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The Grace of Enough: Pursuing Less and Living More in a Throwaway Culture
Winner of a 2020 Catholic Press Association book award (first place, backlist beauty).
Do you ever feel caught in an endless cycle of working harder and longer to get more while enjoying life less? The Stewart family did—and they decided to make a radical change. Popular Catholic blogger and podcaster Haley Stewart explains how a year-long internship on a sustainable farm changed her family’s life for the better, allowing them to live gospel values more intentionally. When Haley Stewart married her bee-keeping sweetheart, Daniel, they dreamed of a life centered on home and family. But as the children arrived and Daniel was forced to work longer hours at a job he liked less and less, they dared to break free from the unending cycle of getting more yet feeling unfufilled. They sold their Florida home and retreated to Texas to live on a farm with a compost toilet and 650 square feet of space for a family of five. Surprisingly, they found that they had never been happier. In The Grace of Enough , Stewart shares essential elements of intentional Christian living that her family discovered during that extraordinary year on the farm and that they continue to practice today. You, too, will be inspired Drawing from Pope Francis’s encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’, Stewart identifies elements of Catholic social teaching that will enhance your life and create a ripple effect of grace to help you overcome the effects of today’s “throwaway” culture and experience a deeper satisfaction and stronger faith.
Do you ever feel caught in an endless cycle of working harder and longer to get more while enjoying life less? The Stewart family did—and they decided to make a radical change. Popular Catholic blogger and podcaster Haley Stewart explains how a year-long internship on a sustainable farm changed her family’s life for the better, allowing them to live gospel values more intentionally. When Haley Stewart married her bee-keeping sweetheart, Daniel, they dreamed of a life centered on home and family. But as the children arrived and Daniel was forced to work longer hours at a job he liked less and less, they dared to break free from the unending cycle of getting more yet feeling unfufilled. They sold their Florida home and retreated to Texas to live on a farm with a compost toilet and 650 square feet of space for a family of five. Surprisingly, they found that they had never been happier. In The Grace of Enough , Stewart shares essential elements of intentional Christian living that her family discovered during that extraordinary year on the farm and that they continue to practice today. You, too, will be inspired Drawing from Pope Francis’s encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’, Stewart identifies elements of Catholic social teaching that will enhance your life and create a ripple effect of grace to help you overcome the effects of today’s “throwaway” culture and experience a deeper satisfaction and stronger faith.
192 pages, Paperback
Published September 7, 2018
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September 17, 2018
Thank you to @avemariapress for the free advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Grace of Enough: Pursuing Less and and Living More in a Throwaway Culture by Haley Stewart
3/5 stars
This book is by female Catholic millennial Haley Stewart, and it is her own interpretation of Pope Francis' environmental encyclical Laudato Si'. By reflecting on her own family life and relationships she ponders what it might mean to live as a participant in "throwaway culture", and what it might look like to begin seeking freedom from a culture that wastes and treats people as waste, too.
Before I say more, I want to offer full disclosure: I am not a Roman Catholic, so I'm sure that this book fell differently on my ears than it would on those who are Roman Catholic. I am theologically educated and trained in the Lutheran church, so I have read Laudato Si' and all the other encyclicals that Stewart references in this book, though they hold a different conviction on my life because they are not the social teaching of my own denomination. This book makes assumptions about gender, sex, marriage, and family that were painful for me, and may be painful for you as well. Please be aware.
That being said, I think that Stewart does an earnest job of weaving Catholic social teaching into her own lived experience. She honestly examines where her family could do a better job of living their values, and shares that honesty with the reader in hopes of providing them with some guidance as well. She speaks well about the feeling of emptiness that many of us know in the midst of this busy, capitalist culture. It did seem like she was more eager to excuse her own vices than to make concessions for others, but she is a human being after all.
There were things Stewart said that made me nod in agreement, things that made me feel convicted, and things that made me adamantly shake my head in disagreement. It is good for a book to make us feel these things, I think.
The Grace of Enough: Pursuing Less and and Living More in a Throwaway Culture by Haley Stewart
3/5 stars
This book is by female Catholic millennial Haley Stewart, and it is her own interpretation of Pope Francis' environmental encyclical Laudato Si'. By reflecting on her own family life and relationships she ponders what it might mean to live as a participant in "throwaway culture", and what it might look like to begin seeking freedom from a culture that wastes and treats people as waste, too.
Before I say more, I want to offer full disclosure: I am not a Roman Catholic, so I'm sure that this book fell differently on my ears than it would on those who are Roman Catholic. I am theologically educated and trained in the Lutheran church, so I have read Laudato Si' and all the other encyclicals that Stewart references in this book, though they hold a different conviction on my life because they are not the social teaching of my own denomination. This book makes assumptions about gender, sex, marriage, and family that were painful for me, and may be painful for you as well. Please be aware.
That being said, I think that Stewart does an earnest job of weaving Catholic social teaching into her own lived experience. She honestly examines where her family could do a better job of living their values, and shares that honesty with the reader in hopes of providing them with some guidance as well. She speaks well about the feeling of emptiness that many of us know in the midst of this busy, capitalist culture. It did seem like she was more eager to excuse her own vices than to make concessions for others, but she is a human being after all.
There were things Stewart said that made me nod in agreement, things that made me feel convicted, and things that made me adamantly shake my head in disagreement. It is good for a book to make us feel these things, I think.
September 5, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. When I first received my review copy, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I've read a lot of "less" books and while I thought I might be receiving a different perspective, I wasn't sure if it would be anything I hadn't heard before. I was in for a treat.
It may sound strange, but I felt an overabundant amount of PEACE as I read this book. Normally these types of books cause frustration over how my life doesn't or can't look a certain way. But not this one. This was gentle and inspirational and attainable because a lot of it has nothing to do with our surroundings and location, but all to do with HEART and attitude.
I loved the common truth wound through this entire book—we live in a throwaway, disposable culture and that has impacted way more than our landfills. It has affected the way we treat people, mealtimes, hospitality, communities, the internet (and Haley is far from an internet hater and talks about how it can be a positive connector. But just like anything else, it takes intentionality), intimacy, the Gospel, and hope.
As I was reading the book, a friend asked me "how crunchy is it?" That can mean different things to different people, so I'll explain—she was asking how "live out in the backwoods and get back to the land and go Laura Ingalls Wilder style" the book was. Which was a valid question. If you aren't familiar with Haley Stewart, she and her family DID move to a farm with no running water (that means no flushing toilets) for a year. But that wasn't the point of the book. While Haley did talk about some of the lessons they learned while living on the farm, she always applied it to the "normal" life/world the rest of us (and now her family) are living in. Nothing ever felt unattainable. Again, because so much of it is a heart attitude.
Get the book. Read the book. And let the beautiful truths and peace that Haley shares wash over your soul.
It may sound strange, but I felt an overabundant amount of PEACE as I read this book. Normally these types of books cause frustration over how my life doesn't or can't look a certain way. But not this one. This was gentle and inspirational and attainable because a lot of it has nothing to do with our surroundings and location, but all to do with HEART and attitude.
I loved the common truth wound through this entire book—we live in a throwaway, disposable culture and that has impacted way more than our landfills. It has affected the way we treat people, mealtimes, hospitality, communities, the internet (and Haley is far from an internet hater and talks about how it can be a positive connector. But just like anything else, it takes intentionality), intimacy, the Gospel, and hope.
As I was reading the book, a friend asked me "how crunchy is it?" That can mean different things to different people, so I'll explain—she was asking how "live out in the backwoods and get back to the land and go Laura Ingalls Wilder style" the book was. Which was a valid question. If you aren't familiar with Haley Stewart, she and her family DID move to a farm with no running water (that means no flushing toilets) for a year. But that wasn't the point of the book. While Haley did talk about some of the lessons they learned while living on the farm, she always applied it to the "normal" life/world the rest of us (and now her family) are living in. Nothing ever felt unattainable. Again, because so much of it is a heart attitude.
Get the book. Read the book. And let the beautiful truths and peace that Haley shares wash over your soul.
September 30, 2018
I had great anticipation for this book and it did not disappoint. As we, too, were drawn toward simplicity and making radical changes in our life, the Stewart family lived it to an even bigger extreme. And while not everyone is called to make decisions exactly the same way, a universal tug toward smallness, simplicity, beauty, and togetherness is a common thread that we can strive for no matter our state in life. Highly recommended.
September 7, 2018
You can read my full review here.
I LOVED this book. The Grace of Enough: Pursuing Less and Living More in a Throwaway Culture is a seriously enjoyable read-I picked it up one morning around a campfire, and finished the next day; I could not put it down. I’d stop only to share particularly poignant quotes or ideas with my husband, or to explain what had made me laugh out loud. Fans of Haley’s blog or podcast will be delighted to find her conversational, humorous, and profound writing style in her new book and new readers will find a sweet friend tucked between the pages.
The beauty of this book lies, not only its sweet story-telling and humor, but also in the way that it shifts your perspective and helps you see life anew. The Grace of Enough really re-convicted me in my desire to live and love well and offered so much encouragement to make the changes that life demands. Do yourself (and the world) a favor and pick yourself up a copy.
I LOVED this book. The Grace of Enough: Pursuing Less and Living More in a Throwaway Culture is a seriously enjoyable read-I picked it up one morning around a campfire, and finished the next day; I could not put it down. I’d stop only to share particularly poignant quotes or ideas with my husband, or to explain what had made me laugh out loud. Fans of Haley’s blog or podcast will be delighted to find her conversational, humorous, and profound writing style in her new book and new readers will find a sweet friend tucked between the pages.
The beauty of this book lies, not only its sweet story-telling and humor, but also in the way that it shifts your perspective and helps you see life anew. The Grace of Enough really re-convicted me in my desire to live and love well and offered so much encouragement to make the changes that life demands. Do yourself (and the world) a favor and pick yourself up a copy.
August 24, 2020
A book on building an intentionally simple life. It is practical and encouraging enough to inspire life-changing action. It is written in a "bloggy" style, which is not my favorite and I do wish she would address the evangelical counsel of poverty, poverty for the sake of the Kingdom and/or the Christian virtue of poverty instead of or in addition to "simple living," which is not exactly the same thing. Otherwise, a helpful, enjoyable read on a very necessary topic.
February 7, 2019
It started out pretty repetitive but definitely redeemed itself by the end. It’s a hope-filled book that really challenges me to think about how my family is being intentional about living out the gospel. Strong Catholic influence, but worth a read for anyone dissatisfied with the throwaway culture.
February 27, 2019
3.5 stars - some great insights about how to be more intentional in the way you choose to live, especially as a young family. It was a bit repetitive for me and I would’ve liked to hear more stories about their year in the farm, but as it is not a memoir that’s probably an unfair expectation
June 11, 2019
3.5 Stars
The Grace of Enough explores intentional living in a throwaway culture filtered through the lens of Catholic social teaching and the Gospel. Stewart family approached simplicity and intentional living in a radical way by moving to a sustainable farm in Texas. I always appreciate writing on seeking simplicity in an increasingly noisy and distracting world. I wish Stewart would have stopped referring to herself as a Millennial though, but that was just a minor distraction. I did think she tried to address too many topics, but she made it work overall.
The Grace of Enough explores intentional living in a throwaway culture filtered through the lens of Catholic social teaching and the Gospel. Stewart family approached simplicity and intentional living in a radical way by moving to a sustainable farm in Texas. I always appreciate writing on seeking simplicity in an increasingly noisy and distracting world. I wish Stewart would have stopped referring to herself as a Millennial though, but that was just a minor distraction. I did think she tried to address too many topics, but she made it work overall.
July 31, 2021
Lots of great truth and content and loved the quotes and references, but overall was disappointed. It seemed like it was going to be a book documenting their life as they sell everything and move to a farm but it ends up being just a handful of stories about that year and a lot of advice on how to live. Still good content and I did finish it but I think would have been more powerful had she spoken more out of her experience.
March 11, 2019
I am so on board with this book! I think the ideas in it about living meaningfully and simply are important to hear, especially when it's so easy to become immersed in the typical contemporary American mindset of convenience and consumerism. And the quotes beginning each chapter are gold (now I need to go read St. Basil's On Social Justice)!
dnf
May 21, 2022I definitely plan to finish this one, I just didn't get through all of it before it had to go back to the library.
February 22, 2022
I was able to read about half before I had to return it to the library. I didn’t know when I checked it out that it was Catholic book for Catholics! I love reading other perspectives though and found a lot of beauty and truth in the book that have universal application.
Some quotes I liked:
“Rather than a problem to be solved, the world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise.” (p. 42 from Laudato Si’)
“The draw of entering sacred space for liturgy and sacraments is that it’s unlike anything we can experience elsewhere, not because it’s just like what we do with our friends at the local bar.” (p. 49)
“Wash the plate not because it is dirty not because you are told to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next.” (p.41 attributed to Mother Theresa)
“By spending when it is unnecessary, I am actually depriving others who do not have enough.” (p.24)
“Anytime we treat those God loves as inconveniences and annoyances rather than unrepeatable, irreplaceable creatures made in the very image of God, we are acting in accordance with the throwaway culture. Anytime we fail to see and respect God’s creation with the wonder it deserves, we fall short of the Gospel.” (p. xix)
Some quotes I liked:
“Rather than a problem to be solved, the world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise.” (p. 42 from Laudato Si’)
“The draw of entering sacred space for liturgy and sacraments is that it’s unlike anything we can experience elsewhere, not because it’s just like what we do with our friends at the local bar.” (p. 49)
“Wash the plate not because it is dirty not because you are told to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next.” (p.41 attributed to Mother Theresa)
“By spending when it is unnecessary, I am actually depriving others who do not have enough.” (p.24)
“Anytime we treat those God loves as inconveniences and annoyances rather than unrepeatable, irreplaceable creatures made in the very image of God, we are acting in accordance with the throwaway culture. Anytime we fail to see and respect God’s creation with the wonder it deserves, we fall short of the Gospel.” (p. xix)
July 31, 2019
This book is heavy on religion so if that's not your thing, this won't be a good fit. I wasn't familiar with the author prior to reading this book so I didn't quite know what to expect. There are some good ideas here and for those who are of the Catholic faith, I think this book will be a helpful guide for focusing on the most important things (not often things). For me, it was okay but not one I'll be recommending to friends.
Thank you to Ave Maria Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Ave Maria Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2018
There were so many good things I took away from this book, I will probably come back to this and read it several times for inspiration. Haley writes with a lot of heart and that really shines through. This book is heavily influenced by Catholicism, lots of Pope Francis and saint quotes, and get own conversion story included, but I still think this is a book for any Christian or just anyone who wants to live out the Gospel in their way of life. I highly recommend it!
October 29, 2018
Lovely and encouraging view on how to focus on family, community, and essentials to emulate Christ and invite others into the lifestyle by just being instead of judging and lecturing. The writing was enjoyable, too, which is often rare in faith-based reading.
November 6, 2018
I love Haley's blog, and now I love her book! She puts into words all the desires we have for simplicity and community, weaves in fun anecdotes, and ends with applicable suggestions for building into your life. Sad to be done reading it!
August 1, 2020
A great book to remind me of my priorities as shown through what and how much I buy, as well as, who and where I spend my time.
April 19, 2025
The Grace of Enough was a refreshingly honest read that resonated with me as a Catholic millennial.
As a millenial herself, Haley Stewart’s journey toward intentional living, community, and simplicity—rooted in faith—felt both inspiring and relatable.
I loved how she weaved in Catholic social teaching without sounding preachy. Her family left the city to live in a farm, but she was practical and knows that this is not for everyone. She offered thoughtful reflections and practical encouragement instead, such as buying local produce, developing a relationship with your neighbours or inviting friends over more for dinner.
It lost a star for a bit of repetition in parts, but overall, it left me feeling grounded and challenged in the best way. Definitely a good read if you’re craving a more meaningful, faith-centered life.
As a millenial herself, Haley Stewart’s journey toward intentional living, community, and simplicity—rooted in faith—felt both inspiring and relatable.
I loved how she weaved in Catholic social teaching without sounding preachy. Her family left the city to live in a farm, but she was practical and knows that this is not for everyone. She offered thoughtful reflections and practical encouragement instead, such as buying local produce, developing a relationship with your neighbours or inviting friends over more for dinner.
