Everything That Remains: A Memoir by The Minimalists

Anyone familiar with The Minimalists website run by Joshua Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus will recognise much of this book as ground already covered in essays posted on the site. To that extent this book is a bit of a re-hash of existing material. What makes the book interesting and worthwhile though is that, rather than a series of short and discreet musings, or any kind of gung-ho exhortation: "you've got to do this and all the problems of your life, the third world and the rest of the solar system will be solved in 27 easy steps starting on Monday morning![just $44.99]", which is all too prevalent even in the more cerebral and laid back minimalism section of the self-help and self-development literature, you actually get a coherent narrative of how someone discovered some life-changing ideas and tried to apply them to their own life. If that sounds narcissistic - it, strangely, does not come across like that. And though the book does very much focus on Joshua's "story" of how he discovered minimalism and used it to get out his particular rut, the fact that it is a brief story told simply and well, makes it much more enjoyable to read, and to glean the essential lessons to start you thinking about whether this all may really be relevant for you. I must confess to being a reader of their blog, as well as Leo Babauta's Zen Habits, and while minimalism has in the past seemed an attractive idea (usually bathed in California sunshine at the end of some distant and imagined journey very different from my current life) this book got me thinking about how I might do my own changes, right here, right now, as the saying goes. Of the two it is clear that Joshua is the writer, and so it is mainly his story, with Ryan relegated to a kind of footnote commentary (David Foster Wallace as the model?) which is often very amusing and also light relief as Joshua can occasionally get a bit, um, earnest. While I for one would have liked a bit more from Ryan, what there is works really well, as does the overall format of the book. I have a healthy dislike for a lot of this navel-gazing self-help stuff, but as I discovered from their website, these guys are a lot more real-world, the book is enjoyable, and thought-provoking, and very much worth a read.

An extremelly interesting read into why Joshua became a minimalist, and documenting how he went about it. Giving a brief insight into his childhood and upbrining which made it clearer as to why he searched for happiness through money during his 20s and the final relaisation that it wasn't what he was looking for. Some helpful tips and pointers on how to declutter your life and focus on what is important to you. As someone who works in the corporate world, it is easy to see the type of people Joshua was, getting trapped in the pursuit of more. Instead of the pursiut of self improvement and focusing on the improtant things in life.

This book is well worth reading even if you have no desire to become or adopt a minimalist life or outlook. It's wonderfully well written and it's honesty is refreshing and inspiring. It's the kind of book I want to share with my friends and family, as it offers different perspectives on every day life scenarios that we have, as a race, come to think of as normal and expected. There is also a documentary on Netflix called 'The Minimalists' which is what introduced me to the book. Both the documentary and the book are great ways to encourage yourself to think outside of the box, make positive changes and adaptations to your mind-set and lifestyle, and ultimately, to enable yourself to be truly happy and free within yourself. You will thank yourself later for reading this.

I have been intrigued by minimalism for years. I discovered this concept of my own accord. It was not a conscious lifestyle change, it just seemed a natural way to live my life. It just made sense. Imagine my surprise when I discovered I was not alone, that these views and ideals were shared by others. That ere were numerous blogs, websites and books dedicated to the subject of minimalism. This is the first book I have read in the subject. The authors story and views were told in a gripping manner. It was very interesting to see the sharp contrast in lifestyles the author has experienced. Going from high level professional job, obsessed with consumerism to a a complete minimalist. Fascinating read if you are a minimalist, and fascinating read for those who are unsure what minimalism is.

A story that anybody can find wisdom in. Minimalism has a whole new meaning for me after reading JFM & RNs books and following the podcast. I have never been a big spender/collector but I had the selfish mentality of one (instant gratification and the feeling that something was owed to me) this book is a friendly and very well written reminder that I am a small part of the world, and it is my responsibility to use my time to better myself and the lives of others. I would and will recommend this book to everyone.

Interesting and well written. A great insight into how minimalism can change your life. I didn't learn anything new as I've already started my minimalism journey but I found the book inspiring nonetheless. Anyone considering this lifestyle should read this along with the other book by these guys and the Marie Mondo book. It really is life changing!

This book gives more questions than it answers. It's conclusion is one of the best I've come across: it's the positive of the Ancient Greek adage, "You take your problems with you". In this case and others, it's "You take your solutions with you." The rest of the book answers the premise, what if everything external, expansive, extensive of you is gone. What would remain?

Basically a re-working of material that can be found in JFM's previous book, Minimalism. If you also read the blog you'll already be familiar with many of the events that are described here. For me it also highlights one of the problems of writing about minimalism - there are only so many ways that you can say "stop buying crap". Although the book is stylishly written, possibly even over-written in places, there is an important message to be had here. Minimalism, or more accurately, voluntary simplicity, is a powerful antidote to our diseased modern lifestyles, that seem to have taken a seriously wrong turn somewhere along the way. Then again, despite the importance of the message, there is nothing new here. If you've read Joe Dominguez's seminal Your Money Or Your Life, or Duane Elgin's Voluntary Simplicity, or even Paul Stile's surgical dissection of that engine of capitalism, the market, Is the American Dream Killing You, then you probably won't learn much that's new from this book. Of course the Minimalists are the pop stars of minimalism (at least at the moment), and so their ability to get this message out to their hundreds of thousands of readers gives them an importance that writers the likes of Dominguez or Stiles could have only dreamed of. They bring a trendiness and cool (not to mention devilishly good looks) to minimalism that serves the movement well. In summary, if you are new to the ideas of minimalism or voluntary simplicity then this is an enjoyable and easy to read introduction, worthy of 4 or 5 stars. If, on the other hand, you are already familiar, or have read JMF's earlier writings, then you could pass on this without fear of missing out on too much. I suspect most fans (like me) will want to buy this though, regardless. :)

Fantastic read, very thought-provoking. I have always thoroughly enjoyed the works of Joshua Fields Millburn and this offering did not disappoint. I highly recommend it…a solid 10/10!

This book isn't a guideline to minimalism. It's about the author's journey through minimalism and how their lives are post decluttering and letting go. It's a beautiful journey and very inspirational. You'll rethink many of your possessions and see life with fresh eyes. In case you want to start the minimalist lifestyle, I suggest reading "Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life" and leave this book for later.

I know they won't like the word but these guys became my joyful gurus. Awesome book. I have to experience mother friendship so I am in the middle of decluttering but I trust myself and this reading mysteriously arrived when I most needed it. Thank u so much.

The author expressed clearly what I felt about my own life. Very relatable indeed. Thanx for this book. Got a lot of clarity.

Molto scorrevole,una bella scrittura ma soprattutto un ottimo tema su cui tutti quanti dovremmo riflettere oggi giorno,in questa vita piena di consumismo,dove tutti necessitano tutto,ma niente è più realmente necessario a parte fermarsi un secondo a riflettere senza tutta questa tecnologia di troppo.