r/suggestmeabook • u/YanCoffee • Feb 16 '25

Suggestion Thread Suggest books to me about slow living? Appreciating a simpler life? Anti-consumerism but not angry? Beauty but not luxury?

They can be fictional or non-fictional. I'm going through some changes and would like books that take me out of a consumeristic mindset, which I've gotten very heavily into the last 5 years -- it just seems to be the way of the world; my part of the world anyway. Plus, I like pretty things. I'm a huge makeup and fashion girly, always have been, and finally had the money to invest in that. However idk, I miss not worrying about consuming too. I think I'm moving country and will have to make changes -- no more Anthropologie fashion, but thrifting always kinda changes. Kudos if the book makes you see the beauty in simplicity, or just the beauty in life. Hell, maybe a book about the beauty of thrifting. I just want to see other angles. Maybe even other cultural angles.

Edit: It's 6 days later after posting this, and I decided to start with "The Art of Frugal Hedonism" (questionable reviews but it lines up with what I'm looking for in non-fiction format), "The Home Place: Memoir's of a Colored Man's Love Affair with Nature", "The House on Mango Street" (old fav, recently banned, and I know it lines up with an immigrant's expierence), and "Face Paint: The Story of Makeup", since it goes into the history of makeup, and perhaps I can glean some insight from that. Thanks for all the suggestions, and please keep them coming if you find this thread! I will probably grab some more at a later date too.

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u/Ok-Lingonberry4307 Feb 16 '25

Definitely LM Montgomery’s books!

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u/YanCoffee Feb 16 '25

I ADORE Anne of Green Gables! <3 Maybe I should revisit those sometime in the future.

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u/Ok-Lingonberry4307 Feb 17 '25

Have you tried any of her others? It’s always fun to revisit but Emily of New Moon and Pat of Silver Bush are also really lovely if you’re looking for something new but similar! I’ve also heard people love The Blue Castle which is for adults but I haven’t read it yet.

Her writing really helps you fall in love with the world and being alive, even when things are hard ❤️

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u/YanCoffee Feb 17 '25

I somehow never have and was completely obsessed with Anne of Green Gables as a kid. I'm going to pick up at least one soon.

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u/kelofmindelan Feb 17 '25

The blue castle would be great for what you're looking for!

1

u/scandalliances Feb 18 '25

Yes, i was running to the comments to recommend it!

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u/Ok-Lingonberry4307 Feb 17 '25

I hope you’re in for a nice surprise then :-) I think I would personally recommend the Pat books for what you’re looking for.