Goodbye, Things

By: Fumio Sasaki, Eriko Sugita - translator

Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka

Length: 4 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's Summary

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.

Practical , Deep and Self-Reflection

Loved this book. One of the best I have come across in my life time. Truly has made me reflect about myself,
my possessions and their purpose in my life. This book was worth every penny. I will relisten to this, and think it is a great reference book. I recommend it to any and anyone who is looking to rid their space and mind of unecessary clutter.

53 of 54 people found this review helpful

A Grounding Perspective

I have listened to this book 4x over the last six months. I gain a new perspective with every listen. I never considered the baggage or emotional price you pay for items you own. After the sudden loss of a parent, I couldn't part with any of their possessions (chapstick, shoes, magazines, ect). None of these items represented my parent but it was a physical tie that I subcontiously could not break. This book helped me process those emotions and realize we are not our things and our things are not representations of us. I started to declutter my physical life and my emotional life followed suit. With less (emotionally insignificant) items to care for, I have more time and a clearer perspective on what I value. I have donated/discarded more than 300 items over the last 6 months. This book is a cult classic for me. I'm thankful for it's publication. Happy Reading

111 of 116 people found this review helpful

anyone curious about Minimalism MUST READ

ME: always organized/clean no problem discarding incredible success with konmari curious since about full blown minimalism

This guy really breaks minimalism down. I like "the minimalists" from the Netflix documentary but they can be a little preachy and a little too philosophical for some. Fumio of course gives some minimalist philosophy but its from a logical practical place.

I think what makes this book stand out is that its incredibly well formed and clear yet I think you could open any random page and get some good advice . This book is no chore to get through I was hanging on every word, as a minimalist I suppose everything he writes has a clear purpose. It seems like he has an answer for everything its almost like he is reading the readers mind answering their questions, providing solutions to their excuses before they are even formed. This book contained so many lightbulb moments.

I really liked what some may see as the self deprecating nature of this book ( something kondo does as well) I just see it as honest. He speaks a lot about his former self all the mistakes he made all the failures and unhappiness, even now at one point saying "she since dumped me" haha.

The theme of this book is basically: I was unhappy, minimizing my things made me happy I believe it can make you happy too here's how.

48 of 50 people found this review helpful

Exactly what I was looking for

I knew the subject interested me after watching a TED talk and then, a very unhelpful Netflix documentary that spent more time advertising their book. I read Kondo's book, but it seemed focused mostly on how to declutter, not the reasons.

I've listened to this several times in a row now. Which, says something. This book goes into many areas of how and why one should consider minimalism, in a well told and organized manner. There are references to other subject experts throughout and the authors own personal story is present, without being the overbearing focus of attention. As opposed to other books in this topic, which seem most concerned with spending time telling me how to fold my shirts.

The content seems to have list nothing in translation. The narration was high quality, not too drab, and easy to listen to.

41 of 43 people found this review helpful

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.

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Minimum-Impact Living, inner, outer

Minimalism is a spectrum, and Sasaki is on the far end for many modernistas, but incorporate his teachings into your flow and your life will transform.

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

Way better than Marie Kondo's books!!!!! Love it!!

One of the best book I have read/listen to. Well organized thoughts and make a lot of sense and the ideas are up to date.

19 of 20 people found this review helpful

Pure Zen

This is a wonderful book. Profound and yet written in deceptively plain language. My new bible. Also, this is my favorite narration of all time. Fantastic voice. Rich and expressive, it resonated deeply with the text instead of distracting from it. Bravo. Everything was perfect about this one.

29 of 31 people found this review helpful

Life Changing!

This book goes so deeper than minimalism. It's about happiness, freedom and self discovery. It examines the why's behind the things we've collected in the past and the potential for a richer life on the other side of letting those things go. I've read many great books on decluttering and minimalism, but this one strikes a rich cord. It left me wanting less for all the right reasons of experiencing more. There is something for everyone to learn in these pages, even if you aren't on a minimalist path.

68 of 75 people found this review helpful

How to Edit Your Life

I write this short comment, as I encourage you to take advantage of this great daily deal.
The writer is an editor by profession, Japanese, and he writes in the Ernest Hemingway style. So this book is simple, to the point and doesn't ponder too long on why.

Note I do use the new 1.25x speed to match the author's intent.

I am a recovering hoarder, and shop-a-colic so I am always on the look out for good quick tips that can help me when I slip my leash! Or galvanize me to start again on purging my treasures I have not use in way too long.
These types of books are for those who want to try or to keep trying to stop hoarding or perhaps shopping.
This is not written in a style for those who just keep thinking about trying, but really for those who need a boost to keep going to get to the place that truly makes them happy.
Let me know if my comments helped?

22 of 24 people found this review helpful