify deeply with this perspective and try to do the same in my home. Great read!
hannahthomnoble's review
5.0
A refreshing approach to minimalism with a focus on intentional living, without the need of a colourless aesthetic.
Also a very helpful read as I prepare to move house and need to downsize my stuff! The perfect time for some self reflection.
Also a very helpful read as I prepare to move house and need to downsize my stuff! The perfect time for some self reflection.
mindfullibrarian's review
5.0
This book came to me at the perfect time ~ I had just gotten rid of mountains of belongings. The hardest part was over because I had bought in and had already committed to the journey. I adored listening to Platt recount her journey and give her guidance to readers on not just how, but why to approach this lifestyle. My favorite part was the beginning where she addressed the psychological reasons for why we have more than we need and how lovingly she approaches our past selves and our caretakers who raised us the way they did. What makes this book a shining star, however, is Platt’s focus on writing for the Black and other marginalized communities, as well as her focus on the environmental and ethical reasons for living with less. I adore this book and have her 10 guideposts at the end in a Note on my phone for frequent use as affirmations.