L'art de la Simplicité

September 26, 2016
Loreau (L’Art del’Essential) combines Zen with utter practicality in this empowering book of advice, a bestseller in France. After explaining that “more and more people are seeking the joys and benefits of a simpler, more natural existence,” Loreau arranges her writings into three general sections: “Materialism and Minimalism,” “Body,” and “Mind.” Covering practical topics such as money (“your servant, not your master”) and self-directed fitness, as well as philosophical ones such as mindfulness and the art of change, she advocates simple but sometimes difficult emotional habits, including learning to say no (“When you compromise your dreams or values for another person, you lose a little of yourself and your strength”), avoiding negativity, having self-faith, and dealing with anxiety. Sensible rituals and affirmations help readers follow the author’s sage advice to accept life as it is. Loreau credits her emphasis on minimalism to Japan, where she has lived for many years, and describes Japanese culture as placing great importance in simplicity and serenity. Despite the occasional odd suggestion (not many people will limit their wardrobes to black, beige, gray, and white), this is a thought-provoking tome, elegantly translated by Lalaurie, with a powerful message.

December 1, 2016
It was in Japan, her adopted home for more than 30 years now, that French essayist Loreau came to understand the value of simplicity for pleasant living spaces and overall health. Here, in three parts ( Materialism and Minimalism, Body, Mind ) that are divided into many brief sections, lists, and affirmations, she shares her Zen-inspired philosophy of restraint in all things, along with the steps required for readers to achieve happiness in minimalism, too. Advice like perfecting every aspect of one's living space, fasting frequently, or beginning each day with a thorough body-brush scrub won't be immediately heeded by everyone, and the blank pages designated for note-taking will be problematic for libraries, but most readers will find a habit or relationship to ponder freshly through Loreau's lens. Further, this is already a best-seller in its original French. American readers have happily sought French advice in books like Bringing Up Bebe (2012) and French Women Don't Get Fat (2005), and the runaway success of Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (2014) has spurred interest in Japanese-inspired minimalism.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)