{"id":7327,"date":"2011-09-26T03:06:46","date_gmt":"2011-09-26T10:06:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.backwoodshome.com\/blogs\/ClaireWolfe\/?p=7327"},"modified":"2011-09-26T03:06:46","modified_gmt":"2011-09-26T10:06:46","slug":"the-simplicity-primernot-exactly-a-book-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clairewolfe.com\/blog\/2011\/09\/26\/the-simplicity-primernot-exactly-a-book-review\/","title":{"rendered":"The Simplicity Primer:not exactly a book review"},"content":{"rendered":"

Patrice Lewis of the Rural Revolution blog<\/a> sent me a copy of her new book more than a month ago. I’ve been enjoying it since then, but hesitating because I wasn’t sure how best to review it.<\/p>\n

I’m still not sure. But since it’s in danger of becoming an old<\/i> book before I wrap my brain around it, here I am with a few thoughts.<\/p>\n

Her book is The Simplicity Primer: 365 ideas for making life more livable<\/i>. You can get it for $10.85 at Amazon using that link, which gives a portion of the purchase price to me. CHANGE: Our hosts here at BHM have asked me to remove the Amazon link and remind you that you can buy the book from the BHM bookstore<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Right out I’ll tell you that if you’re a Christian libertarian or anarchist — particularly if you’re in a couple or raising a family or planning to be — you should have this book. Don’t hesitate. Just buy it. It’s lovely. And it’s something you’ll want to keep by your bedside for reference on those ragged days when you really, really need to be reminded of what matters. Or on any day, for that matter.<\/p>\n

I don’t mean to imply that The Simplicity Primer<\/i> excludes non-believers. Not at all. I didn’t feel excluded despite Patrice’s gentle barbs at those of us who reach for belief but come back to earth empty handed. Her observations are wise, and her sources are more likely to be Henry David Thoreau and a handful of B.C. Greeks than anybody from the hellfire and damnation crowd. Nor did I feel excluded by virtue of being single or childless.<\/p>\n

Even if you’re not in Patrice’s primary audience, there’s plenty in this book to soothe your heart and remind you where your priorities lie if a simple life is your goal.<\/p>\n

She also writes with disarming humor and with a clear understanding of life’s complexities. Two adjacent entries, for instance, are headed “Move to the country” and “Don’t move to the country.”<\/p>\n

To give you a bit more of a taste, here are Patrice’s major category headings:<\/p>\n