November 15, 2018
No stranger to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's "less is more" approach, Becker (The More of Less, 2016) provides detailed recommendations for lightening up various home spaces, beginning with those he considers the easiest: living and family rooms. Yet this is more than a guide to how and when to do what; part of Becker's MO is to underscore, not so subtly, the benefits of donating, recycling, and minimizing in general. Ongoing sidebars remind readers what they'll gain?togetherness, rest, a stronger sense of self, easier hospitality, to name just a few?as well as reinforce the emotional reasons for doing so, headlined "testimony." Suggestions and methodology proliferate, as Becker ends chapters with action recommendations, such as taking before-and-after photos. Checklists throughout ask questions to be discussed, and a minimalism maintenance guide reinforces new buying habits and promotes the idea of downsizing at every stage and age. For readers seeking a "no excuses" approach to minimizing their living spaces.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)