Christine Platt: An Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less

Shelley Victory: This book is a bible of information on why we do what we do when it comes to acquiring things , holding on and the unwillingness to let things go. I found myself , my story, my history in these pages. This book had released me from feeling wrong about my minimal not looking like most minimalists.

United States on Jun 15, 2023

Jenell Austin: This book helped me so much. It's not just about decluttering, it's about examining your relationship with stuff. This has been so helpful in shifting my mindset. Coming at it with the "Afrominimalist" perspective has been so helpful, instead of just the Western idea of minimalist!

Canada on Feb 02, 2022

Bookangel: An insightful look at consumerism, why people feel the need to surround themselves with things & why it can be hard to take stock & let go. Though emphasis is placed on the black experience, this is a book that will resonate with all.

United Kingdom on Oct 28, 2021

Sista Zai: It’s so refreshing and encouraging to read a book that squarely addresses Black culture and our unique relationship to consumerism and consumption given past and continuing economic injustice and dehumanisation. This book is a beautifully considered guide on how we can continue to get free from cultural reactions that are understandable but also no longer serve us as we take control of our destinies, finding true fulfilment beyond materialism. I loved the exercises as well. They were and continue to be extremely helpful especially as they shine a light on the reasons behind my own resistance when it comes to decluttering. You feel as though Christine is walking with you through the process, giving step by step advice and encouragement that minimalism is not a once off project but an ongoing process based in honesty and the development of your own unique aesthetic. I highly recommend this book. All the stars and then some.

Australia on Sep 12, 2021

L V.: It's not all neutral colours with a bit of Scandinavian furniture. I really appreciated how she managed to gently tease out the heart of why we consume and how it affects us and those we love. I got the audiobook as well so I can listen when I walk or drive. It will be one of those books I come back to again and again.

Canada on Sep 06, 2021

Kristen: This is a beautiful little book with a charming story of one woman's path from seemingly glamourous excess that checks all the boxes of perceived success -- to a more simplified and meaningful way of life and living. (Which, by the way, also seems pretty awesome.) Having been a minimalist for the last decade, this book hit on a lot of things I had discovered along the way. Mainly about making decisions based on your own schedule, your own sense of style, and your own priorities. It also provided the perfect inspiration for a new round of examining what I have and letting go of anything that has reached its time of departure. While the "why" and "how" are included in this guide, it's the contextual research and the notes for the culture that make this a richer reading experience.

(Side note: I noticed several other reviews mention that the book is "repetitive." While I don't disagree, I would say that this is a good thing for 2 reasons. First, as humans, it often takes a few times for new information to sink in. But, the second reason is more important. This book could easily be an ongoing resource that you pick up and read one chapter or another, as you need, in the moment...

United States on Aug 07, 2021

Tara: Christine Platt addresses minimalism more from a psychological POV as it’s important to understand how you came to accumulate all your belongings. This method helps in changing your behavior rather than just a guide on how to go about getting rid of the things you no longer use - only to end up buying replacements in the future.

“Eliminating your excess will not cure bad spending habits or behaviors. It is only one milestone on the journey to living with less.”

“From fast fashion filling landfills to plastics polluting oceans, human overconsumption causes more harm than an overflowing, cluttered wardrobe.”

Her “For the Culture” segments help identity the ways black culture has contributed to us (black people) being the top contributors to consumerism while only being a small percentage of the people living in the US.

Christine’s book was definitely eye opening in realizing why and how we have accumulated so much stuff and in finding ways to live intentionally with less.

United States on Jul 25, 2021

BookCollectorJ: I've long been a fan of Christine Platt, and was excited for the debut of The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less. It was truly worth the wait. I love Platt's transparency and how she broke down the concepts (considering these issues are DEEP, deep).

One of her anecdotes reminded me of the first item I had ever bought at full price, without regret: a red Jones New York suit. I had just gone through one of my biggest personal challenges ever, and was shopping with my mom. The suit cost hundreds, but my normally master-frugal mamma said, "Get it." Words I never thought she would EVER utter.

It was my first red power suit and I wore it countless times. When I lost weight, I had it tailored twice. After the alterations, it wasn't the same suit and no longer fit well. I threw it away, because I didn't think anyone would know how to size it. I now regret doing that. But I smile, knowing I got more than my money's worth.

This book is teaching me to be more intentional about what I buy, keep and give. But it also is helping me understand the reasons why I've bought what I have, good and bad. (And, no, I've not bought a full-price suit since then. I get that...

United States on Jul 21, 2021

GlobalGirlGlobalGirl: In this beautiful guide, Christine Platt takes you on a journey to create not just a closet and home filled with intention… but ultimately, your entire life as well. If you’re looking for tips on how many spoons or plates you should have, you will not find it here! Far from counting items and decluttering, Christine helps you get to the heart of minimalism and invites you to take the path for yourself – in your own way. By understanding the roots of over consumption, how to forgive yourself for having more than you need, how to purchase with intention, and so much more, this is a guide I will refer to often. The book also includes sections “For the Culture” specifically targeted to people of the African Diaspora and other marginalized groups as it relates to our history, and how that can impact our journey to minimalism. It's excellent insight for everyone.

If you are looking to bring more intention and purpose to your living space and your life, this book is for you!

United States on Jun 17, 2021