The Simple Living Guide

November 3, 1997
For readers who want to get off the over-achieving, rat-race track, cut down on their conspicuous consumption and join the movement toward a simpler style of living, Luhrs, a journalist and former lawyer, covers the basics and then some. Tips range from getting debt under control to simplifying a wardrobe. Readers are frequently reminded that simplicity is more a matter of balance than deprivation; frugality may be a virtue, but so is the occasional indulgence. Notably absent is a significant discussion of environmentalism, a major impetus for the simplicity movement. Nor are the difficulties that simple living can create, e.g, in terms of time management and the social problems inherent in any practice that challenges the status quo, adequately addressed. Luhrs does include a chapter on such "virtues" as contentment, truthfulness, patience and mindfulness. The discussion of alternative housing offers intriguing accounts of those who have chucked the oversized colonial in favor of houseboats, living "off the grid" or cohousing with other families. Most readers will likely find greatest value in Luhrs's suggestions for simplifying the celebration of holidays, for eliminating clutter and traveling cheaply. Chock full of anecdotes and references from advocates of simplified living, ranging from Thoreau to Deepak Chopra, Luhrs's long and chatty, often rambling guide to simpler living seems a somewhat oxymoronic approach to the topic.

January 1, 1998
Editor and publisher of the Simple Living Journal, Luhrs has collated a valuable, comprehensive sourcebook of practical wisdom and inspiration for paring down life in order to live it to the fullest. Issues such as money, housing, work, health, nutrition, and travel are explored with a goal of "voluntary simplicity," favoring deliberate life choices over blind consumption and compulsion. A well-balanced combination of philosophical reflection, real-life anecdotes, practical strategies, and annotated reading lists make this a good addition for most public libraries.