Book Review Excerpts for"The popular press has recently held its magnifying glass up to what has been called the "simplicity movement." Pierce, founder of a three-year Simplicity Study that followed the lives of 211 people, takes a closer look with this book about her findings. Difficult to summarize, it is, nonetheless, an intriguing, if occasionally preachifying, treatise on the superior value of living with more integrity than money."
"This fascinating book is devoted to stories....At a time when more and more people are seeking to slow down and reduce stress and materialism, customers will be drawn to this book."
"In an inspiring testimonial to the many paths of simplicity, the founder of The Pierce Simplicity Study has woven personal stories together with insights gleaned from the study to create a multi-dimensional model for a more fulfilling life."
"Choosing Simplicity will become one of the classics of the simplicity movement over the next few years because it shows us more than how we can make change. It shows us that it can be done through the lives of those who have gone before us."
"There are no 12-step programs for over-achievers, but if there were, they might take Pierce's book as their Bible."
"The stories bring simplicity to life. It quickly becomes obvious that everyone can take steps to simplify their lives. . . Pierce offers a walk in the shoes of those traveling a more simple path. . . I found it refreshing to read about so many people empowered to change their lives for the better."
"[Choosing Simplicity] is a beautifully written examination of the many ways ordinary people can achieve inner peace and happiness. This is no quick guide, but a serious piece of writing on an important topic to everyone.
"A successful attorney who traded a high-pressure urban profession for a more satisfying writing career, Ms. Pierce brings practical insights and advice to the comments of those profiled in the pages. Far from being another self-help crutch, Choosing Simplicity is a fair resource that includes an index as well as a guide with reviews of more than 40 books on the subject of simplicity. . ."
"This fascinating book tells the stories of people who chose simplicity and instructs the reader in choices they can make to begin the lifelong process."
"Pierce's respondents [in the simplicity study] were poor, rich, old, single, and married. Some of their stories are almost laughably simple; others are strikingly poignant. . . These are not the kind of insights that set your mind on fire; rather they seep in like a warm cup of tea."
"...some of the most interesting stories are about parents who choose to savor life with their children rather than kill themselves working at jobs that dominate their life and their time."
"Choosing Simplicity is a wonderfully useful and informative guide for living the good life -- simply.
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