The Simple Life

by Rhonda Hetzel

Rhonda Hetzel feels passionately that living simply leads to a richer, more fulfilling existence. Having made the decision to live frugally, embrace sustainability and opt out of the capitalist consumerist mindset, she set about working out how to achieve her goal, learning traditional skills, reducing her spending and environmental impact and focusing on the simple things that make life worth living: family, friends, and a home-cooked meal.

This is the story of her journey and the lessons she has learned along the way. Rhonda relates why she wanted to change her lifestyle, what simple living means to her, and offers guidance to those thinking about taking the same path.

Genres: Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Personal Development, Self Help, Biography

41 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2014

Reviews

[Pamela B Sweeney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanted more information

This book got me fired up to get back to what I envision for myself on my own scale. She talks about making soap but never says how. Simple life is just a cheerleading paper about getting back to basics and living off the land. If that's what you're looking for then it's a great read, if not then I say skip it.

[Thom Gibney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful little read, I took this one off of my girlfriend's 'To Read' pile and was pleasantly surprised at Rhonda Hetzel's homemaker's guide to sustainable simple living. It is a lifestyle that has seemed to have gathered significant followers in recent years and one that I too would one day like to subscribe in a larger way, especially in terms of opting out of the capitalist consumerist mindset and focus on local resilence but Hetzel gives a much appreciated pat on the back for those of us who are still taking the baby steps in our youth towards the ultimate goal. Though I would definitely love to explore these brushed over homemaking ideas and perhaps have seen some recipes I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From discovering the importance of choosing a comfortable mattress to instilling a genuine interest in making my own soap there is much to learn and take note on here, it is a gorgeous read.

[Rebeca Jimenez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this small book at the second hand bookstore interested by the blurb talking about a turn away from a capitalist consumerist society. This book is a short pitch on why a more traditional way of life could be more rewarding than our more modern, consumerist lifestyles in today’s (western) society. While I do appreciate the reminder of taking time to be more present, trying new things and learning new skills, I felt the book had undertones of ‘boot-strap’ thinking. The author constantly emphasizes the importance of “working hard”, and though she acknowledges her luck (privilege) in having the means, time and health to achieve this lifestyle, there is zero mention of the structural barriers many people face that would bar them from living this lifestyle. I know that it’s not meant to be that kind of book, yet as someone who wishes I never had to work a conventional job ever again in my life and wished I lived this lady’s life, I can’t help but think about how drastically different my journey to living this lifestyle would look in comparison to hers. Also, her “connection” to past women in her life through house work feels a little weird to me. I’m not mad about it because, yes, women have historically taken on the role of housework and that should be acknowledged, but it just feels a bit trad wifey. If I had written the book, I’d make it a point to acknowledge the historical work of women in housework, and also acknowledge that housework is meant for anyone who lives in house full stop. Overall was an okay read. I probably wouldn’t recommend reading it, but it has made me want to go fix the pants I’ve been meaning to learn to sow for the past three months, and it’s a reminder of the importance of being intentional about taking care of the spaces we live in while also learning to be self sufficient in whatever ways we can be, so it was worth a read for me.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This slim book inspires and motivates one to adopt a non-consumerist lifestyle by tending to home and hearth. Rather than getting bogged down in technical details of 'how to' be more independent by growing your own food or mending clothes, the author tells her own journey from a typical wage earner with no time to a happy homemaker living a spiritually and mentally fulfilling life. She admits, and I agree, that her family is lucky to own productive land in which to live out her dream of a simple life. Those of us not fortunate (and I think it is the vast majority) to have a house on our own land can only heed her advice on other aspects of working from home and adopting a fresh attitude to household 'chores' but will still have to rely on supermarkets and the industrial food system.

[Panda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is an uplifting read - especially as I am about to do exactly what this book is about. Rhonda has both inspired me, and helped confirmed that I have made the right decision to move towards a simpler life. I look forward to reading her other book. 4.5 stars - I feel like there should be a little more to this book than there is.

