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The Year of Less
- How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store
- Narrated by: Cait Flanders
- Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins
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The Year of Less
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Summary
In her late 20s, Cait Flanders found herself stuck in the consumerism cycle that grips so many of us: earn more, buy more, want more, rinse, repeat. Even after she worked her way out of nearly $30,000 of consumer debt, her old habits took hold again. When she realized that nothing she was doing or buying was making her happy - only keeping her from meeting her goals - she decided to set herself a challenge: she would not shop for an entire year.
The Year of Less documents Cait's life for 12 months during which she bought only consumables: groceries, toiletries, gas for her car. Along the way, she challenged herself to consume less of many other things besides shopping. She decluttered her apartment and got rid of 70 percent of her belongings; learned how to fix things rather than throw them away; researched the zero-waste movement; and completed a television ban.
At every stage, she learned that the less she consumed, the more fulfilled she felt. Blending Cait's compelling story with inspiring insight and practical guidance, The Year of Less will leave you questioning what you're holding on to in your own life - and, quite possibly, lead you to find your own path of less.
Critic reviews
What listeners say about The Year of Less
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lynne4
- 06-05-20
Great motivational book
Loved this as it got me thinking about the things I could change in my habits whilst enjoying the family story at the same time.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Miss K L Jones
- 09-03-18
Absolutely LOVED this book.
Cait is an absolute inspiration. I have followed minimalist ways for 8 months now, and before I read this book I already had a no spend 6 months. This has inspired me to reevaluate my own habits. Although you never spend to the same extent after a no spend period you can easily be trapped by mindless purchases.
I could completely relate to Cait’s blackout purchases and relationship traumas. I didn’t agree that she poured all of her lotions and potions down the sink but I can see did each step.
An absolute must read. Thank you to Cait for this book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rebekah Davidson
- 30-09-19
A must read for anyone and everyone
I downloaded Cait's book after having some spare credits available and began to read it. For the first time ever I connected with the message of the book and all of it's content. Cait relays her personal experience with debt, emotions and the constant rat race of consumerism with such poignancy and delicacy. I've been so inspired by the book that I've decided to start with a no spend month. Thank you for this book at a time in my life when it need it most.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Em
- 27-01-19
Great book. Very inspiring and soooo honest!
Great book. Very inspiring and soooo honest! I had the audio version and finished it within a few days.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Jo
- 17-04-19
Not what I expected.
This wasn’t at all what I expected. I found parts of it slow and I almost gave up. It is definitely more autobiographical and less about actually living with less. I like the fact that Cait narrated the book and the last part which actually gave tips on how to live with less pulled it around. This isn’t my usual genre but if you like autobiographies, then you will probably enjoy this.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Eli's Mommy
- 20-11-18
Touching
Her experience is her own and she tells it so naturally, it's like listening to a friend
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amy
- 10-02-20
inspiring
I found this book so relaxing to listen to, I got through it really fast. Cait's story is relatable and inspiring and has inspired me to challenge and change my own habits.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- chickenmugger
- 05-02-19
Very inspiring and thought provoking
Loved the honesty and realness to it. It provoked many thoughts and sparked ideas of my way ahead
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Joanna
- 14-11-23
Great idea almost well executed
I love the concept of this book and contrary to other reviews I’ve read I found it authentic and not too self-centred. Reading it herself the author added her own rubber stamp but in her own drive to reduce costs I think this was a step too far. I was really aware that it was being read and not performed - it came across very robotic. But because the subject was something I could relate too I kept going and was grateful for this as I feel better equipped to curb my spending too.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Carole
- 05-04-18
Inspirational
Absolutely loved this book. I am in a position where I have the opportunity to change career and am planning to go back to university this year and work part time, but as a singleton with a mortgage I am going to have to tighten my belt. Cait Flanders book is very practical guide to living on less and I am so glad I came across it, I will give it a go to get some savings behind me before I become a student once again.
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