The Not So Big Life: Making Room for What Really Matters
by Sarah Susanka
Book Summary Information
Author: Sarah SusankaEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2007-12-26
ISBN: 0812976002
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780812976007
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
- Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices
Book Reviews of The Not So Big Life: Making Room for What Really Matters
Book Review: Ultimately Disappointing
Summary: 3 Stars
I've heard about "The Not So Big House" for over a year; a friend enjoyed and recommended it. When I visited another friend, who is furnishing and decorating a new house, she had the whole collection of Susanka's books, including this one. I was so excited as I began to read it! This architect had a lot of good things to say about how many of us slip into a lifestyle in which we're not really awake, not really making conscious choices and priorities and decisions about how we live our life, and then wonder why we're dissatisfied. I loved her use of architectural metaphors for different aspects of our life. She recommended constructing a personal "owner's manual" for our inner life, and I immediately ran out and bought a beautiful three-ring binder, dividers, and paper, along with a set of pens. Is there an avid reader alive that doesn't like office supplies? I have yet to meet one. I came home and set up my notebook/owner's manual, and continued forward with the book, with great anticipation. There were lots of great observations, insights, and great quotes by other authors in this book. I really think Susanka is on to something. I'm a great believer in abundant life, and that less is more, and these are her premises, too. But ultimately, I felt let down. She didn't really follow through with her "owner's manual" idea, despite an appendix devoted to that specific project. The sections in the appendix did not match the divisions she suggested earlier in the book, and she became very vague about what to put in some sections, and neglected others entirely. Overall, it was a noble effort, and original in its architectural metaphors and premises, even though "less is more" is certainly not an original concept. I liked it well enough to order my own copy. I'm not sure if I'll re-read or use the book further (though I must say that I LOVE the notebook I purchased, which I'll use for some other project.
Summary of The Not So Big Life: Making Room for What Really Matters
Have you ever found yourself asking, "How did my life get so out of control?" Or wondering if this bigger life you have created is actually a better life?Most of us have lives that are as cluttered with unwanted obligations as our attics are cluttered with things. The bigger-is-better idea that triggered the explosion of McMansions has spilled over to give us McLives-leaving us with chaotic, overcommitted schedules and no time to do what we want to do.
In The Not So Big Life, architect Sarah Susanka expands her revolutionary philosophy on inhabiting space to show us how to better inhabit our lives. Through simple exercises and inspiring stories, Susanka reveals that all we need to do is make small shifts in our day-subtle movements that open our minds as if we were opening windows to let in fresh air. The result: We quickly discover that we have all the space and time we need for the things in our lives that really matter. These small changes can yield great rewards. In her elegant, clear style, Susanka convinces us that less is truly more-much more.
Applied Psychology Books
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