7 Days of Simplicity

June 15, 2020
Bestseller Hatmaker follows up 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess with excellent advice for pursuing a “spiritual exercise both in living simply and in living more sustainably.” Hatmaker uses the same seven section titles as her first book—“Kitchen,” “Fashion,” “Stuff,” “Streaming,” “Tossing,” “Spending,” “Stressing”—and reflects on how she and her family live differently with less, and provides faith-based tips for trimming excess. (“He is our portion where food and clothes and comfort fall woefully short,” she writes of her faith in God.) Simple suggestions abound: use what one has before buying more, shop at secondhand stores, turn one’s text notifications off at bedtime. “Reflections on a Season of Simplicity” sections provide thoughtful commentary on simple living, noting it is “a path toward peace of mind and a peaceful home” and “an act of grace and gratitude.” Hatmaker’s scripture-based perspective and the book’s attractive design (it’s based around gilded leaf patterns and biblical quotations) make it a joy to read. Newcomers to Hatmaker and fans alike will appreciate her heartfelt thinking on simpler living. Agent: Mike Salisbury, Yates and Yates