7 Days of Simplicity: A Season of Living Lightly

by Jen Hatmaker

Inspired by her iconic 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess , New York Times -bestselling author Jen Hatmaker explores the spiritual side of a simpler life and the way our choices affect our spirit, our loved ones, our community, and the earth in her new gift book 7 Days of A Season of Living Lightly .

In 7 Days of Simplicity Hatmaker shares from her own experiences in living lightly, “finding deep delight in exactly what you have and where you are, never letting anyone shame you out of simplicity or contentment.” Throughout the book are excerpts of Jen’s own journey to offer hope, humor, facts, and encouragement for the reader with a fresh look at how our own daily choices affect the sustainability of our lives and God’s earth.

The book confronts our desire to compete in the all-consuming consumer-goods game calling the reader to slow down, catch a breath, live with intention, and live like today is all we have, because those small ripples eventually make big waves for everyone.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Christian, Personal Development, Self Help

208 pages, Hardcover

Published September 15, 2020

About the author

JEN HATMAKER is the New York Times bestselling author of For the Love and Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire, along with twelve other books. She hosts the award-winning For the Love podcast, is the delighted curator of the Jen Hatmaker Book Club, and leader of a tightly knit online community where she reaches millions of people each week. Jen is a co-founder of Legacy Collective, a giving organization that grants millions of dollars toward sustainable projects around the world. She is a mom to five kids and lives happily just outside Austin, Texas.

To learn more about Jen, visit www.jenhatmaker.com.

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

The original 7 book had a big impact on me. And it's no secret that I strive for simplicity in all things. So this book got my attention. But I think in this book, Hatmaker muddles the ideas of simplicity and sustainability, which are 2 very different goals. Sustainability gets particularly lost in the chapters about social media and stress - I mean it's a bit of stretch to tie your stress level to the environment and I'm not sure she's successful.

Overall, I didn't get much out of this book. It was a good reminder of the lessons I learned in 7, I guess, but not enough to warrant printing an entire book. Skip this one and just re-read 7.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a great starter book for those looking to make a change in the impact on the planet. It is a review session for those already well on their way. But any time a conversation is had about how to reduce your carbon footprint, it's a good day.

[Candace Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice easy read and thought provoking. Too many references to a prior book written and an assumption the reader knew about that one too.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always Jen Hatmaker presents beautiful truth in a simple heartfelt way. I just wasn't feeling it in this moment. It wasn't anything I hadn't heard before. I just skimmed the short book really quickly and thought, "well, I've never been good at minimalism before, guess I won't start today." Then near the very end a few paragraphs really struck me, and made picking up this book worth it. It was in response to the thought: If you're struggling with these principles "Hear this: I didn't think God wants you at war with yourself. He sent the Prince of Peace to soothe those tumultuous Waters already. Self-deprecation is a cruel response to Jesus, who died and made us righteous. Guilt is not jesus's medium... We are so conditioned to being a problem that we've forgotten. We're actually the answer. God is not angry with you; how could He possibly be? Your His daughter; you're on the team... Just do the next right thing... Take a little baby step. Tomorrow, you can take another... We're no good to Him stuck in paralysis." 🥰

[Cat Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by my oldest grandson, I am reading to elevate my level of social consciousness. 7 Days of Simplicity is an excellent start. I am feeling pretty guilty about all the stuff I own and how much food I waste. Big closet purge starts tomorrow. I have downloaded Seven, also by Jen Hatmaker, to continue to streamline my life and deepen my connection to my Creator.

[Beth]

Good reminders for living a simpler life and being at peace. Loved the time she describes on her family ranch. We all need that! (Last ten minutes on audio)

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

The 7 Principles/Areas of Focus were smart and doable. I liked the length of this...short, sweet, and to the point. Perfect for this type of book. Now, that I know this is a companion piece...I may seek out the original. Always looking for ways to simplify my schedule, home, etc.

[Dayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

"What do we do with our riches? What do we do with our privileges? What should we keep? What should we share? My thought is that I'd better address this inequality since Jesus clearly identified the poor as His brothers and sisters-and my neighbor. What if we tried together? What if a bunch of Christians wrote a new story, becoming the conscious and educated consumers the earth is groaning for? [...] Perhaps the secret to happiness is right under our noses. Maybe we don't recognize satisfaction because it is disguised as radical generosity, a strong misnomer in a consumer culture." pg. 63

[Mackenzie Albrecht · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t really get much out of this book. It had a couple good tips/reminders on how to declutter various aspects of your life, but nothing groundbreaking.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked up this book at the library and had read Jen Hatmaker's "7" prior to this. Much of this book is a rehash of the initial book. She has added a bit but not enough to make this a new book. The actual printing of this book sent a very contradictory message from what I think she is trying to convey: simplify, reduce, reuse, recycle, and yet this book is obviously a picture of indulgence complete with bronze looking, glossy pages and a $22 price tag. It would have seemed if she really wanted to convey her message at least the book could be printed on recycled paper.
I found much of what she wrote redundant and, while she is supporting her viewpoint with scripture, the actual message just didn't cut it for me. What she is reporting as the changes in her life and the encouragement to follow her lead is now a pretty old message. I'm way ahead of what she is proposing. While I encourage the changes she has made, I am not a fan of her delivery method.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. This book was a waste of time. I’m a Jen Hatmaker fan and I’ve read several of her books, but this book just really missed the mark for me. It reads like the cliff notes of her other work and the content is just tired (Recycle more! Eliminate screens! Home cook your meals! Declutter your house! Control your calendar! Stop shopping!). It’s all been written before (pretty recently) and more intentionally with action plans by other authors. I love me some Hatmaker clan, but this book was a swing and a miss for me.

[Kathy Megaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect to get a whole lot out of Jen Hatmaker's book because I've read sooo many books/articles on this topic. What stands out about Jen's is that she is not writing as one who has successfully attained the "simple" lifestyle. She, adversely, exposes herself as one who knows what she should do, wants to do the right thing, and continually struggles to achieve that "season of living lightly" which will benefit herself, her family, and her relationship with her Heavenly Father.
I was jolted into remembering some of the statistics that I'd heard before but hadn't thought of for quite some time. A couple that Jen includes in her book are that U.S. adults spend more than 11 hours a day on media and that 17% of the world's population consume 80% of the world's resources.
Hatmaker inspired deep thoughts about the "why" and "what" concerning our abundance. It's important for us to realize that we didn't necessarily earn what we have, nor do we necessarily deserve what we have. But, in comparison to other cultures, we are richly blessed. With the wealth we possess, comes (or should come) great responsibility in how we use this wealth that has been bestowed upon us. Jen states that our private choices have social consequences and public outcomes. So true!
I gleaned golden nuggets from each of the 7 categories covered (kitchen, fashion, stuff, streaming, tossing, spending, & stressing) as well as from the final thoughts at the end of the book.
Jen Hatmaker takes a topic that is currently saturating the book market and makes it fresh, honest, personal, and entertaining.

[Mindy Denning · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars. A quick visit to some ideas that have been circling around the Internet and book stores for a few years now: Simplify. The best part: she doesn’t deep dive into the concept too much (our excessive behavior could be explored much further, but this is not the place and she doesn’t make it her mission). It is appropriately simple in its form. Just do it. Stop making excuses, don’t seek perfection, etc., makes this quick read actually motivating.

This book isn’t about getting rid of stuff, it is more about making intentional choices about what we buy, what we keep, how we spend our time and money. Anyone can fold socks neatly or store photos in cute boxes, but she reminds us about the hidden economic, psychological, and ecological ripple effect that happens after every purchase we make, every piece of cardboard we toss out, every streaming subscription we devote our attention to. A million tiny decisions seem inconsequential on their own, but added up, they do matter. A lot.

I’ve read other books about simplifying, organizing, and finding peace, but this was different. I really enjoy her casual and unpretentious style. To me, she sounds like a friend giving me a boost of encouragement and clarity when I feel overwhelmed... and now I actually feel like I can do something about it.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quick listen. Wouldn’t listen again. Love self-improvement but didn’t love this one. Few good points

Notes -

- Faith based book
- use the food in your pantry before you buy more
- Good simplification - eat non-processed foods. No grocery, meat and produce.
- Stop buying so many clothes. You probably only need half of what you need. Start with donating 5 items.
- Make notes on every room, leave no box or shelf unturned. What could you live without?
- We are missing out on stuff due to technology. Read a book. Stop relying to tech so much
- Have at least one free tech-free night per week. Spend on hobbies, walking, game night, reading a book… no tech at all!
- Try not keeping phone in the bedroom. Not first thing/last thing you see. Turn off your kids data at a certain time.
- Overload of screen time has consequences for kids
- Use your vegetables, don’t let them rot.
- Small spending adds up surprisingly. Work towards less consumption.
- “Awesome bath” when someone is grumpy and nothing will fix it. Drink in a pretty glass, snack, candle, bubblesx salts, Water is soothing!

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not enjoying this book was on me for not realizing what it was when I picked it up.

I'm not familiar with Hatmaker or her previous book so I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. While the description uses the word spiritual, this book is really heavily and overwhelmingly Christian. The entire premise is based on understanding and acceptance of the Bible and builds from there.

Hatmaker shares anecdotes and talks about how to apply the lessons she learned to others lives through a Christian lens. While I can see how this would appeal to some people, this book wasn't for me.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the author's book 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess several years ago. This book covers much the same ground with some updates with what the family is doing today. I have found with my inspirational books that covering the same ground from different angles is necessary for my growth so I did not mind the repetition. I probably helped that there were those several years between reading the books.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel a bit like I was missing a piece of the puzzle - now I know that I should have read her original 2010 release which she refers to time and again in this follow up / companion. The message is still clear: slow down, abandon the unconscious rat race to have “more” and remember to focus on your surroundings: your family, the earth, and yourself, all to honor the gifts God has given us, which don’t necessarily include racking up more credit card debt in order to keep up with Joneses.

[Mary Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a companion book to the author’s previous work, Seven. I haven’t read that but based upon this book, I’d recommend people read that title if looking for real insight on the topic based on a Christian point of view. This book reads like a magazine article, fine if you’re interested in that type of quick read. Some general readers might be put off by the Christian focus but I did not think it detracts from the general message.

[Amanda Zaccaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you read this it’s good to keep it in mind that this is a companion to her book 7 written in 2010. There are enough quotes and passages that I liked but since I was listening instead of reading I didn’t write them down or mark them, so I’ll mangle them if try to quote her! One of the takeaways is a no tech night a week, no tv, video games, phones, etc. I definitely want to try that and try to engage more with my family!

[Flo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't care for it even though the design of the book, inside and out was pretty. The author came off as preachy. She covers things that most people should know by now. That we shouldn't buy clothes that are going to be tossed out 6 months later. Each chapter begins with a psalm so if you don't appreciate that, you might not like it. It didn't bother me. She belongs to a church that she's passionate about and it was nice to see her divulge a little of herself in the book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A devotional that inspires us to slow down, stress less, spend less, and live with less in general. I love Jen Hatmaker in general, but I especially loved this quick read, that reminded me to relax and enjoy during this crazy year.

This is a light look at her previous book “7”, written ten years ago. I have not read it yet, but want to now!!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This aligns so perfectly with thoughts I have about the new year that reading it on New Year’s Day was special. While I don’t share her religiosity, the biblical passages she’s selected support a lifestyle I’d like to embrace. Her final thoughts on who she thinks might read this book were remarkably accurate in my case.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps my rating would be higher if I read Seven--which I learned from the other reviews about this book is the precursor to this one.

Not my cup of tea. Thinly veiled agenda (reduce belongings, reduce waste, reduce spending, have communal belongings with neighbors) with "support" for the agenda that it is a moral and religious failing if you do not follow these tenants.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice reminder of the power of Seven . . . It’s hard to believe that book was written 10 years ago! I remember my first closet, pantry and fridge purge. It’s time to do it again. This short book is definitely a teaser for the old book, and I would even encourage folks to do the Seven Bible study with videos. That was great!

[Amylou314 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, easy devotional-style book with some good ideas for simplifying our busy lives. Hatmaker offers personal stories (confessions), spiritual value, practical steps, and general starting places to make changes toward order and simplification.

[michelle wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiny print

I downloaded this on my kindle. The print was so small that I had to squint to read it. Hope that gets fixed. This is the only book that hasn't allowed me to enlarge the text. I enjoyed the book aside from that.

[Heidi Madden · Rating 3 out of 5]

If any of the contents of this book are surprising then you've been living under a very privileged, cozy rock. It's not (or at least shouldn't be) earth shattering but it's an easy read and a good reminder. Tying simplicity back to scriptural truths is also good.

[Gato Negro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much this little book affected me as I read it, and for days afterwards.
The words written about wastefulness made me realize I can do better, not only with recycling, as I try hard to do well, but also with consumption. I liked the low-key Christian perspective.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just started it and it feels a little harpy. The books starts with what I should be doing regarding the planet, which doesn’t feel like it’s going to make my life simpler. Probably read a little more before making a decision.

[Pearcia Bogroff · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a lite version of her book she wrote over a decade ago. It was okay, but not nearly as impactful as her original book. I was hoping for updates with all that has changed since she wrote it, but it was more the cliff notes version.