What do you think?
Rate this book
Cheapskate in Lotusland: The Philosophy and Practice of Living Well on a Small Budget
Not yet published
Expected 15 Sep 26Cheapskate in Lotusland is an entertaining and exuberant testament to the philosophy and practice of frugality and an invitation to live better by living within one’s means.
Set in Vancouver, one of North America’s most expensive cities, this wry and insightful book offers writer Steve Burgess’s account of living well without ever earning much. With over three decades in Vancouver, Steve Burgess has watched his rent more than triple while his income has stubbornly hovered in the same bracket. By some financial measures, he qualifies as poor. Yet with a home near Stanley Park, a well-stocked kitchen, money saved, and plenty of stamps in his passport, he is, by most measures that matter, doing just fine.
Blending personal memoir, economic philosophy, and sharp social observation, this book explores frugality as a way of life rather than a sacrifice. From mastering grocery store bargains to questioning the relentless push of consumerism, the author offers lessons in living comfortably on less—without deprivation or despair. Along the way, he engages with experts, literature, and other everyday people to reveal how financial security isn’t always about numbers—it’s about priorities, perspective and knowing the value of a good pair of shoes.
Set in Vancouver, one of North America’s most expensive cities, this wry and insightful book offers writer Steve Burgess’s account of living well without ever earning much. With over three decades in Vancouver, Steve Burgess has watched his rent more than triple while his income has stubbornly hovered in the same bracket. By some financial measures, he qualifies as poor. Yet with a home near Stanley Park, a well-stocked kitchen, money saved, and plenty of stamps in his passport, he is, by most measures that matter, doing just fine.
Blending personal memoir, economic philosophy, and sharp social observation, this book explores frugality as a way of life rather than a sacrifice. From mastering grocery store bargains to questioning the relentless push of consumerism, the author offers lessons in living comfortably on less—without deprivation or despair. Along the way, he engages with experts, literature, and other everyday people to reveal how financial security isn’t always about numbers—it’s about priorities, perspective and knowing the value of a good pair of shoes.
256 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 15, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy
Burgess, a local resident and freelancer for The Tyee (one of my favourite Canadian online news magazines), recently appeared on a morning TV program discussing this book. Intrigued, I promptly placed a hold at my library—joining a long queue that suggests many Vancouverites are eager to learn how to live cheaply in this expensive city.
The book wasn’t quite what I expected. Comprising thirty-three short, wide-ranging chapters, it offers relatively little concrete advice. What practical tips do appear—avoid car ownership and debt where possible, read grocery flyers, be flexible about expiry dates, and favour Canadian goods—will be familiar to many readers already practicing thrift.
Instead, Burgess focuses largely on values and priorities: frugality as a mindset, the risks of excessive penny-pinching, and the psychology of earning and spending. He also ventures into broader territory, touching on economic concepts such as oligopolies and monopsonies, and even sprinkling in ancient Greek philosophy. Readers seeking a deeper philosophical treatment might prefer The Wisdom of Frugality (Westacott, 2016) or Diogenes the Cynic (Hard, 2012).
The writing is good and funny; the book is still an enjoyable read. I did come away with a few practical ideas—such as visiting Sunshine Market on Powell Street—assuming, of course, that my fellow library patrons have not beaten me to all the bargains.
The book wasn’t quite what I expected. Comprising thirty-three short, wide-ranging chapters, it offers relatively little concrete advice. What practical tips do appear—avoid car ownership and debt where possible, read grocery flyers, be flexible about expiry dates, and favour Canadian goods—will be familiar to many readers already practicing thrift.
Instead, Burgess focuses largely on values and priorities: frugality as a mindset, the risks of excessive penny-pinching, and the psychology of earning and spending. He also ventures into broader territory, touching on economic concepts such as oligopolies and monopsonies, and even sprinkling in ancient Greek philosophy. Readers seeking a deeper philosophical treatment might prefer The Wisdom of Frugality (Westacott, 2016) or Diogenes the Cynic (Hard, 2012).
The writing is good and funny; the book is still an enjoyable read. I did come away with a few practical ideas—such as visiting Sunshine Market on Powell Street—assuming, of course, that my fellow library patrons have not beaten me to all the bargains.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t usually gravitate towards non-fictions. Let alone a financial advice book! It was a blind buy but I was pleasantly surprised by how thoughtful this book is.
I bumped into the author and he is just as funny as he writes! He emphasizes on supporting community and local businesses. He also goes to share stories behind these businesses and long term companionships he has had with these people. It’s so interesting cause I can reference everything he mentions as someone who has lived in Vancouver all my life. I also learnt so many useful tips.
I also really appreciated how unapologetic he is in sharing “embarrassing” bits about himself, again it’s all relative but still very admirable to share such eccentric habits that come off obsessive.
I bumped into the author and he is just as funny as he writes! He emphasizes on supporting community and local businesses. He also goes to share stories behind these businesses and long term companionships he has had with these people. It’s so interesting cause I can reference everything he mentions as someone who has lived in Vancouver all my life. I also learnt so many useful tips.
I also really appreciated how unapologetic he is in sharing “embarrassing” bits about himself, again it’s all relative but still very admirable to share such eccentric habits that come off obsessive.
Review of advance copy
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this enjoyable book from 49th Shelf. Part autobiography, part self-help, Steve Burgess describes the mindset of living frugally, with entertaining insight into his own eccentricities. I identify with the voluntary simplicity mindset, and appreciated the insights into dumpster diving and other aspects of a frugal life that I may not be that likely to try. Steve Burgess writes very well, with an often irreverent and comedic tone. I recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved reading CHEAPSKATE IN LOTUSLAND: The Philosophy and Practice of Living Well on a Small Budget by Steve Burgess! Of course I love to read local books and this book details the author’s experiences living in Vancouver which is one of the most expensive cities in the world. I didn’t know Vancouver was called Lotusland. It was fun to read about places I know (Sunrise Market in the Downtown Eastside and Downtown Vancouver Costco) and people I know (Robyn at Upstart & Crow!). Burgess has lived near Stanley Park since 1988 so he’s had several years of experience living frugally and I enjoyed all the topics in this book including renting, grocery shopping, freeganism, tariffs, thrifting and community. I loved the highlight of the beauty of Vancouver which you can enjoy for free by as the author does by sitting in Stanley Park. His description of Triscuit mountain was funny and relatable. I have some fave snacks that I’ll only buy on sale too. I’m so glad I got to read this Vancouver book!
Thank you to Douglas & McIntyre for my free review copy!
Thank you to Douglas & McIntyre for my free review copy!
Review of advance copy
This book really resonated with me as in wow - I'm not the only one to reuse plastic wrap and have a ziploc drying rack! I related to many of the social dilemas of being frugal and the deeper thought he puts into it. Very interesting with a political slant I side with. I enjoyed the humor and social commentary that arose from his many clever comparisons. It was also a fun read!
Review of advance copy
I liked it! totally caught me by surprise, well written funny, and the author really did his homework. I live in Vancouver born/raised making the book much more relatable. Thank you Mr Burgess, I learned alot 😎
Review of advance copy
recommend for broke bitches living in vancouver (me)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews