The Year of Less
"A fascinating look into a living experiment that we can all learn from."
Vogue
Translated in 11 languages
Over 200,000 copies sold in English
In her late twenties, Cait Flanders found herself stuck in the consumerism cycle that grips so many of us: earn more, buy more, want more, rinse, repeat. Even after she worked her way out of nearly $30,000 of consumer debt, her old habits took hold again. When she realized that nothing she was doing or buying was making her happy—only keeping her from meeting her goals—she decided to set herself a challenge: she would not shop for an entire year.
The Year of Less documents Cait's life for twelve months during which she bought only consumables: groceries, toiletries, gas for her car. Along the way, she challenged herself to consume less of many other things besides shopping. She decluttered her apartment and got rid of 70 percent of her belongings; learned how to fix things rather than throw them away; researched the zero waste movement; and completed a television ban. At every stage, she learned that the less she consumed, the more fulfilled she felt.
The challenge became a lifeline when, in the course of the year, Cait found herself in situations that turned her life upside down. In the face of hardship, she realized why she had always turned to shopping, alcohol, and food—and what it had cost her. Unable to reach for any of her usual vices, she changed habits she'd spent years perfecting and discovered what truly mattered to her.
Blending Cait's compelling story with inspiring insight and practical guidance, The Year of Less will leave you questioning what you're holding on to in your own life—and, quite possibly, lead you to find your own path of less.
THE NEW YORK TIMES"We all can find ways to incorporate these ideas into our lives where we have the knowledge, time and access."
THE INDEPENDENT (UK)“What is an incredible personal journey, is also a stark reminder at how materialistic many of us have become. The Year of Less will certainly change your perspective on how you spend your money.”
BUSTLE“Even if you're not looking to adopt a minimalist lifestyle or stop shopping completely, this book will have you thinking twice about what you keep around you and why.”
Metro (UK)“For your friend who has already Kondo’d their cupboards, The Year of Less will inspire them to do the same with their finances.”
CBC Books“...not only an education in our consumer habits, but also a highly personal and life-changing journey.”
Powell's Books“The Year of Less is a deep dive into what happens when you take a giant step away from consumerism. ... [Cait Flanders] chronicles her journey with unflinching honesty and careful self-examination.”
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*Photo credit: Tom Hicken, taken for Ratehub.ca.
What People Are Saying
“Oh my goodness. I couldn't put this book down! I haven't finished a book so quickly in years.”
“As a result of this easy yet thought-provoking read, I'm more self-aware of my shopping triggers, and also of the amount of stuff I've spent good money on to make myself appear as someone different than I am. Definitely recommend to anyone!”
“Honest and real.”
“Cait's book is like reading a letter of advice from your best pen pal. She doesn't overload you with big words, fancy data, or long chapters, but rather speaks to the reader as if the two of you were sharing a cup of coffee.”
“This book was not at all what I expected… it was so much more!”
“One of the best minimalism books I've ever read.”
“Just read this book in one sitting.”
“Reading about her troubles with alcohol really made me question my own consumption. I am now not drinking and really considering things before I buy them.”
“Although I am much older than Cait, parts of her life were like reading from the pages of mine own.”
“I think we can all benefit from something in this book.”