Rating: 
Summary: Read, with caution
Review: I've had this book for several years, and I find myself coming to it again and again when I need to tighten up on savings. She discusses her theories of thrift, and I think makes it clear that she understands that not everyone wants a New England farmhouse, but that the point is that by learning to be thrifty and economical you can fulfill your own dream, whatever it might be.While she also shares the techniques and tricks of herself and readers in great detail, I find some of them to be alarming and downright silly, and as one reviewer said - hypocritical. Amy suggests homemade baby formula as an alternative to commercial preparations, with only a brief mention of breastfeeding (with the statement that breastfeeding equipment can be expensive, huh?). On the other hand, she recommends, on the advice of "experts", that dogs be fed the more expensive commercial dog food rather than homemade. Oops, sounds like the priorities are mixed up here. ... I think it's worth a read, but look in the library first. And please, use common sense!
Rating: 
Summary: Classic starting point for lifestyle change.
Review: Seriously, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in the "voluntary simplicity" movement, or those who believe that their dreams are bigger than their resources. One of the most important points Amy makes throughout is that different families and different situations will require different forms of economizing. What makes financial, ethical, and personal sense in one situation will not necessarily do so in another situation, no matter how similar they seem. You might want, as the author does, a pre-1900s rural farmhouse with attached barn, suitable for six kids. Or you might be content to live in a shack so that you can maintain a fleet of snowmobiles. Or you might be like me and want to save money to continue in graduate school without taking out thousands in student loans. Whatever your dreams are, if you follow the author's advice and tips on cutting back in the areas that are lower-priority in your life, you will be that much closer to realizing them. I don't agree 100% with her advice, but I like her approach. :)
Rating:
Summary: Classic starting point for lifestyle change.
Review: Seriously, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in the "voluntary simplicity" movement, or those who believe that their dreams are bigger than their resources. One of the most important points Amy makes throughout is that different families and different situations will require different forms of economizing. What makes financial, ethical, and personal sense in one situation will not necessarily do so in another situation, no matter how similar they seem. You might want, as the author does, a pre-1900s rural farmhouse with attached barn, suitable for six kids. Or you might be content to live in a shack so that you can maintain a fleet of snowmobiles. Or you might be like me and want to save money to continue in graduate school without taking out thousands in student loans. Whatever your dreams are, if you follow the author's advice and tips on cutting back in the areas that are lower-priority in your life, you will be that much closer to realizing them. I don't agree 100% with her advice, but I like her approach. :)
| 