[Kevin Orth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a lot about minimalism and voluntary simplicity. This is a very pragmatic memoir, lots of practical advise and a little philosophical perspective. Good for a back read on the topic.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a little bit inspiring but I was left wanting more. I should have realised by the number of pages that it probably wouldn’t have enough details to give me what I wanted. I wanted specific details like the recipe for her homemade bread, how she cut down on using chemicals and what she uses instead, how the shift into homemaking happened.
It has made me think a little differently about homemaking & how it is a benefit to the family. I look forward to reading Rhonda’s other books, which I currently have on hold at the library.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One fo the new little Penguin series, that are more like extended essays than full-blown books. Rhonda Hetzel left her stress-filled job in mining and hit semi-retirement on the Queensland Sunshine Coast hinterland, where she & her husband Hanno now lie "The Simple Life" growing their food, being thrifty and shunning the materialistic 21st century values. The book emphasises the value of homemaking as a career choice rather than a daily drudge to be avoided, and I read it through twice to savour her heartfelt message.

[Henri Moreaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book about transitioning to a simpler life from the perspective of someone who's actually doing it, not living in a city apartment hypothesising about it.

Content and writing style is excellent however it's let down by it's short length at only 56 pages.

Felt like there should be more, as if this were the warm up to something more then was a little disappointed to turn the page and find it's the end.

[Mrs J Bartlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short personal account of one woman's life

This book is a short personal account of one woman's change to living a simple, organic and more family focused life. It didn't really tell me anything, other than perhaps her motivation for making the changes. I also found it very repetitive but its such a short book, some people might enjoy taking a few minutes to read about another person's life style choices.

[Nikki Howson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I was hoping for a little more with this one. I am familiar with Rhonda's blog, but I don't feel I've learnt anything more.

Motivational? Yes. But I wanted to hear more gardening stories; more frustrations when the chooks scratched out the new plantings etc. Great ways to cook with home-grown tomatoes.

Seems I need to read "Down to Earth" instead.

[Mack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book left me to ponder my own lifestyle and how a life uncluttered and with more space for what really matters is important. I crave a simpler life and sometimes it seems like an overwhelming project but we all have to start somewhere and each of us differently. I'll start by planting my broccoli seeds today.

[Billie &Foye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply put

Rated for its simplicity. Not an earth shaker but states the obvious well by using her own life and home. More about motives and results from changing lifestyle to the Good Life
It is culturally referenced but this is not so much it removes anything. For me it added interest. A slight shift to the rest of minimal living out there I've read, hence the ****

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This is an amazing and inspiring story. Reading it felt almost like having a chat with the author over a cup of tea and talking about how she took this opportunity to seize the life she wanted, and needed. It's truly heartwarming and gives me great hope for embarking on my own homesteading future.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, just what I needed for a weekend read and inspiring to boot. Rhonda Hertzel is living her dream as self sufficiently as she can and loving it, keeping her life simple, slow and uncluttered. I finished this little book feeling very motivated to make some changes, and after looking at her Blog it shouldn't be too hard to make a start....today!

[Kris McCracken · Rating 2 out of 5]

A brief step into some tricks and tips on living the simple life. Perhaps if you're an unreflective type, this might contain some illumination for you, but otherwise I was left think, "Well, it's not rocket science, is it?"

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful little book about how to live more simply. it is as if the author and I share a brain as I do many of the things mentioned but also gives me some inspiration how I can live even more simply. Great read!

[Leshia Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I am hooked on Rhonda's first book,( and use it daily) I could not wait to read this book. I was inspired and it continued to encourage a simple lifestyle, but I was left wanting more.

[Kate Morrison]

good reading food for thought.

[Karen Pine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice sentiment but I expected something much more inspiring.

[Pearly Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good intro.

[Kara]

Given to me as a hand me down, I found it such a cute little read for how life should be =)

[Julie Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

Ms. Hetzel identifies ways to save and the emotions and satisfaction you get from moving a more simple lifestyle. I love this book!

[Jeanie Hans · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not much to it.

Not much new information here. I thought this book would include a lot more practical information. I wouldn't purchase again.

[Xandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!

Simple life is the great life.
A simple life is wonderful.
Thank you!!
Wow!!
Natural life is the way for me.
:)

[Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

#28 This book felt like a warm, generous conversation over a cup (or two) of tea with the author. It prompted me to invest in another of her books, The Simple Home. Ms Hetzel is speaking my language.

[Davida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good practical advice.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little reminder of putting things in perspective

[Fiona Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A easy to read book, It makes you think about what is important in life.

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick introduction to Rhonda's life of simplifying and living more intentionally on her Sunshine Coast property. Food for thought...