by Sarah Susanka
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Product Description
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.
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Average Customer Review:
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
What are we missing?, 2008-11-07
I first became aware of Sarah Susanka through her books The Not So Big House, Inside the Not So Big House, Outside the Not So Big House and others. I have to admit, I read these with a grain if salt...I currently live in an 800 sq ft condo. The "small" houses in these books looked palatial. I understood in concept what Susanka was teaching, but it looked as if her concept of small didn't jibe with my reality.
The Not So Big Real Life rightly carries the subtitle "Making Room for What Really Matters). Within the pages Susanka is able to explain the concept of living small. Not completely tied up in square footage, living small is actually scaling back the demands and wants in out lives so we are able to live in the moment. Scaling back on the size of our homes is furnishings, the demands we add to our already bust lives so we can be more aware of what we are doing in the present. The pursuit of things and then having to provide upkeep keeps us more out of touch with ourselves, and keeps us looking ahead somewhere down the road...not paying attention to now.
This is a dense book, divided up in chapters covering everything from removing clutter, listening to your dreams and being at home in your life, there is a lot of information. The author suggests a notebook so the reader can write down some of the exercises and to promote stopping and paying attention to the now. Don't be put off by the very small print and the possibilities of "homework"... What made this a great book was the suggestion of making small changes and moving bit to bit to make room for the important things. I divided this into bits and though it took longer it was a great book and I actually read a bit each day.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 When bad books happen to good architects, 2008-09-04
One of the worst books I've come across in a while--I barely got half way through it. In fact, I was listening to it on audio book in my car on a long trip--good thing I didn't fall asleep at the wheel. Repetitive, mushy, new-agey mumbo jumbo--nothing practical to grab onto here. The most interesting comments in the book were about planning homes--something she REALLY knows about. Stick to architecture, ditch the psychology, Susanka!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
 Great insights, 2008-08-08
This book has been amazingly helpful with looking at my priorities and making time AND changes. Well written and packed with gold nuggets that are helpful in everyday life.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
not so big, not so much, 2008-06-10
I LOVE the Not So Big House books - I have purchased all of them. I saw "The Not So Big Life" at our public library and took it home, and am I glad I borrowed and didn't purchase it. I enjoy the writing style and outlook of her architectural style books, but unfortunately this book is lacking in practical method in simplifying your life, which is what I expected from the title. It makes annoying assumptions that the reader has the luxury (as obviously the author has) to step back from the real world. Making copious lists of life experiences and their effect on my psyche doesn't do it for me. I tried several times to read it from the beginning, to "flip through," to try and find chapters that applied to me, with no luck. Some reviewers say the book worked for them, but I highly encourage you to check it out at your local library before placing your order.
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Buy This Book!, 2008-04-14
Incredible! No one should ever build a house without reading this book and the whole series of her books.....it is simply amazing the insight provided .....she sees things at a completely different level; things that are hidden to the rest of us. If you are not building a house this is a great book about life. Will save you thousands of dollars in wasted $ and will insure that you build not just a house but a home!.
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