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libraryforspooky's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this book was an introductory to sustainable living, but it was more of a self help book on taking the path not usually taken. This might have been more impactful if I was in my early 20s trying to figure out life but by now it was just a quick read illuminating that setting boundaries and opting out of things others do is acceptable.
allysonwbrunette's review against another edition
5.0
I pre-ordered this book to receive it as soon as it was released back in 2020 after reading Cait Flanders' first book, The Year of Less. I loved The Year of Less so much I couldn't wait to jump into her next release. After buying it, I didn't end up reading it for a full year. But the timing was just right when I finally got around to reading it. Opting Out offers insights on the obstacles you may face when you decide to take a direction in life that is unconventional, be it traveling, not drinking, not having children, changing careers, etc. Flanders compares the journey to self acceptance within your own decisions to climbing a mountain and offers advice for each segment of your own journey. She shares parallels and experiences from her own life and her desire to live a travel-centric lifestyle that is also environmentally conscious. If you're at a juncture in your life where you're weighing making a shift that may not be welcomed by those around you, this is a great read to take the temperature on your own comfort level with your impending decisions.
boomakes's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. I didn’t like the first book so don’t know why I thought this would be any different. It’s not that it was a bad book - I just didn’t get the content I was hoping for.
cassiethompson's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed Cait's first book and was very excited to read this one. I enjoyed the overall idea of the book- opting out of the things we think we are "supposed to do" based on the stories we hear from everyone else. I think this is a really great way of living and I admire Cait's journey and willingness to share.
I also like the setup of the book with the hiking analogy, however I really think there was too much analogy happening throughout. I would have liked more anecdotes of Cait's journey and other journeys that relate to the sections.
I am giving it 3 stars because I liked it, but didn't love it. However, I really respect Cait as a writer and will read a 3rd book of hers if it comes out.
I also like the setup of the book with the hiking analogy, however I really think there was too much analogy happening throughout. I would have liked more anecdotes of Cait's journey and other journeys that relate to the sections.
I am giving it 3 stars because I liked it, but didn't love it. However, I really respect Cait as a writer and will read a 3rd book of hers if it comes out.
waterlou25's review against another edition
3.0
There were many more hiking analogies than the content I expected when I picked up this book. I wanted more information about her travel and the steps she took during her journey. I much preferred her previous book.
margaretmechinus's review against another edition
1.0
Loved her first book so much that I listened to the audio book twice then a year later went back and read the book again. I was very much anticipating this book about her travel adventures. The very long introduction was the first sign that I was not going to like this book. I didn’t. The first book was an inspiring memoir. This is a boring self help metaphor.
lunalullaby's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I enjoyed hearing her story and the premise behind the book. It was good and I’m glad I read it. I wish it had been a little shorter. It took me 4 days to read, which is about 2x longer than most books because I noticed I started engaging less and less in the second half.
morandareads's review against another edition
3.0
I definitely enjoyed reading this book and found it comforting as someone who has often chosen the less trodden path. Her encouragement and her own story very much resonates with me.
I loved “The Year of Less” and am actually doing “no buy” February right now inspired by her year of less. I will say I felt the metaphor pretty tired in this book. I enjoy hiking and love to travel but at points the metaphor did seem somewhat forced. She is a good writer but it’s hard to do something cliche well and I’m not sure she fully succeeded here.
Overall I recommend this book if you love her other books and are interested in alternative ways of living.
I loved “The Year of Less” and am actually doing “no buy” February right now inspired by her year of less. I will say I felt the metaphor pretty tired in this book. I enjoy hiking and love to travel but at points the metaphor did seem somewhat forced. She is a good writer but it’s hard to do something cliche well and I’m not sure she fully succeeded here.
Overall I recommend this book if you love her other books and are interested in alternative ways of living.
zeldak9's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this book. I'm looking forward to my first opt-out.
jbrins1's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
2.5