A review by bootman
Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz

5.0

This was one of the most interesting books that I’ve read in quite some time. Klotz is a professor who one day noticed our tendency to add when we want to make something better. He shares the story about how when he noticed this, he started doing a bunch of research to see if it’s true, and it was. When someone wants to improve a structure, they typically add something. If we want to improve something we’re writing, we usually add to it. In this book, Klotz uses his research to present strong arguments about how we should get in the habit of thinking about how subtraction can and should be our go-to. After laying out the research and his arguments, he then dives into some real-world issues we face due to our need for adding and abundance such climate change as well as our mental health. There are books out there about the benefits of minimalism, but this book is something different and totally unique. As I read it, I just kept saying to myself, “How have I never noticed this?!” So, get this book, and change the way you tackle problems.