Learn how to Not Buying It
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Many of us have tried to call a halt to our spending at one time or another. But what if we decided not to buy anything for a whole year? Obviously, we would need necessities like food and soap, but how would be manage without new clothes, treats, entertainment? Funny, smart and self-deprecating,Not
… More »Many of us have tried to call a halt to our spending at one time or another. But what if we decided not to buy anything for a whole year? Obviously, we would need necessities like food and soap, but how would be manage without new clothes, treats, entertainment? Funny, smart and self-deprecating,Not Buying Itis a close look at our society's obsession with shopping and the cold turkey confession of a woman we can all identify with -- someone who can't live without French roast coffee andexpensive wool socks, but who has had enough of spending money for the sake of it. Without consumer goods and experiences, Levine and her partner Paul pursue their careers, nurture family relationships and try to keep their sanity and humour intact. Tracking their progress and lapses, she contemplates the meanings of need and desire, scarcity and security, consumerism and citizenship. She asks the big questions -- can the economy survive without shopping? Are Q-tips a necessity? A thought-provoking account of the pleasures and perils of the purchase-driven life,Not Buying Itwill get readers talking about their reliance on the act of buying and the possibility of getting off the merry-go-round.
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Add a CommentI thought this was a great personal story. Levine wasn't preaching, she was just trying to figure out where she fit as an American consumer and as an American citizen. Very thoughtfully written, and in particular the last few days of December that she wrote about were very moving and insightful.
I was a little frustrated by the lack of strict rules for consumption. Like the person below said, they had some issues defining what was necessary and what was an exception to the rule, but I think that reflects society in terms of consumption; deciding how much is enough. Good read, but too much talk, not enough action.
Less a how-to manual for thrifty living, more a philosophical discussion on consumerism, economics and so-called "simple-living". Extrememly interesting.
They didn't go without shopping. They bought all the extras (including lawn ornaments) Dec. 31, quit shopping on Jan 1, ran out of extras (wine) by June, began to break the rules in fall, and dragged themselves and their three cars back to reality one year later. What did they learn? I learned almost nothing. Try Scott Nearing or Henry David Thoreau.
This book was featured on Oprah. Excellent