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Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism
Are you drowning in stuff? Does the clutter in your home cause you anxiety? Are you so busy that you don't have quality time with your family or quality time with the Lord? All Catholics are called to practice minimalism. Few of us are called to take a vow of poverty so we must learn to navigate our modern society without giving into consumerism and materialism. We know we should store up treasure in the Kingdom of God, not here on Earth but what does that look like day-to-day? How do you practice minimalism with a large family? What does homeschooling minimalism look like? What if you have roommates or a multi-generational household? Do we have to give up our smart phones? Follow Sterling on a journey as she explains how minimalism will bring you more peace and freedom. She will guide you step-by-step through your home with suggestions for how to embrace this lifestyle all at once or in baby steps. With explanations for unique living situations, you're sure to find tips for how to live minimalism in our modern society by choosing the Lord over the shiny things of this world.And yes, you can keep your smart phone!
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2017
310 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 23, 2018
This book upset me by mischaracterizing hoarding (and the way to handle it) and then didn't really provide very much information on how to live a minimalist life specifically as a Catholic. I also had to laugh at the suggestion that a wok and a stand mixer are likely to be extraneous kitchen tools. Those are the two things we use most at my house!
December 18, 2017
Lots of good stuff. More of a compilation of others' advice, but I appreciated the Catholic perspective, especially for those with large families, large homes, and the poor. I would definitely recommend it.
January 23, 2021
Glad to see a Catholic perspective. Liked that she addressed homeschooling & large families (specifically hand-me-downs). Worksheet links/web addresses don't work. Some can be found on the Facebook pages file section, but others I couldn't find anywhere.
November 1, 2017
I’m not a Catholic but I still gleaned from this book! It spoke to me and motivates me.
December 21, 2017
In this three-part book, Jaquith details the reasons to pursue minimalism, steps towards living a minimalist lifestyle, and how to address the more complicated aspects of minimalism. Overall, I thought the book was an excellent resource providing a unique perspective on a popular topic. I loved the connections between minimalism and Catholicism. What I really appreciated was her emphasis that it wasn't some guideline like you can only have 5 shirts; it is all about being intentional about how you live. I believe that she proposed very realistic expectations and met people where they're at. She didn't pretend to have it all together and admitted areas she struggled. This gentle approach made minimalism seem much more attainable than some of the more popular versions we see promoted. Lastly, I appreciate that she took the time to address unique situations like poverty or homeschooling. She did a very nice job making this book applicable to any Christian considering the minimalist lifestyle.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
That being said, I have two criticisms of this book. The aspect I found annoying was the multiple recommendations to just Google something. I totally understand that she couldn't possibly address every scenario in her book, but I would've preferred to just see an appendix with some search terms or nothing at all than to keep reading "Google it." Another thing that bothered me was the typos in this book. I totally understand that mistakes happen, and I'd be willing to bet that there are multiple typos in this review, but I feel like a book should be held to higher standards. Usually, I can just skim past typos, but there were a few points where I actually had to stop and re-read the sentence to understand.
However, I still think this is a fantastic resource. It's both relatable and realistic while having a clearly Christian influence. Every Christian who wants to live a more intentional life should use this book as a starting point.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
That being said, I have two criticisms of this book. The aspect I found annoying was the multiple recommendations to just Google something. I totally understand that she couldn't possibly address every scenario in her book, but I would've preferred to just see an appendix with some search terms or nothing at all than to keep reading "Google it." Another thing that bothered me was the typos in this book. I totally understand that mistakes happen, and I'd be willing to bet that there are multiple typos in this review, but I feel like a book should be held to higher standards. Usually, I can just skim past typos, but there were a few points where I actually had to stop and re-read the sentence to understand.
However, I still think this is a fantastic resource. It's both relatable and realistic while having a clearly Christian influence. Every Christian who wants to live a more intentional life should use this book as a starting point.
December 31, 2024
This book is an insightful and practical guide that looks at the minimalist lifestyle through Catholic lens. It is written in an easy-to-read and understandable manner, making the concept of minimalism easy to digest even for people who are new to this concept.
Another thing that I like is that the author, Sterling, went beyond decluttering physical spaces, that is, besides material things, sections on decluttering our digital footprint and personal lives were included. And in each section, she asked practical questions to conclude and further aid the readers. As and where needed, she also included helpful tools like worksheets for managing clutter in specific areas of the home.