It lost a star for a bit of repetition in parts, but overall, it left me feeling grounded and challenged in the best way. Definitely a good read if you’re craving a more meaningful, faith-centered life.
September 27, 2022
I thought this was a great book. I already agree and live out a majority of the things in it, but it was really nice to have it affirmed. Not only with someone else’s opinion, but also with scripture and quotes etc.
I am not Catholic, but I do not feel like that made this book less enjoyable/applicable for me. I enjoyed hearing about the liturgical side and thought it was interesting plus it was not probably more than 5% of the book, if that. I would highly recommend this to anyone trying to live a gospel centered life and also people that are sick of the material obsessed culture that we live in.
I am not Catholic, but I do not feel like that made this book less enjoyable/applicable for me. I enjoyed hearing about the liturgical side and thought it was interesting plus it was not probably more than 5% of the book, if that. I would highly recommend this to anyone trying to live a gospel centered life and also people that are sick of the material obsessed culture that we live in.
September 30, 2018
An important and much needed message! This book offers concrete direction and encouragement to make some hard choices, as well as the "why" behind them. I really enjoyed reading Haley's story and how they simplified their lives and escaped the rat race. I expected to already know most of the book's message and yet there are several moments I had to pause and reread to let the challenging message sink in. These challenges have stuck with me as I mull them over throughout the day. I needed these reminders! With quotes from Wendell Berry and Flannery O'Connor peppered throughout the book, Haley was really speaking my language!
May 19, 2021
I really feel like Haley is a kindred spirit. This book, steeped in literary references, appeals to the need to do something different than pursue the dream to “have it all.” She explains how this need is central to our humanity and to our faith. And allll the literary references just bolster her thesis that this is something we deeply long for.
Several non-Catholic friends have asked me for my take on this book. While it is clearly written to Catholics, the ideas are very much universal to Christianity and I think anyone could glean inspiration from this book.
Several non-Catholic friends have asked me for my take on this book. While it is clearly written to Catholics, the ideas are very much universal to Christianity and I think anyone could glean inspiration from this book.
December 8, 2023
This was actually fine. It’s one of the most Catholic books I ever read! She quotes liberally, especially the Pope. Wendell Berry and Flannery O’Connor were formative writers, and Rowling, Tolkien, and Lewis turn up also.
I already agree with Stewart on a fair amount of this, but I wouldn’t say this is the best possible expression of it. I too have picked a life with less income and more seeing my husband, and yes, it’s totally worth it. And where we disagree, I didn’t really find myself persuaded.
I already agree with Stewart on a fair amount of this, but I wouldn’t say this is the best possible expression of it. I too have picked a life with less income and more seeing my husband, and yes, it’s totally worth it. And where we disagree, I didn’t really find myself persuaded.
March 28, 2024
This is one of those books that I highlighted and underlined. While at times what the author talked about sounded exhausting, many things rang true to me. This book got me thinking about what I want out of life with my family, how dear connection with other humans is to me, and also where I'm doing a good job already. The catholic influence made it a great lentent read though I do think it will resonate at least in part with everyone. It's worth a skim if not a read because I bet you'll be changed in the tiniest way for good.
January 1, 2019
I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this young millennial's interpretation of Laudato Si. I finished it on December 31st and implemented ideas right then. It was a great way to begin the new year! There are questions for each chapter, making it a great book for book club. There is also an appendix full of resources I plan to read.
July 15, 2019
My family drastically downsized and simplified to live in an Airstream travel trailer. I was drawn to this book to read about someone else with a similar experience. I enjoyed this so much. I've suggested it to friends already and got so much out of it personally. It's written in a way that doesn't feel condemning as some books on simplifying can be. The first-hand stories of what their family's experience was like are funny, inspiring, and so much more. Loved this book!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy to share my honest opinions with you.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy to share my honest opinions with you.
September 19, 2018
"What the throwaway culture offers us is a lie that will never satisfy, because we were created for so much more than to be consumers of comfort and exploiters of creation."
This is one of those heavily underlined, well-loved books of mine - and I've only had it for a week! I devoured this book. I'm a big fan of Haley Stewart's blog writing and podcasting, so I already knew I was in for a treat, but this book really surpassed my expectations. Far from doom and gloom, I felt an immense sense of hope and empowerment after finishing this book. I truly feel that I can (and will!) take proactive steps toward becoming a more conscious consumer.
Stewart practically, wisely, and kindly, leads her readers toward fulfilling living - "Molly Weasley" style. I can't emphasize how much I appreciated the practicality of this book. Even some of my favorite writers on similar topics (Wendell Berry for instance) can get a bit lost in nostalgia, leaving me feeling hopeless and earning for a forgotten time. You don't need to move to a farm to live in tune with the world (I'm happy I DO live on a farm - but I think people in cities, towns, and the suburbs can have equally fulfilling and intentional lifestyles - many more so thanks to their proximity to communities!)
As someone with parents who (although wonderful) have always been heavily addicted to "things" I can attest firsthand to the stress that so much "stuff" can bring. In a kindly gesture, my mother furnished an entire house for us. Of course, none of this furniture was anything I wanted and it was WAY too much for us! We spent literally years getting rid of it. I still remember the horror of seeing a whole garage bay filled with things I didn't want or need.
Stewart's emphasizes the joy of the Gospel - a message of care, attention, and openness - in a culture that consistently tells us to go the easy route... She emphasizes a life filled with people, good food, hospitality, and beauty. An openness to the world! What a concept. I sincerely hope non-Christians and non-Catholics will read this book as I think it offers a HIGHLY compelling vision for what our society can (and hopefully, one day, will be).
I'm including below some of the many, many sections I underlined. Do yourself a favor and read this book now.
------
"Our culture presents the world as a cosmic supermarket. All of God's creation - even our relationships to other people - is there for us to consume, expendable when it becomes difficult or requires sacrifice. We're told that happiness is within our grasp if we can only buy enough, acquire enough, achieve enough. Yet in our pursuit of more, we find only a larger and larger void needing to be filled. If there is one word to describe modern culture, it might be unsatisfied. No matter how much we have, it's never enough."
"It turns out that working so many hours is actually an expensive way to live. Working more hours meant we had less time, so we ended up spending money on services we could otherwise handle ourselves [...] Increasing work hours also results in additional hidden costs in daycare, car payments, fuel, and other expenses that emerge when time is in such short supply."
"Maintaining all the stuff eats into our time to such a degree that we can't even enjoy what we own [...] Our stuff owns us [...] Instead of bringing us happiness, our material goods can serve to distract us from what is truly valuable, preventing us from achieving the happiness we desire in our heart of hearts."
"Freedom is having many options to choose from, right? No. That isn't the Christian understanding of freedom at all. St. Augustine defines true freedom as the freedom to choose the good, not just one of many options."
"Viewing the world through the eyes of wonder is to have a worshipful attitude to life. To be able to wonder, we must first take time to be attentive, to look up from our phones, and to notice God's world. Fr. Thomas Dubay explains "To wonder is to appreciate reality in a living, vibrant way. It is to respond to being, to be fully alive. Wonder is an awesome awareness. It is a compliment to God and an enrichment of the person." But in large part, we have lost that sense of enchantment with creation."
"While truth and goodness have been largely abandoned, the longing for beauty still lingers. We don't want to be told what to believe or how to live our lives. the call of truth and goodness is becoming quiet as a whisper, but the desire for beauty remains strong, no matter how warped our palates for it have become. It persists as a language that most can still comprehend."
"We may be so attached in the throwaway culture that we tend to attach a price tag to each of our actions every hour of the day."
"Pope Francis urges parents to 'waste time with your children.'"
"We have experienced comfort beyond anything known in human history and we've still found life wanting because we were made for so much more: beauty, real relationships, traditions seeped in time, and even a willingness to sacrifice in order to choose 'the greater part.'"
This is one of those heavily underlined, well-loved books of mine - and I've only had it for a week! I devoured this book. I'm a big fan of Haley Stewart's blog writing and podcasting, so I already knew I was in for a treat, but this book really surpassed my expectations. Far from doom and gloom, I felt an immense sense of hope and empowerment after finishing this book. I truly feel that I can (and will!) take proactive steps toward becoming a more conscious consumer.
Stewart practically, wisely, and kindly, leads her readers toward fulfilling living - "Molly Weasley" style. I can't emphasize how much I appreciated the practicality of this book. Even some of my favorite writers on similar topics (Wendell Berry for instance) can get a bit lost in nostalgia, leaving me feeling hopeless and earning for a forgotten time. You don't need to move to a farm to live in tune with the world (I'm happy I DO live on a farm - but I think people in cities, towns, and the suburbs can have equally fulfilling and intentional lifestyles - many more so thanks to their proximity to communities!)
As someone with parents who (although wonderful) have always been heavily addicted to "things" I can attest firsthand to the stress that so much "stuff" can bring. In a kindly gesture, my mother furnished an entire house for us. Of course, none of this furniture was anything I wanted and it was WAY too much for us! We spent literally years getting rid of it. I still remember the horror of seeing a whole garage bay filled with things I didn't want or need.
Stewart's emphasizes the joy of the Gospel - a message of care, attention, and openness - in a culture that consistently tells us to go the easy route... She emphasizes a life filled with people, good food, hospitality, and beauty. An openness to the world! What a concept. I sincerely hope non-Christians and non-Catholics will read this book as I think it offers a HIGHLY compelling vision for what our society can (and hopefully, one day, will be).
I'm including below some of the many, many sections I underlined. Do yourself a favor and read this book now.
------
"Our culture presents the world as a cosmic supermarket. All of God's creation - even our relationships to other people - is there for us to consume, expendable when it becomes difficult or requires sacrifice. We're told that happiness is within our grasp if we can only buy enough, acquire enough, achieve enough. Yet in our pursuit of more, we find only a larger and larger void needing to be filled. If there is one word to describe modern culture, it might be unsatisfied. No matter how much we have, it's never enough."
"It turns out that working so many hours is actually an expensive way to live. Working more hours meant we had less time, so we ended up spending money on services we could otherwise handle ourselves [...] Increasing work hours also results in additional hidden costs in daycare, car payments, fuel, and other expenses that emerge when time is in such short supply."
"Maintaining all the stuff eats into our time to such a degree that we can't even enjoy what we own [...] Our stuff owns us [...] Instead of bringing us happiness, our material goods can serve to distract us from what is truly valuable, preventing us from achieving the happiness we desire in our heart of hearts."
"Freedom is having many options to choose from, right? No. That isn't the Christian understanding of freedom at all. St. Augustine defines true freedom as the freedom to choose the good, not just one of many options."
"Viewing the world through the eyes of wonder is to have a worshipful attitude to life. To be able to wonder, we must first take time to be attentive, to look up from our phones, and to notice God's world. Fr. Thomas Dubay explains "To wonder is to appreciate reality in a living, vibrant way. It is to respond to being, to be fully alive. Wonder is an awesome awareness. It is a compliment to God and an enrichment of the person." But in large part, we have lost that sense of enchantment with creation."
"While truth and goodness have been largely abandoned, the longing for beauty still lingers. We don't want to be told what to believe or how to live our lives. the call of truth and goodness is becoming quiet as a whisper, but the desire for beauty remains strong, no matter how warped our palates for it have become. It persists as a language that most can still comprehend."
"We may be so attached in the throwaway culture that we tend to attach a price tag to each of our actions every hour of the day."
"Pope Francis urges parents to 'waste time with your children.'"
"We have experienced comfort beyond anything known in human history and we've still found life wanting because we were made for so much more: beauty, real relationships, traditions seeped in time, and even a willingness to sacrifice in order to choose 'the greater part.'"
May 2, 2019
This book challenges you not to go with the flow of society - keeping up with the Joneses. It is a good reminder to keep your priorities in the the right order in the way you want to live your life here on earth.
July 31, 2019
Go for simple and beautiful in all things.
December 12, 2019
This is a fast read with sensible information for refocusing your and your family’s life away from the material culture that has become native to our lives. The author is clear that the experience lived by her family is not a recipe or one-size-fits-all. Refreshing.
April 24, 2025
A little too bloggy for me, but the content hit home as we also have been living the simple life the last year and a half.
This book put into words many of the thoughts I've had regarding very humble life styles that bear big fruits.
This book put into words many of the thoughts I've had regarding very humble life styles that bear big fruits.
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