Soulful Simplicity

How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More

By: Courtney Carver

Narrated by: Courtney Carver

Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's Summary

Courtney Carver shows us the power of simplicity to improve our health, build more meaningful relationships, and relieve stress in our professional and personal lives.

We are often on a quest for more, giving in to pressure every day to work more, own more, and do more. For Courtney Carver, this constant striving had to come to a stop when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Stress was like gasoline on the fire of her symptoms, and it became clear that she needed to root out the physical and psychological clutter that were the source of her debt and discontent.

In this book, Carver shows us how to pursue practical minimalism so we can create more with less - more space, more time, and even more love. She invites us to look at the big picture, discover what's most important to us, and reclaim lightness and ease by getting rid of all the excess things.

©2017 Courtney Carver (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Less shiny, more soul

I love Courtney Carver's writing so I was really excited to finally hear her read her very own book. Unfortunately, that didn't last. While the writing sounded familiar, her reading of it was terribly off. The phrasing sounded like she never read the book let alone wrote it. I had a hard time forcing myself to focus on the message and let the reading flow past me. And for Courtney Carver fans there aren't many surprises in this book. It was kind of like a greatest hits album. I feel guilty for not being more gracious, or kind, or tolerant, or whatever good adjective would fit here, because she still has a worthwhile message and I certainly have not attempted anything so brave. For better or worse, I just hoped for more from her.

Great Book once you get past the narration

I almost didn’t listen to this book because of the author’s narration. I’m so glad I got past it and listened to it anyways. She is monotone, but you can tell she is trying. I would be nice if someone else narrated it for her. The book was so powerful and I loved the tips. I don’t need to listen to book full of reasons “why it’s good to be a minimalist.” I didn’t feel like that with this book. Her story was powerful and inspirational. Other books I had to keep fast forwarding the blah—this book was the opposite. She captivated me and I will listen again. I highly recommend this book!!

Way too “Yogi” for me

The main idea of living simply was good, but she added in way too many yogaesque lifestyle practices as well, that just don’t fit with my personality at all. The book was also very repetitive and could’ve been cut down by at least half. Also, just because you write the book, doesn’t mean you should narrate it! She was awful! Completely monotone and boring. The book was also very repetitive and could’ve been cut down by at least half. :)

Not what I thought

I know the author's work from the Internet and I had hoped the book would outline the principles of living minimalistically. However, it is her autobiography, detailing the life challenges and illness that led her to become a minimalist. The author reads her own work, and she's not great. Too bad, because I've learned a lot from her online blog about minimalism. I guess I bought the wrong book.

A Beautiful Book that Stirs My Soul

What a beautiful, beautiful book. And so loved the opportunity to listen to it read by Courtney. She has a lovely, soothing voice, perfect for narration.

I have read a good deal on the topic of minimalism and simplicity—from all the big names in the movement. Unequivocally, *Soulful Simplicity* is **THE BEST** book on the matter I've encountered, bar none. Other articles and books have offered practical wisdom and insights, but Courtney's book, beyond that, has touched my heart and inspired me to finish the race. Perhaps it’s Courtney’s unabashed authenticity in sharing her own story or her multiple lists of sage suggestions that distill the essence of the simple life or the exquisite way in which she sees the sacred in each and every moment we so often take for granted. Maybe it’s all of these things. Whatever it is, this book is a treasure trove of wisdom you’ll want to return to time and again. I'm grateful beyond words for such thoughtful and soulful work. It speaks volumes to the ever-present angst we struggle with in our culture of consumption and excess. 

Not what I was looking for...

Found this to be hard to listen to (and heard several missed edits in the recording?) and not exactly like its description. I thought this would be more about her journey and instead it had more practical advice.

a guide to living simply ... well

I really liked how this book helps you work through simplifying your life from the perspective you are doing it to get more out of life. she emphasizes listening to your heart and being kind to yourself. I am on year two of simplifying life and this year with the help of this book I am taking a gentler approach and having fun with it! she has a lot of knowledge and experiences she shares that make the book memorable and a great story too!!

Love this book

If you could sum up Soulful Simplicity in three words, what would they be?

learning, heart reaching

What did you like best about this story?

It is inspirational

What about Courtney Carver’s performance did you like?

I enjoy her calm peaceful tone of voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Learning about the hand on heart practice

Any additional comments?

I really hesitated to buy this book because I have been reading Courtney Carver's Blog for years and I figured there wouldn't be anything new for me in the book. I decided to buy the audible book on a whim for something to listen to on a long flight. What a wonderful surprise! I have learned a great deal of new information from listening to Soulful Simplicity. I recommend it for people new to her work and also to anyone who has been following her blog or practicing Project 333. There are gems inside!

Could have been more accessible

I enjoyed reading and following the author, so I first purchased the ebook before buying the Audible version as I found that I wanted to listen while the author coached me to declutter my current apartment while preparing to move. I was disappointed to find at least one error and wonder if a professional narrator may have been a better choice. I wish the chapters referenced in the book lined up with the Audible sections listed in the app, but I find this is a platform issue rather than a specific audible book issue as a book of this nature is best read in sections while explicitly trying to follow the author's step by step directions. In the future I would hope audible could facilitate hyperlinks or a more accessible way to jump to specific sections as the author leads listeners through breathing exercises or specific steps while cleaning out the wardrobe when speaking about her Project 333.

Best book ever!

This was packed full of informative that will help me in my journey to simplify and live with less. I am motivated by the authors story and personal experiences. I loved hearing the author read it. Great voice. I am now going to buy the book and listen to this again. And I’m going to tell all my friends.