simple living and slow living books that i reread every year

and wholeheartedly recommend!

I am a huge bookworm. Big. Giant. Ever since I can remember, I have had my nose in a book. I was that girl reading on the school bus on the way home. I am that woman, waiting in the reception room at the doctor's office, not on my phone scrolling, but with a book in my hands reading.

Suffice to say, I have read many, many books in my lifetime but there are a few tomes that I reread again and again every year. These books concern the topics of slow living, minimalism, and simple living. I absolutely enjoy these books and if you haven't read them, you may want to add them to your TBR!

The Year of Less by Cait Flanders

Cait writes a fantastic newsletter here on Substack called Hi Friend, but before that, many moons ago, she wrote a personal finance blog. That is where I first came across Cait's writing and I think I've been reading her wonderful words for ten years now?! Her first book, The Year of Less, is absolutely one of my favorite books and I love it for so many reasons. Cait's writing is brilliant first of all, but also her honesty in detailing parts of her life, and thoughts and plans that didn't work out and the courage and tenacity to be able to move on from them.

Cait's sobriety journey in this book also helped me when I decided to make that same heartfelt decision. That's the thing with rereading books, you never know what part of your life's journey will intersect with an author's odyssey. I am forever grateful for her words ❤

Calm Christmas by Beth Kempton

I adore Beth's writing and this book is honestly just the bee's knees. The first time I read this book was after the Christmas holidays and I remember thinking after I finished it, this is the book I needed to read in the autumn before the holiday chaos had started. Everyone celebrates the holidays season differently and has different values where celebrating is concerned, and this book helps you navigate all of that and to just have a peaceful Christmas. The important message: you don't have to do everything and nor should you. I highly recommend picking up this book now, so come November when the holiday hoopla starts invading your peripheral vision, it won't faze you, because you'll already be in your peaceful and stress-free holiday zone.

Slow: Simple Living for a Frantic World by Brooke McClary

How many times can you read a book and leave even more inspired than the last time? That is how I feel about Brooke's book. It is so, so good! I love her humor, her words, her examples, her stories. If you are looking to start your simplifying journey or are already on that journey, and you are looking for some help along the way, then this is the book for you!

Everything That Remains by The Minimalists

I have every book written by The Minimalists and while I find them all informative, Everything That Remains, remains (ha!) my personal favorite. Part memoir, part self-help, part pilgrimage, it is an engrossing and part semi rulebook for living a more meaningful and intentional life. It is such a great read!

Simple Matters by Erin Boyle

I have been a long-time follower of Erin's and her blog Reading Tea Leaves. She is now on Substack (hurray!) and this book of hers is absolutely one of my favorites. I love how Erin weaves in her stories alongside simplifying and just makes her writing so delicious. Put the kettle on, grab a scone, and settle down with this lovely book.

These are books that re-inspire me every time I read them 🍃

Do you have books that you reread each year? Have you read any of these titles before? Let me know in the comments!