What stood out for me however is the section where questions were posed to readers to determine whether their things own them. To me, it offered quite a profound perspective, i.e., if we dedicate excessive time to our possessions, perhaps they own us rather than us owning them.
I am ending 2025 with this book and I am glad to have read this. It is very enriching and helps Catholics like me follow a path towards God and a life less distracted by the world.
Another thing that I like is that the author, Sterling, went beyond decluttering physical spaces, that is, besides material things, sections on decluttering our digital footprint and personal lives were included. And in each section, she asked practical questions to conclude and further aid the readers. As and where needed, she also included helpful tools like worksheets for managing clutter in specific areas of the home.
What stood out for me however is the section where questions were posed to readers to determine whether their things own them. To me, it offered quite a profound perspective, i.e., if we dedicate excessive time to our possessions, perhaps they own us rather than us owning them.
I am ending 2025 with this book and I am glad to have read this. It is very enriching and helps Catholics like me follow a path towards God and a life less distracted by the world.
March 4, 2020
Just the Motivation I Needed!
I sat down to read the book and got half way through. I wanted to keep reading and finish it but sleep is important too! This book is so beautiful and really helped me to focus on the intention of minimalism as a Catholic. I've tried many times to organize, clean, and declutter but those are not the same things as being intentionally minimal in your aproach to life.
I've been gowing through rooms and making choices about what is staying in our home. It has been a wonderful way to start my Lenten journey this year. The kids are even following suit and loving the new order of things. Our home is becoming a more peaceful place to be.
Thanks for writing this book and hosting the group challenges!!! I am already thinking of a few people I want to buy a copy of this book for ;)
I sat down to read the book and got half way through. I wanted to keep reading and finish it but sleep is important too! This book is so beautiful and really helped me to focus on the intention of minimalism as a Catholic. I've tried many times to organize, clean, and declutter but those are not the same things as being intentionally minimal in your aproach to life.
I've been gowing through rooms and making choices about what is staying in our home. It has been a wonderful way to start my Lenten journey this year. The kids are even following suit and loving the new order of things. Our home is becoming a more peaceful place to be.
Thanks for writing this book and hosting the group challenges!!! I am already thinking of a few people I want to buy a copy of this book for ;)
February 21, 2025
Of all the "minimalism" books I have read over the years, this one is my favorite. I really liked that it gave us a view of how to live a minimalist life from a Catholic perspective. The chapter on sentimental items & religious items was worth the price of the book, IMO. Focusing on our homes as a domestic church makes it much easier (at least for me) to choose what stays & what goes. The author is a married, Catholic, homeschooling mom who lives in an extended family situation but this was still the perfect book for me as a single senior citizen. I found it much easier to minimize my decor and everything else with this book. I only had one quibble and that was her use of the word "altar" when I think she meant shrine. All in all a great book to use for Catholics, in particular.
October 25, 2017
Not only did I enjoy this book and would read this book again, but I would recommend this book to any person who struggles with feeling overwhelmed but fears drastic changes. The Catholic perspective offered an outlook on minimalism and intentionality that resonates with my desire to place God at the center of my home, family, and life. Take these suggestions and utilize them for your life, allow yourself to embrace some or all of it, and breathe a deep sigh of relief knowing that you are working away from being ruled by your stuff!
May 19, 2018
This isn't a bad book, but it felt a bit thin and repetitive. I read through the entire first section and skimmed the rest. With many very short chapters (2-3 pages each), big font and lots of white space, it felt like a collection of blog posts.
For someone new to minimalism and intentional living, I think this could be a very helpful book. However, I've read a lot on the subject and there wasn't much new here so that made it an ok (2 star) read for me.
For someone new to minimalism and intentional living, I think this could be a very helpful book. However, I've read a lot on the subject and there wasn't much new here so that made it an ok (2 star) read for me.
June 7, 2018
Good book, not applicable to everyone
If you've read any other books on minimalism, there's not much new here other than the perspective. For me, that's also where the author lost me, because even though I'm a Catholic mom, I'm not a stay-at-home homeschooler with 4+ kids. To her credit, the author doesn't visit judgement on a lifestyle like mine, but she clearly doesn't consider it much, either. So it's a decent book that just doesn't speak much to me, specifically.
