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7 by Jen Hatmaker
Excellent Book
Paperback
Published December 2, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 5, 2025
This was funny. Haven’t read an evangelical book in a long time—was sick at home and found this on the bookshelf, not knowing what it was. The idea at the core of the book is genuinely awesome, while most of the language is unbearably 2000’s Christian white lady nonsense. It made me wonder what happened to this author—was pleased to find out she is where she is now.
November 8, 2024
Don't give up on this book. I decided to read it after my preacher mentioned it because it sounded interesting. Then when I saw Jen was the author I was more interested. I listened to the audio-and I am glad I did. I felt like I was talking with a friend. Now don't get me wrong-when I started listening I thought...there is no way I will do this, it doesn't pertain to me, but I like the author so I will continue. At then end of the book I was so happy I had finished it. I don't know how to explain. For one the book challenged me in many ways. it challenged me to think differently. I had several AHA moments. I feel like I learned a lot-again, can't explain but felt a bit of a changed/better person having read it. After finishing I actually did several things in my home as a direct result of having listened. This is one of those books that I will own on audible so I can listen again. It is a very short book-please give it a shot and don't give up on it.
December 23, 2023
first, I think this book was an experiment, not something she would do forever. But I could be wrong. Second, she made it harder than it should have been. I think she was trying to show people that others in third world countries live on even less than 7. But I doubt the stress is down to 7.
1. She ate only 7 foods for one month----I could not have done it, she chose: eggs, sweet potatoes, whole grain bread, apples, spinach, and avocados. I don't know how she got her kids to agree.
2. She wore only 7 items including shoes for one month and gave away the rest---I'm pretty minimalistic about clothing but I think I probably have at least 30 items of clothing and my husband has more cloths and boots than me. Still for a woman I have a lot less than most 1/2 rack shirts and sweaters, is all I take up in our huge walk-in closet. He has two racks and about 10 pair of boots. Most he doesn't wear.
3. I had no problem with the no internet, no tv, no gaming consoles ectra since I only really like Goodreads I could give that up.
4. why not adopt children in the USA who need a home?
5. Stress---I don't have a clue as to how you can reduce your stress with three kids a job and I believe there will always be stress.
6. Consumerism: totally agree. I absolutely will not pay $6 for a cup of coffee at Starbucks or fall for all the junk people think you should have to live. I don't collect books anymore I check them out at the library.
I'm not a perfect minimalist but I try my best to do what I can to live a minimalist life. I think a lot of people keep wanting and buying things to fill up their souls. And that is not what the soul needs or wants. Far from it. I remember being a kid and getting gifts at a orphanage I lived in from age 4 to 7. Then if foster care. Every time I got a gift. I didn't want it, it made me feel worse than I already did because all I really wanted was my mother and my brother. A gift gave me no good feeling. No quick fix. I find that today still feel the same. So, I don't participate in a lot of the consumerism that is shoved my way. Especially on holiday's.
1. She ate only 7 foods for one month----I could not have done it, she chose: eggs, sweet potatoes, whole grain bread, apples, spinach, and avocados. I don't know how she got her kids to agree.
2. She wore only 7 items including shoes for one month and gave away the rest---I'm pretty minimalistic about clothing but I think I probably have at least 30 items of clothing and my husband has more cloths and boots than me. Still for a woman I have a lot less than most 1/2 rack shirts and sweaters, is all I take up in our huge walk-in closet. He has two racks and about 10 pair of boots. Most he doesn't wear.
3. I had no problem with the no internet, no tv, no gaming consoles ectra since I only really like Goodreads I could give that up.
4. why not adopt children in the USA who need a home?
5. Stress---I don't have a clue as to how you can reduce your stress with three kids a job and I believe there will always be stress.
6. Consumerism: totally agree. I absolutely will not pay $6 for a cup of coffee at Starbucks or fall for all the junk people think you should have to live. I don't collect books anymore I check them out at the library.
I'm not a perfect minimalist but I try my best to do what I can to live a minimalist life. I think a lot of people keep wanting and buying things to fill up their souls. And that is not what the soul needs or wants. Far from it. I remember being a kid and getting gifts at a orphanage I lived in from age 4 to 7. Then if foster care. Every time I got a gift. I didn't want it, it made me feel worse than I already did because all I really wanted was my mother and my brother. A gift gave me no good feeling. No quick fix. I find that today still feel the same. So, I don't participate in a lot of the consumerism that is shoved my way. Especially on holiday's.
January 9, 2025
This book was incredible. It certainly challenges your perspective, but what an amazing read. Jen Hatmaker has a wonderful, raw, funny candor about her, and it made this read enjoyable , easy, and awe-inspiring.
What I take away from this book is the below:
1. We have more than we realize. We have more than we need. We live in the richest of times. BUT, we feel and act as if we don’t. We try to keep up with the Joneses and we forget how blessed we truly are. Whether food, clothing, shelter, vacations, cars, etc., we take things for granted!
2. There are others less fortunate. How often do we consider this? How often do we aim to create relationships and bless others? She challenged the idea of Goodwill (in a good way). It takes out the relational aspect. Could you find a local nonprofit that could benefit from your time, goods, or services?
3. We, as Christians, sometimes do well loving others, and other times we fail miserably. We assume our tithing is getting the job done, and we assume others will do the Lord’s work. Why do we think this way? Why are we so comfortable attending church and small groups and retreats, but not actually pursuing God’s people in other ways?
I really, really enjoyed this book! I’m reading it as part of a 3-month contentment challenge, and it was a great way to kick off the season.
Do I realllyyyyyyyy need that next thing???
10/10
What I take away from this book is the below:
1. We have more than we realize. We have more than we need. We live in the richest of times. BUT, we feel and act as if we don’t. We try to keep up with the Joneses and we forget how blessed we truly are. Whether food, clothing, shelter, vacations, cars, etc., we take things for granted!
2. There are others less fortunate. How often do we consider this? How often do we aim to create relationships and bless others? She challenged the idea of Goodwill (in a good way). It takes out the relational aspect. Could you find a local nonprofit that could benefit from your time, goods, or services?
3. We, as Christians, sometimes do well loving others, and other times we fail miserably. We assume our tithing is getting the job done, and we assume others will do the Lord’s work. Why do we think this way? Why are we so comfortable attending church and small groups and retreats, but not actually pursuing God’s people in other ways?
I really, really enjoyed this book! I’m reading it as part of a 3-month contentment challenge, and it was a great way to kick off the season.
Do I realllyyyyyyyy need that next thing???
10/10
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews