Reviews

Love People, Use Things: Because the Opposite Never Works by Ryan Nicodemus, Joshua Fields Millburn, Joshua Fields Millburn

f0urfourteen's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

1.0

listening to this audiobook felt like going on a really bad first date for 8 whole hours

miriamvb's review against another edition

3.0

Onevenwichtig boek, met leuke stukken en zeer oppervlakkige stukken, en natuurlijk de standaard Minimalist-achtergrond verhalen. Ik heb een beetje een zwak voor deze twee minimalisten, maar kan ze maar in kleine dosis verdragen. Dus dit was weer genoeg voor de komende 5 jaar.

[En tjonge, wat een slechte Nederlandse vertaling.]

sarah_scripture's review against another edition

3.0

This book was relatable in many ways, knowing that I need to simplify my life to be able to improve things for myself. Lots of personal stories thrown in to make it interesting, I did enjoy many parts of this book. It just felt a little wordy for what they were trying to say. Some of it I didn’t agree with completely, but that’s not usually why I would maybe dislike a book. I thought it was well-done overall, just a little dry and long for my taste. The emphasis on others was great.

tristanhunter's review against another edition

4.0

I was a little skeptical initially but found this book was overall inspiring. It had a good middle ground of providing insights into how to live more intentionally without sounding over-preachy. Having never heard of The Miniminalists, this was a great introduction into their philosophy. There were a few small lines that didn't sit well with me, however that seemed merely a difference in mine and the authors tone (i.e. a small remark toward suicide that I felt was a little too lighthearted but was the author's way of expressing his feelings).

I think the way to read this book is to recognize not every recommendation will work for you, but there are plenty of great tips on how to improve your day to day living.

mama_waves's review against another edition

4.0

I really liked how this book was organized into different ways to re-evaluate/declutter: stuff, values/goals, creativity, and relationships.

A few takeaways:
-minimize stuff instead of organizing it
-pause/take the time to have gratitude
-set goals for better habits
-identify and reduce distractions
-review tiers of your values
-reflect on the relationships you have

leonarkr's review against another edition

I enjoyed quite a bit about 'Love People, Use Things' and I'm already a fan of Joshua Field Millburn's Netflix special 'Less is Now' and The Minalmists podcast he hosts with Ryan Nicodemus. To say I was reminded more than once we are still such a consumerist society would be an understatement.

Many of the self-evaluation exercises are ones I'm going to try to follow.

madamebutterfly25's review against another edition

5.0

Great read. It’s very similar to their podcast, so if you like that you’ll love the book. Lots of practical tips and Josh also shared a lot about their personal lives, which helps you really apply it to your life. Don’t let the things you own own you. Very motivating!

mface's review against another edition

I can totally understand why this book might be great for someone who feels like they have lots of stuff, but not much meaning. I personally do not relate to the problem, so it didn’t catch my interest. 

frallareads's review against another edition

informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

3.5

meaghunt's review against another edition

3.0

I think I've finally reckoned with the fact that while I adore the Minimalists and their message, I am not the hugest fan of Joshua Fields Millburn's delivery (every book sounds like an 8-hour long slam poetry performance).

Also a ding against my podcasting kin, they heavily reference Dave Ramsey and company throughout. I AM NOT a fan of Dave or his mansplaining, condescending approach. So that takes this book down a few stars, knowing Millburn and Nicodemus actually TOURED with Ramsey. Ugh.