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

Written by:
Cait Flanders
Narrated by:
Cait Flanders

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
333
Narrator
57
Release Date
January 2018
Duration
5 hours 33 minutes
Summary
In her late twenties, 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 twelve 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.
Reviews
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Margie C

Just finished this thought provoking book....my way of thinking has already changed! For example, I enjoy doing needlepoint...working on a project now...was thinking I need to stop by needlepoint shop to get a particular color...I have two deep drawers of unused yarns! I have decided to change the color design and incorporate colors I already have....baby steps.....thank you, Cait!

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Anonymous

Interesting but it gets a bit ripetitive at times.

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Kristen French

This book gave me lots to ponder upon which my own life. The lessons are applicable to many circumstances.

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Eva P.

This book is honest, pleasant and unpretentious, I really enjoyed it! Very useful and inspiring if you want to simplify your life.

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Dita C.

Honest book

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Emilie M.

Moving and inspirational!

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Manon B.

I love how this book is just a funny memoir instead of one of the many books telling you how to do things. It was a very enjoyable read and the narration was great.

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Anonymous

Very inspirational. More of a memoir than I'd expected, which actually made the decluttering and mindful consumer elements of the book all the more meaningful and memorable. Great advice and helpful tips at the end too. A really enjoyable listen.

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Amber L.

I learned so much from this book !

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Tanya L.

This book was so inspiring. It articulates so well the human struggle of seeking happiness in all the wrong places. The narration was beautiful too.

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Anonymous

Needs some editing as it seems to go over some things more than once but still very useful and the narration was excellent

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Anonymous

I am giving the book two stars because the title is very misleading. The book is more of a memoir than an account of her year of less. The last ten minutes had specifics about a year of less but otherwise it was mostly about her past, her family, her work, and her travels. Her story is interesting but not what I was looking for when I purchased the book.

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Erin P.

good. We'll read

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Alisa B.

Great way to start the year! It is amazing how much guilt we live with when it comes to spending. This book was just what I needed to reinforce my goals for how I spend in 2021. She was very relatable and her story felt like my own at times.

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Osman Raidhan

If only I can get my wife to do this!

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Jessica F.

I loved this book! I was already on a similar path regarding minimizing and budgeting but this book put a different perspective on things for me. I also took away a lot of tips to keep me successful and mindful. Also, I enjoyed the narration, this was not a boring monotone type narration. Highly recommend!

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Bernadett S.

I really enjoyed listening to this book. I found it interesting and engaging, I think there is something in this story for everyone. A wonderful reminder how we can take charge of so many aspects of our life and make better choices that are best for us. Kate’s journey is absolutely amazing and such a great listen.

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Patricia C.

Enjoyed this one.

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Bree K.

Good read. Honest account of the personal challenges that created the necessity for her year of less. Also practical strategies to apply yourself. Very easy to listen to.

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Zaheer K.

Initially I thought this book is not for me, I absorbed into listening as the it progressed and found it very interesting. I have some knowledge of project management and the way the author applied the concepts / technique to improver her own life style is commendable. I learnt a lot from this book, the narration is excellent. I like to share this book to my daughters and also advise to listen author’s podcasts. Thanks to audiobooks.

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Katia R.

Inspiring book

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Debbie POTTER

I don't know why I picked this title, but I am so glad I did. if it didn't go against the grain of the book I would probably buy the real world version. but I am inspired and motivated to try it. I think it is an interesting read even if you don't want to follow in Cait's steps, however I think we could all do with consuming less

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Sharon M.

Fantastic, Inspirational, Real, Mind Provoking

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