Goodbye, Things

The New Japanese Minimalism

By: Fumio Sasaki, Eriko Sugita - translator

Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka

The bestselling phenomenon from Japan, with irresistible appeal to fans of Marie Kondo, that argues there is happiness in a minimalist life

Fumio Sasaki is not an enlightened minimalism expert or organizing guru like Marie Kondo―he’s just a regular guy who was stressed out and constantly comparing himself to others, until one day he decided to change his life by saying goodbye to everything he didn’t absolutely need. The effects were remarkable: Sasaki gained true freedom, new focus, and a real sense of gratitude for everything around him.

In Goodbye, Things, Sasaki modestly shares his personal minimalist experience, offering specific tips on the minimizing process and revealing how the new minimalist movement can not only transform your space but truly enrich your life. The benefits of a minimalist life can be realized by anyone, and Sasaki’s humble vision of true happiness will open your eyes to minimalism’s potential.

©2017 Fumio Sasaki (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Just the inspiration I needed

This may not be the book for an experienced minimalist--unless you like hearing about another's experience. But for a beginner who has a hard time letting go of things, this is just the motivation you need to get going. Trust me, you won't regret listening to this. It's helped me overcome a lot of lies that I've had about my things and how many things I need.

If you want to let go of needless materialism, get this book.

Loved it

I read a lot of books on minimalism and I feel like they all say the same thing, but this one had a lot of stuff that set it apart from the rest. I really enjoyed it!

Really interesting read

That narrator did a wonderful job on this book. I highly recommend reading or listening to this book. It has made me think a lot about the things that I have, whether I need them or just want them. As a result of reading this book, I have started to get rid of quite a few things. I hope to continue to do so until I have many less items. I may never be a minimalist, but I plan to be able to enjoy the things I have. This book really helps to put things into perspective.

Exceeded expectations

I thought it would be a book about how to reduce amount of things you have. But it appeared so much more than that. It showed me possible attitude towards things, objects, possessions, and relations, lifestyle.. Listening made me relax and put me in positive mood. Voice and reading is so calm and stable, that it became my fave when going to bed and even helped me falling asleep, like some meditation audio.. Which may sound like it’s boring, but it’s not. Although it is very calm book, centered and to the point. I recommend.

Practical Chapters, Then Familiar Theoretical Ones

I enjoyed the background on minimalism and the 55 + 15 practical tips for getting rid of possessions, along with the assurances that people will not regret the reduction. This part of the book makes an excellent companion to "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kando.

The book then descends in yet another book about flow, mirror neurons, and islands inhabited by centenarians, complete with Einstein and Gandhi quotes. However, this part isn’t too long, though — this is just a 4.5 hour book after all.

Gut punching conviction.

Any additional comments?

This will be a constant listen for me and my family. The concepts and ideas of this book can be applied into all aspects of our lives. For myself, other than my material excess, it has helped me quiet my social network. Constant updates and news was not good for me mentally. The author really hits home. I have applied this book to my home, social circle, church, fitness, and my marriage.

Surprisingly relatable

I’m truly surprised by the way I’ve felt while listening to this audio book. So many resonant concepts. I can’t see myself living a Japanese aesthetic, but I can absolutely apply these principles to my life and living situation.

Emphatic thumbs up!

Wonderful

Rich with beautiful life lessons to enrich your life every short chapter is just enough to provide comfort and assurance of a well curated life.

This was an eye opener

I have never written a review for one of the books. However I loved this book. It made me look at things in a different way. I have listened to it over and over. It is motivational and helps you let go without the guilt.

Feeling inspired

Very inspired to de-clutter at least! I’ve already gotten rid of a lot of things that I wouldn’t have before