The Abundance of Less: A Social Experiment of Not Buying Anything New for One Year

The author is so transparent and genuine and funny! She’s infused an important topic with lightheartedness that kept me rapt and NOT feeling like I was being lectured. PLUS, she asks the underlying questions that are behind so MUCH of what we do automatically.I smiled at her references to gift-giving love language and at her stories of how her family implemented, pursued, tripped over and thrived during their year of not buying anything new. Her comments and stories were laced with the grace it takes to undertake anything challenging—we’re going to trip up. Let’s support each other and move along. So worth talking about.I will reread and reread and share because she doesn’t lecture; she inspires.And she’s so right about taking the one small step in the direction you’re headed PLUS she gives specific recommendations for how totake these small steps.PLUS, she gave me new books to seek out and read!I found a new favorite quote (one of them): “…Independence is not the final destination of a fully mature person. It’s a TOOL through which someone can attain a level of freedom, a level of satisfaction and, yes, even happiness. But if you stay there, you remain under-developed.” p. 24It’s now on my FB page.And how delightful it was too, to hear from her kids what THEY experienced, felt, and learned!All in all, a worthwhile and inspiring read.

It’s incredible how much stuff we hoard, and yet we continue to buy. I hate clutter, but the commitments of having young children and starting my own business have found me giving up on it, letting it happen.Interestingly, before my business started paying, we pretty-much lived with less because there was barely money for school fees, second-hand uniforms and books, and essential groceries. Now that things are more comfortable, we’re falling into the trap. It’s easier to buy a new something than to take the time to fix or find the old one. Tired after a long day’s work? Easier to have supper delivered. Something small that's on special? Why not - it's not expensive. And, as the book points out, we ‘comfort buy’ as well. Sometimes, for me, there’s also the danger of celebration buying: at last, we can afford it, so let’s get it.I needed to read this book, and I enjoyed reading it. Although there’s a serious message, it’s written with humour and very compelling honesty. It is full of practical ideas, things to act on. For me, the abundance of less is about feeling secure with what we have, about giving away our excess waste to be someone else’s treasure, about having more money to put into mortgage repayments or savings, more money to help those in great need.It will not be easy, but if you can read with an open mind, tackle things one at a time, you will feel as light as your expenditure. But even more, and irreplaceable, you will open yourself up to being blessed by God's provision.

Don’t read this unless you are ready to be convicted-in a good way! I read this book not really thinking I would get a lot out of it because I am not one to spend money on “new” things...or so I thought! This book made me realize that even me, the thrifty one that I am, spends money on used things I can really do without. It is a really good book about the excess stuff in our lives.I am not a bit surprised about how good this book is though, because Marcy is such a good writer. I think she could write about what life is like from under a rock and I would enjoy it and laugh out loud! She has a way of writing that make the reader feel like she is sitting on the couch with you having a causal conversation. I have read other books written by Marcy Pusey and they also have that same “real person, I have known you forever” feel to them. I highly recommend not only this book but any book she has written.Way to hit it out of the park, again Ms Pusey!

One of the first things I look at in a book like this is whether it delivers on it's promise. And it does. The author provides practical ideas on how to reverse our tendency for mindless acquisition. (A trait I was reminded of when I came face-to-face with a Christmas tree in a store -- two weeks ago in early September.) She provides real life examples of what worked for her family, and was honest enough to talk about what was hard.However, the book is so much more than that. It is a book of God and family, and a reminder that God does care about us. It is a book about community connecting in unexpected ways. The book is full of stories of people helping each other. Not through huge dramatic actions. But by small soul stirring actions we can do everyday.These are all lessons that rise to the top in their importance in the dramatic times in which we live now. So, to reverse my tendency to talk too much, and in the interests of following her lead and moving instead to an "abundance of less" --Buy this book. Read this book. Just do it.

Marcy’s account of her family challenge – not to purchase anything new (besides the obvious food and toiletries) - for an entire year was both entertaining and inspirational. I agree with what Marcy says, that we have too much stuff. My husband is one who needs to save whatever “just in case” and things just get out of hand. After reading The Abundance of Less, I am motivated to cut down on my own consumerism and sort through my belongings, and see what I can bless others with. I also enjoyed the hometown references, since I’m also in the area she mentions. I appreciated reading of the failures, it made the challenge seem more approachable.Marcy, you have inspired me – I’m going to start with cleaning out my daughter’s old room. She only moved away eleven years ago. But you get the message when you need to hear it, right?

Marcy is Christian, as I am, so I enjoyed her reflections on what she learned by her family’s year of not buying anything new. I have read MANY books on minimialism and simplicity. I have downsized quite a bit and buy used when I can, especially for clothes. This book gives lots of “food for thought”.

I read this book because I was curious about how someone would not buy anything new for one year, but not really expecting to get a whole lot out of it. Was I ever wrong! It was fascinating to read about the challenges. It really gives you pause for thought. Marcy doesn’t sit on a high horse telling people what to do; she simply recounts her experience in an easygoing and fun way. There is no judgement. She suggests that the reader might want to try something similar. By the time you are finished reading, you realize how so very much we all have. I have been ‘letting go’ of a lot of things as a direct result of this book. And yes, Marcy was right, it does make you feel really good to do so. This is a very worthwhile and inspiring read.

Not a book about how to clear clutter or save money. It’s about reducing habitual impulse buying to stop the family home getting overloaded with stuff they didn’t need. By only buying pre-loved items, every item would have to be a considered purchase. Sounds simple to break such a habit, but a little frightening having to commit to it. This book tells the story of how it went.The effect it had on their friends and children was totally unexpected in these days of ‘I want - gimme gimme’ consumerism. Marcy weaves in researched facts and figures of how bad we’ve become, plus some great tips and quotes to help everyone.Given how it went emotionally, especially the children’s reactions, I think my favourite quote was:"Choose hope over fear and see what doors open in front of you."Sums the whole adventure up perfectly for me. What will your favourite quote be?

Having chosen a lifestyle of less myself, I often find other's stories unbelievable, sugar coated, or pushy. This book is none of those things. It is, instead, a real account of the troubles and rewards that emerge when you make a conscious decision to curb your own consumption, told with compassion, humor and honesty. This book is both a call to change and a tool to facilitate that change. Read it!

Wow, what an incredible fresh and inspiring insight on this topic! What I really related to is the connection with the psychological effects of clutter, and how this impacts health and well-being. As a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and Counsellor, I will be recommending this book to my clients!

I was hooked from the start with the word ‘contentment.’ In our North American culture this is indeed counter cultural. The Abundance of less is packed with so many wonderful ideas, stories, and encouragements it will be a reference book for me.Marcy’s journey is so relatable. Find out the many things she learned and how it changed her, and her family. Why do we live pay cheque to pay cheque? How can you start a FB group to share free stuff in your local community? … and much more.And you will love Marcy’s sense of humor as she inspires us and gives us a game plan to make a difference. ALL of us can, if we so chose, become part of the solution.