If you've read any other books on minimalism, there's not much new here other than the perspective. For me, that's also where the author lost me, because even though I'm a Catholic mom, I'm not a stay-at-home homeschooler with 4+ kids. To her credit, the author doesn't visit judgement on a lifestyle like mine, but she clearly doesn't consider it much, either. So it's a decent book that just doesn't speak much to me, specifically.
August 4, 2018
Loved how honest and genuine Jaquith is as an author. I found this insightful in that she introduced new ways of seeing minimalism via Catholic lenses. As a semi fan of Marie Kondo's approach to minimalism, I can now say I'm a total fan of Sterling Jaquith's approach! The book is to-the-point and handy. I've only just begun my minimalist journey.
May 2, 2020
Sterling does a nice job of laying out the themes of minimalism within Catholic thought. She makes the distinction between minimalism, organizing,and cleaning. After systematically leading through each room with questions to ask ourselves we should be able to minimize our clutter and have intentionality in our homes.
February 19, 2018
Loved it! I have read other books about minimalism but this one just spoke to me. It gave me concrete reasons why I should have less stuff. It was a quick easy read. Now I need to go back and start the process.
November 17, 2019
It's Like Reading a Blog
I loved the content, but it was so hard for me to look past the bad grammar. It is clear that this was a self-published book.but needs to be officially reviewed and edited, otherwise it is hard to concentrate on the subject.
I loved the content, but it was so hard for me to look past the bad grammar. It is clear that this was a self-published book.but needs to be officially reviewed and edited, otherwise it is hard to concentrate on the subject.
December 30, 2019
Another great book!
Great content and suggestions. Overall helpful and easy read with the right mix of practical tips and spiritual encouragement. Only complaint would be some minor editing errors.
Great content and suggestions. Overall helpful and easy read with the right mix of practical tips and spiritual encouragement. Only complaint would be some minor editing errors.
March 9, 2022
I have read several minimalism books recently, but this is the first one that has challenged me with faith-filled questions. "Does this item help me serve God, my family, my community?" etc. This adds another dimension as I am working through minimizing our home.
April 23, 2025
The first few chapters were great at the heart of why we act the way we act with things and our spaces. It was in some ways so honest it could act as a round about examination of conscience. The rest was just practical and some common sense. Worth a read for those first chapters!
October 6, 2017
Awesome book! Made me evaluate my belongs and motives immediately. Great practical tips and worksheets. Can’t wait to read all of Sterling’s books!
February 2, 2018
Great Catholic ideas
No real original thoughts about actual purging, but the Catholic input into this was great! It really made me think.
No real original thoughts about actual purging, but the Catholic input into this was great! It really made me think.
June 20, 2018
I was hoping I’d get more out of this - religiously and organizationally. Instead, I got a longer version of a few of the pin links I’ve clicked on Pinterest about decluttering.
January 23, 2019
Easy almost poetic read which brings our Faith to bear against consumerism.
July 25, 2019
I so appreciated the Catholic slant to the Minimalist idea. Many doable ideas. As with all books like this we filter what we can use and pass over what doesn’t speak to us.
January 2, 2020
I’ve been using these principles for a couple years now and they allowed our family of 9 to downsize from 3200 sq ft to 1750!
July 26, 2020
Decent.
For those who want to start at the very beginning and feel they need someone to hold their hand to get started.
For those who want to start at the very beginning and feel they need someone to hold their hand to get started.
October 29, 2020
Suscint look at all our stuff and how to not have to look at all that stuff, let it go!
July 14, 2021
This book was just okay for me. Felt very opinionated without much factual support.
April 2, 2022
Really good! Lots of familiar material but organized well, thoughtful, practical and compelling book on how and why to pursue less!
February 17, 2024
Helpful tips! Not sure I'll ever be a minimalist, but the advice is helpful and practical and there are certainly some practices I've been applying to my life!
December 16, 2022
This was an enjoyable quick read. I haven't read other books about minimalism so it was helpful and motivating. I appreciated the Catholic perspective and section on large or homeschooling families, which I imagine hasn't been addressed much in other works. My critiques of this book are that with all the white space, big font, and typos, it seemed like I was reading a collection of blog posts. Also, wish that the worksheets referenced throughout the book were included in an appendix, since they cannot be found online. Overall really liked it and provided me with many doable steps.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews