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The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less
Forget the aesthetics of mainstream minimalism and discover a life of authenticity and intention with this practical guide to living with less…your way.
When Christine Platt set out on her journey to live with less, she never intended to become The Afrominimalist. She just wanted to tame the chaos in her closet! But after struggling with the austerity and whiteness of mainstream minimalism, Christine realized why minimalism often seems unattainable for so the emphasis on all-white, barren aesthetics distracts from the practice of living with intention. And so, she decided to do things her way by curating a life of less influenced by the African diaspora.
In The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less , Christine gets right to the heart of how childhood experiences and expectations manifest in adulthood, the delicate dance between needs and wants, and the complicated weight of familial and societal pressures. A far cry from Konmaried closets, capsule wardrobes, and conspicuous consumption, Christine’s brand of “living with less� is more than a decluttering regimen. Inspired by her personal journey, Christine presents a radical revisioning of minimalism, one that celebrates the importance of history and heritage, and gives you permission to make space for what really matters…your way.
Beautifully illustrated with original black-and-white prints and line drawings, The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less is a testament to the idea that anyone can be a minimalist and a warm invitation to a life curated with intention, perfect for readers of Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus (The Minimalists), Marie Kondo, Joshua Becker, and Courtney Carver.
When Christine Platt set out on her journey to live with less, she never intended to become The Afrominimalist. She just wanted to tame the chaos in her closet! But after struggling with the austerity and whiteness of mainstream minimalism, Christine realized why minimalism often seems unattainable for so the emphasis on all-white, barren aesthetics distracts from the practice of living with intention. And so, she decided to do things her way by curating a life of less influenced by the African diaspora.
In The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less , Christine gets right to the heart of how childhood experiences and expectations manifest in adulthood, the delicate dance between needs and wants, and the complicated weight of familial and societal pressures. A far cry from Konmaried closets, capsule wardrobes, and conspicuous consumption, Christine’s brand of “living with less� is more than a decluttering regimen. Inspired by her personal journey, Christine presents a radical revisioning of minimalism, one that celebrates the importance of history and heritage, and gives you permission to make space for what really matters…your way.
Beautifully illustrated with original black-and-white prints and line drawings, The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less is a testament to the idea that anyone can be a minimalist and a warm invitation to a life curated with intention, perfect for readers of Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus (The Minimalists), Marie Kondo, Joshua Becker, and Courtney Carver.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published June 15, 2021
270 people are currently reading
4,138 people want to read
About the author
Christine Platt
53books183followersChristine A. Platt is a historian and storyteller of the African diaspora. She holds a B.A. in Africana Studies from the University of South Florida, M.A. in African Studies from The Ohio State University and received her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law.
Her debut novel, The Truth About Awiti, was published under the penname CP Patrick and won the 2016 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medal for Multicultural Fiction. The Truth About Awiti is currently used in high schools, colleges and universities to teach the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Christine’s highly anticipated children series, Ana & Andrew, will be published on December 15, 2018 (ABDO Books/Calico Kids).
Christine currently serves as the Managing Director of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University under the leadership of National Book Award-winning author, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. She is a proud member of the Association of Black Women Historians and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Additionally, she is an Ambassador for Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
You can follow Christine on Instagram via @theafrominimalist, where she interacts with thousands of friends and fans on minimalism and, of course, books.
Her debut novel, The Truth About Awiti, was published under the penname CP Patrick and won the 2016 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medal for Multicultural Fiction. The Truth About Awiti is currently used in high schools, colleges and universities to teach the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Christine’s highly anticipated children series, Ana & Andrew, will be published on December 15, 2018 (ABDO Books/Calico Kids).
Christine currently serves as the Managing Director of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University under the leadership of National Book Award-winning author, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. She is a proud member of the Association of Black Women Historians and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Additionally, she is an Ambassador for Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
You can follow Christine on Instagram via @theafrominimalist, where she interacts with thousands of friends and fans on minimalism and, of course, books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
May 13, 2021
I loved the connection to the psychology of ownership. This is often missing from books on downsizing/decluttering. The moments of address Black people (and other marginalized groups) showed a care that was much appreciated. I would’ve liked more direction on the how to parts. I felt the book got repetitive in parts. Overall a strong look at the holistic approach to minimalism away from the aesthetic based results.
October 24, 2021
Last summer I listened to @afrominimalist read aloud her novel #thetruthaboutawiti every night for a month. (So! Good! 😍😍😍) So I could totally hear her voice in my head as I read this book. (If there’s an audio version read by her, you might want to get that.)
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I’ve read Marie Kondo (eh, it was fine) and I really liked Peter Walsh’s book on decluttering / minimalizing, but those books are very literal. Step by step, room by room instructions on how to shed some of one’s accumulated piles.
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Platt’s book is less literal and digs (far) deeper into thinking about how you (or I, or she, or we) got into this situation in the first place—as individuals, and as a society. She has specific sections in each chapter digging into how this might look different for the Black community than for others. And she really hits home on the idea that this process is not a one and done, it’s an ongoing (perhaps never ending) choice.
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I think this is an especially good choice if you’ve already tried some of the literal process and not understanding why you don’t see your life changing just because you got rid of stuff.
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I’ve read Marie Kondo (eh, it was fine) and I really liked Peter Walsh’s book on decluttering / minimalizing, but those books are very literal. Step by step, room by room instructions on how to shed some of one’s accumulated piles.
.
Platt’s book is less literal and digs (far) deeper into thinking about how you (or I, or she, or we) got into this situation in the first place—as individuals, and as a society. She has specific sections in each chapter digging into how this might look different for the Black community than for others. And she really hits home on the idea that this process is not a one and done, it’s an ongoing (perhaps never ending) choice.
.
I think this is an especially good choice if you’ve already tried some of the literal process and not understanding why you don’t see your life changing just because you got rid of stuff.
July 26, 2021
This book came to me at the perfect time ~ I had just gotten rid of mountains of belongings. The hardest part was over because I had bought in and had already committed to the journey. I adored listening to Platt recount her journey and give her guidance to readers on not just how, but why to approach this lifestyle. My favorite part was the beginning where she addressed the psychological reasons for why we have more than we need and how lovingly she approaches our past selves and our caretakers who raised us the way they did. What makes this book a shining star, however, is Platt’s focus on writing for the Black and other marginalized communities, as well as her focus on the environmental and ethical reasons for living with less. I adore this book and have her 10 guideposts at the end in a Note on my phone for frequent use as affirmations.
May 12, 2022
I feel a little conflicted about giving this book 3 stars because I think the message is so important � living with less requires us to be intentional and understand how capitalism and consumerism influence our spending habits. And, as a result, doing the work of living with less truly is liberating.
The reason for 3 stars is that this book feels like 50 pages of good information drawn out into a 200 page book. So much of it feels monotonous and repetitive. The author speaks about everything at a very surface level, despite bringing up SO many concepts and ideas that could be so deep and rich (i.e. a short two page excerpt on the relationship between the history of the industrial revolution and consumerism, or a tiny blurb about the psychology of ownership). I would’ve loved to see those 200 pages used to dig deeper into these ideas and include more journaling prompts, moments of reflection, etc.
Unfortunately, the writing is sloppy and grammatically incorrect in parts, also impacting the lower score.
The reason for 3 stars is that this book feels like 50 pages of good information drawn out into a 200 page book. So much of it feels monotonous and repetitive. The author speaks about everything at a very surface level, despite bringing up SO many concepts and ideas that could be so deep and rich (i.e. a short two page excerpt on the relationship between the history of the industrial revolution and consumerism, or a tiny blurb about the psychology of ownership). I would’ve loved to see those 200 pages used to dig deeper into these ideas and include more journaling prompts, moments of reflection, etc.
Unfortunately, the writing is sloppy and grammatically incorrect in parts, also impacting the lower score.
July 13, 2021
This book is everything I didn’t know I needed. It was helpful for my spirit as well as my mental health and emotional well-being. I recommend reading this book even if you aren’t interested in living a minimalist lifestyle but are interested in living your life with more authenticity and intention.
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January 25, 2022I really like that this book looks more at the various psychological traps and acknowledges privilege and historical context in discussing minimalism. Where most minimalism books I’ve read focus on the “how-to� and act as a handbook for what to do while murmuring something about not keeping up with the Jonses, this is more interested in the “why� barriers, ethical decluttering, ethical arguments for buying sustainably, cultural sticking points and workarounds for minority groups. This book is a subtle addition that the paler and more monochrome parts of the mainstream minimalist movement often overlooks.
October 27, 2021
Very good!!!! This is a much needed read for people who are pack rats, make purchases because it's 'on sale' or buying it just to buy things; this book is for you!!! I listened to it but I am interested in owning this book for My Queendom Library.
May 4, 2022
A short inspiring book about the science behind living with less in a world that celebrates more. I really enjoyed learning about different people’s journeys to discovering they had too many things they didn’t need, and took some tips away for my own lifestyle. I don’t know that I’ll be able to fully commit to minimalism in everything, but I do want to incorporate buying only what I need, love and will use into my shopping manga (in addition to the realization that something being on sale is not a good reason to own it). Great book - 4 stars!
January 19, 2024
5⭐️
She does such a great job of breaking down minimalism into manageable pieces and presents it in a way that meets people where they’re at and lets people take what works for them and leave what doesn’t. I also really appreciated how she kept bringing the reader back to the bigger picture and tying the practice into larger social issues, rather than encouraging it in isolation. It’s also a book I can see myself coming back to over and over again and getting more out of it each time.
She does such a great job of breaking down minimalism into manageable pieces and presents it in a way that meets people where they’re at and lets people take what works for them and leave what doesn’t. I also really appreciated how she kept bringing the reader back to the bigger picture and tying the practice into larger social issues, rather than encouraging it in isolation. It’s also a book I can see myself coming back to over and over again and getting more out of it each time.
May 16, 2022
A deep inquiry on the meaning we ascribe to our belongings and the acts of acquiring, storing, stuffing and neglecting them. Her book is unique because she directly addresses the self-worth that is promised with the acquisition of stuff, and how seductive that is to both black people and women, whose safety and appearance in the world is tantamount. Platt has some great ideas on how to find your authentic style by eliminating the unnecessary -- the real work is doing it.
April 4, 2022
This book was a little of what I already knew (my background coming into this being Marie Kondo and the few minimalist articles or documentary that I checked out) but also full of a lot that I had no idea about or had never considered.
Platt takes minimalism to the next level by not only getting to the base of why we hoard, why we keep/want more, but also the ethical implications to minimalism as a movement. She goes over the problematic basis of western minimalism culture and how to practice minimalism in a way that serves you, but taking into consideration the systems involved in the various areas. Platt also provides the historical context and present-day analysis into this dichotomy between minimalism from white and black perspectives. Some systems do not directly impact me (since I am not black), but Platt works through the systems in a way where I see the impact I can have on systems by how I choose to practice minimalism.
I think my favorite/most impactful example of this Platt mentioned would be how to go about downsizing: am I going through my old clothes and, the ones that do not serve me anymore, am I throwing them away? Am I donating them? Who am I donating to? Am I giving them back to my community, which is predominately white? Is there a way I can go marginally out of my way to donate the clothes to a different area that could benefit from the items I am letting go of, therefore creating a bigger impact and working against the systems which have played against BIPOC?
So much here that I had never even considered in relation to minimalism/downsizing movement and how it effects races differently. Another area where my privilege was showing: the fact that I could consider minimalism without thinking about any ulterior motives or impacts to me is another example of my white privilege and ignorance. Great book, really eye-opening and educational.
Platt takes minimalism to the next level by not only getting to the base of why we hoard, why we keep/want more, but also the ethical implications to minimalism as a movement. She goes over the problematic basis of western minimalism culture and how to practice minimalism in a way that serves you, but taking into consideration the systems involved in the various areas. Platt also provides the historical context and present-day analysis into this dichotomy between minimalism from white and black perspectives. Some systems do not directly impact me (since I am not black), but Platt works through the systems in a way where I see the impact I can have on systems by how I choose to practice minimalism.
I think my favorite/most impactful example of this Platt mentioned would be how to go about downsizing: am I going through my old clothes and, the ones that do not serve me anymore, am I throwing them away? Am I donating them? Who am I donating to? Am I giving them back to my community, which is predominately white? Is there a way I can go marginally out of my way to donate the clothes to a different area that could benefit from the items I am letting go of, therefore creating a bigger impact and working against the systems which have played against BIPOC?
So much here that I had never even considered in relation to minimalism/downsizing movement and how it effects races differently. Another area where my privilege was showing: the fact that I could consider minimalism without thinking about any ulterior motives or impacts to me is another example of my white privilege and ignorance. Great book, really eye-opening and educational.
January 1, 2024
DNF at 31%. This books was not only filled with grammatical errors but also repetitive. I think this book could be beneficial for someone who is looking to declutter their life. The insight Platt gives on how Minimalism Minimalism to being Pro Black is very surface level. Things I learned in my first week of my Africana studies class. This book in my opinion lacks depth and even a lot of research. What Platt is trying to say can be summed up in 20 pages. Making this a 200+ page book is redundant and boring.
April 26, 2022
If you are curious about minimalism or are beginning your journey to wanting to live with less, I’d recommend reading this book first. Christine Platt’s view on minimalism is very similar to my own. And I’ve often felt that minimalism was “too white� both in the literal sense of aesthetic with white walls but also in the skin color of the people writing, talking and producing products on minimalism. I am grateful for Christine Platt being in the minimalist world and speaking to a broader audience.
Here is the big takeaway: You can be a minimalist and not sleep on a mattress on the floor or have a home that feels sterile and cold. Throw pillows are allowed! 😁 You can also be a minimalist and embrace your culture and celebrate the things that you love. The point of minimalism, and this is where Christine and I really aline, is to live with intention on what you bring into your life.
Intention.
Not buying the candle cause it’s on clearance, knowing you have a shelf of them at home, unused.
Spending more time living the life you are meant to live rather than keeping up with the Jones’s and some obscure idea of wealth.
Check out this book and begin the process of living with intention.
Here is the big takeaway: You can be a minimalist and not sleep on a mattress on the floor or have a home that feels sterile and cold. Throw pillows are allowed! 😁 You can also be a minimalist and embrace your culture and celebrate the things that you love. The point of minimalism, and this is where Christine and I really aline, is to live with intention on what you bring into your life.
Intention.
Not buying the candle cause it’s on clearance, knowing you have a shelf of them at home, unused.
Spending more time living the life you are meant to live rather than keeping up with the Jones’s and some obscure idea of wealth.
Check out this book and begin the process of living with intention.
December 30, 2021
First, I have to say that I loved this book! I have been very conscious of the fact that I can be a mindless consumer, particularly when it comes to clothes and shoes. I learned my habits from my overindulgent/hoarder mother who often tried to hide her purchases from my all-knowing father. I am not a hoarder, but I definitely purchase far more than I need to. This book helped put my buying frenzies into perspective and provided me with a ton of useful, straightforward tips on how to do minimalism my way. I can curate the minimalism of my dreams and do not have to subscribe to a certain aesthetic just to have less. This was a great read for those looking to be more conscious/responsible consumers and for those looking to free up money that was spent mindlessly on stuff you don’t, as the author says “need, use, or love.� More money in your pocket will allow you to do the things and see the places that speak to your soul. Loved, loved, loved this book!
July 23, 2021
Absolutely loved this book!
January 20, 2022
An easy read that made me think of past and future purchases. This book challenges the stereotypical definitions of minimalism. I enjoyed the “for the culture� snippets in the book but I wish they were at the end of chapters. It was difficult to jump from the text to the snippets. I found some parts repetitive but overall I enjoyed the book.
3.75
3.75
June 17, 2021
I am already a fan of Christine Platt's writing. My grade-school aged daughters and I have read all of her historical readers for kids, as well as every single book in her Ana & Andrew series. In fact, my youngest reads Platt's story about Harriet Tubman at least once a week. I also follow Platt on Instagram and have long enjoyed reading about her journey as The Afrominimalist, though I have never seen myself as someone who would become a minimalist. Still, I pre-ordered this book because I was curious to learn more. I received my copy two days ago and have already finished it. In fact, I've started to read it again -- this time, to take notes. Seriously. The biggest surprise for me is that I feel as if she is talking directly to me, especially when she talks about WHY we buy so many things, and that if we don't address this underlying issue, no amount of purging, spring cleaning, or tidying up will last beyond the next season. I understand now that I don't need to identify as a "Minimalist" to be more thoughtful about what I buy and why I buy it. And I'm beginning to understand how living with less may actually fill me up even more. I can't wait to start putting all of Platt's wisdom into action. Obviously, I HIGHLY recommend this book!
August 14, 2022
re-read 8/14/22: ugh LOVE this book still. a great reminder to be more intentional in life.
original read 8/1/21:
i’ve been flirting with minimalism for the past 4 years, and was really serious about it in the beginning, being very conscious of my own consumption and what i bring into my home. once the pandemic hit, an overwhelming sense of hopeless hit me and i began coping by purchasing things - books, clothes, decor, unnecessarily expensive cat furniture, and kitchen appliances that i still don’t use.
i bought The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less to reset my minimalism and get back into a healthy way of living my life, and this book couldn’t have come at a better time for me. not only does this book take a more forgiving approach to minimalism, but it also strives to make you think about WHY you buy things and why it’s hard to let go of things.
This book also has amazing excerpts titled “For The Culture� throughout the book that apply to folks in the Black community who are looking into minimalism � these excerpts are meant to give insight into cultural norms when it comes to spending habits and dissects them and offers solutions based on Christine’s experience with minimalism.
I’ve read a LOT of minimalism books in my time � and they are ALL white authors with the exception of Marie Kondo. It is refreshing to see a new perspective in the minimalism space that gives BIPOC a space to feel included in the minimalism discussion.
original read 8/1/21:
i’ve been flirting with minimalism for the past 4 years, and was really serious about it in the beginning, being very conscious of my own consumption and what i bring into my home. once the pandemic hit, an overwhelming sense of hopeless hit me and i began coping by purchasing things - books, clothes, decor, unnecessarily expensive cat furniture, and kitchen appliances that i still don’t use.
i bought The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less to reset my minimalism and get back into a healthy way of living my life, and this book couldn’t have come at a better time for me. not only does this book take a more forgiving approach to minimalism, but it also strives to make you think about WHY you buy things and why it’s hard to let go of things.
This book also has amazing excerpts titled “For The Culture� throughout the book that apply to folks in the Black community who are looking into minimalism � these excerpts are meant to give insight into cultural norms when it comes to spending habits and dissects them and offers solutions based on Christine’s experience with minimalism.
I’ve read a LOT of minimalism books in my time � and they are ALL white authors with the exception of Marie Kondo. It is refreshing to see a new perspective in the minimalism space that gives BIPOC a space to feel included in the minimalism discussion.
January 12, 2022
Like the author, I inadvertently fell into a journey toward minimalism a few years ago when going through several life transitions. The pandemic has hastened that. Between lockdowns, quarantines, and remote work, I’ve realized how much stuff (especially clothing) I have around that I no longer need. Because of that, the journey has become more intentional.
I purchased this book looking for some guidance on the process. It wasn’t always helpful in that regard. But, even more valuable, this book gives insight into minimalism as a way of life. For me, some of the concepts provided are even spiritual. It offers guidance about intentionality and discovering authenticity that can be applied not only to things, but relationships, career, activities, and more.
I purchased this book looking for some guidance on the process. It wasn’t always helpful in that regard. But, even more valuable, this book gives insight into minimalism as a way of life. For me, some of the concepts provided are even spiritual. It offers guidance about intentionality and discovering authenticity that can be applied not only to things, but relationships, career, activities, and more.
July 18, 2021
Thoughtful and light. Challenging in an sensitive way. Tended toward repetitiveness which could have lended to a shortened text. Beautiful designs but not always thoughtfully placed. Several grammatical errors throughout the text which caused me to re-read passages for understanding. But the most valuable takeaway is her drive to understand why…This would be a nice text to supplement the Marie Kondo book/method. I did enjoy this text. And with a few changes I’d have given it a 4 or 5. For a first time author, it was a job well done. 3.5/5
September 1, 2023
Some valid points, creative layout, some interesting anecdotes but all in all could have been 50-75 pages shorter. I’m assuming I’m not the target audience for this book and the constant refrain felt like preaching to the choir after the 15th time of hearing certain points.
February 8, 2022
As a professional organizer, I read a lot (and I mean *a lot*) of books about downsizing, organizing, minimalism, and related topics. There are many that I don't even finish (and thus don't review on ŷ), so by the time something makes it to my review page, it means I've found things to appreciate, respect and enjoy.
I really liked how Christine Platt approaches the topic. First, she centers her focus on the psychological (and psychosocial) aspects of clutter and excess. She folds in many of the traditional psychological trappings of clutter as a result of consumerism, and addresses concepts such as the endowment effect (without referring to it by name or linking to the research).
But what sets this book apart from anything I've seen before is that Platt, true to her title as The Afrominimalist, looks at the acquisition of excess with regard to how it relates to generations of the African diaspora and in particular, Black people in America.
It would be disingenuous to talk about the concept of "keeping up with the Joneses" without looking at how, historically, wealth and power were concentrated in the hands of the wealthy and white, and how Black Americans (and other marginalized people in our country, whom she references) lived with the risk of losing their families, their possessions, and any efforts toward building wealth. She also makes a point to examine the role of status through possessions, both within the Black community and for Blacks in America in general. Platt excels at all of this, and because nobody else in the organizing/downsizing community ever seems to write about this, it's refreshing and compelling.
And yet, one can easily read this book with a minimal understanding of these issues and focus purely on the concepts regarding the causes of excessive acquisition. (You'd miss the nuanced and robust history referenced, but you would certain get the essentials.) In other words, Platt covers culture, but you don't have to have experienced Black culture to understand living with clutter and excess.
The first part of the book is about the psychology, and it's the part that is particularly essential to readers, as it covers ground that is too rarely written about in the organizing, downsizing, and minimalism realm.
The second section of the book mostly focuses on changing one's mindset. Given the socioeconomic and psychological underpinnings discussed in the first part of the book, Platt teaches the readers how to investigate the history of what they've been taught by parents and caregivers (and, by extension, the community), and learn to forgive them for teaching the "wrong," or untenable, lessons. She then looks at how to forgive oneself on the journey to letting go of items and encourages the "paying it forward" of items.
The latter part of the second section of the book focuses on the practicalities of downsizing, and this is where the book loses one star from me. It's not bad, but lacking. As a professional organizer, I know that these kinds of books need to have more than a good rubric (through Platt's "love, need, use" rubric absolutely is a good one). 14 or so page on how to let go of things is not enough. The practicalities aren't there. Either you have to bring them, or acknowledge that you won't and send the reader elsewhere.
In some ways, I think Platt's readers might have been better served if she'd pointed them towards other books, or articles, or professionals to spell out the behavioral steps necessary to get from "knowing" to "doing." Her words acknowledge that it's a difficult process to let go, but her description of the process is so limited in scope that I know that even my situationally disorganized clients (let alone chronically disorganized clients) would not be able to act (on their own) upon the practical advice with much level of success.
And, as is the case when almost anyone who does not work as a professional organizer writes about these topics, she fails to acknowledge the neurological aspects that separate situationally disorganized clients from chronically disorganized clients and people with hoarding disorders, and the related need for outside help.
A quick reference to "hoarding" suggests the need for psychological support, but otherwise, there's no mention of neurological complexity in this whole process. And while the author does mention one professional organizer in passing on one page, the book really lacks references to the physical and psychological support mechanisms for people reading her work. Even part of a page in the back of the book would have been helpful to people in need of putting her wise advice into practice.
The book then closes out with some smart language on environmental sustainability, the economics of fast fashion, and how the intentionality of minimalism is meaningful globally and not to just the individual.
And, indeed, Platt does a stellar job painting minimalism as not about having less of everything, but about having what is intentionally curated and personally and culturally meaningful. This is worth the price of admission, as too few books on minimalism get and explain that accurately rather than using it as a rallying point for any given author's pet approach and beliefs.
In the end, it seems she used about a dozen reference citations, mainly articles in mainstream media. I'd have liked to have seen more reference citations for the some of the claims, not because I doubt them, but because I'd like to do more research and understand the topics she referenced more deeply. I'll consider this a primer and work to dig more deeply on my own.
In other words, Platt does a fabulous job on the parts that most people ignore (Black history, socioeconomic as well as cultural), she kind of ignores the parts that most people write about (the skills necessary for downsizing), and completely ignores the psychological and neurological dynamics that play a part in this discussion outside the realm of her lived and researched experience. No author should have to write the book we want to read; each should write what he or she cares most about. But I'd have been happier to read the book if she'd have replaced more of the lesser parts with more of the rich material at which Platt, herself, is an expert.
The writing is crisp, personal, vulnerable, and straight-shooting, with a wisdom based in Platt's academic and professional depth of research. I look forward to reading more of her work, as I imagine Platt will publish more on this topic.
TLDR: Platt does a great job of looking at the true meaning of minimalism and the cultural and psychological underpinnings of the acquisition of clutter that can be reversed by minimalism. She loses the thread of the book with limited practical advice and a lack of comprehension of or reference to the psychological and neurological issues that go beyond the ordinary or beyond the unique issues of people of the diaspora.
I really liked how Christine Platt approaches the topic. First, she centers her focus on the psychological (and psychosocial) aspects of clutter and excess. She folds in many of the traditional psychological trappings of clutter as a result of consumerism, and addresses concepts such as the endowment effect (without referring to it by name or linking to the research).
But what sets this book apart from anything I've seen before is that Platt, true to her title as The Afrominimalist, looks at the acquisition of excess with regard to how it relates to generations of the African diaspora and in particular, Black people in America.
It would be disingenuous to talk about the concept of "keeping up with the Joneses" without looking at how, historically, wealth and power were concentrated in the hands of the wealthy and white, and how Black Americans (and other marginalized people in our country, whom she references) lived with the risk of losing their families, their possessions, and any efforts toward building wealth. She also makes a point to examine the role of status through possessions, both within the Black community and for Blacks in America in general. Platt excels at all of this, and because nobody else in the organizing/downsizing community ever seems to write about this, it's refreshing and compelling.
And yet, one can easily read this book with a minimal understanding of these issues and focus purely on the concepts regarding the causes of excessive acquisition. (You'd miss the nuanced and robust history referenced, but you would certain get the essentials.) In other words, Platt covers culture, but you don't have to have experienced Black culture to understand living with clutter and excess.
The first part of the book is about the psychology, and it's the part that is particularly essential to readers, as it covers ground that is too rarely written about in the organizing, downsizing, and minimalism realm.
The second section of the book mostly focuses on changing one's mindset. Given the socioeconomic and psychological underpinnings discussed in the first part of the book, Platt teaches the readers how to investigate the history of what they've been taught by parents and caregivers (and, by extension, the community), and learn to forgive them for teaching the "wrong," or untenable, lessons. She then looks at how to forgive oneself on the journey to letting go of items and encourages the "paying it forward" of items.
The latter part of the second section of the book focuses on the practicalities of downsizing, and this is where the book loses one star from me. It's not bad, but lacking. As a professional organizer, I know that these kinds of books need to have more than a good rubric (through Platt's "love, need, use" rubric absolutely is a good one). 14 or so page on how to let go of things is not enough. The practicalities aren't there. Either you have to bring them, or acknowledge that you won't and send the reader elsewhere.
In some ways, I think Platt's readers might have been better served if she'd pointed them towards other books, or articles, or professionals to spell out the behavioral steps necessary to get from "knowing" to "doing." Her words acknowledge that it's a difficult process to let go, but her description of the process is so limited in scope that I know that even my situationally disorganized clients (let alone chronically disorganized clients) would not be able to act (on their own) upon the practical advice with much level of success.
And, as is the case when almost anyone who does not work as a professional organizer writes about these topics, she fails to acknowledge the neurological aspects that separate situationally disorganized clients from chronically disorganized clients and people with hoarding disorders, and the related need for outside help.
A quick reference to "hoarding" suggests the need for psychological support, but otherwise, there's no mention of neurological complexity in this whole process. And while the author does mention one professional organizer in passing on one page, the book really lacks references to the physical and psychological support mechanisms for people reading her work. Even part of a page in the back of the book would have been helpful to people in need of putting her wise advice into practice.
The book then closes out with some smart language on environmental sustainability, the economics of fast fashion, and how the intentionality of minimalism is meaningful globally and not to just the individual.
And, indeed, Platt does a stellar job painting minimalism as not about having less of everything, but about having what is intentionally curated and personally and culturally meaningful. This is worth the price of admission, as too few books on minimalism get and explain that accurately rather than using it as a rallying point for any given author's pet approach and beliefs.
In the end, it seems she used about a dozen reference citations, mainly articles in mainstream media. I'd have liked to have seen more reference citations for the some of the claims, not because I doubt them, but because I'd like to do more research and understand the topics she referenced more deeply. I'll consider this a primer and work to dig more deeply on my own.
In other words, Platt does a fabulous job on the parts that most people ignore (Black history, socioeconomic as well as cultural), she kind of ignores the parts that most people write about (the skills necessary for downsizing), and completely ignores the psychological and neurological dynamics that play a part in this discussion outside the realm of her lived and researched experience. No author should have to write the book we want to read; each should write what he or she cares most about. But I'd have been happier to read the book if she'd have replaced more of the lesser parts with more of the rich material at which Platt, herself, is an expert.
The writing is crisp, personal, vulnerable, and straight-shooting, with a wisdom based in Platt's academic and professional depth of research. I look forward to reading more of her work, as I imagine Platt will publish more on this topic.
TLDR: Platt does a great job of looking at the true meaning of minimalism and the cultural and psychological underpinnings of the acquisition of clutter that can be reversed by minimalism. She loses the thread of the book with limited practical advice and a lack of comprehension of or reference to the psychological and neurological issues that go beyond the ordinary or beyond the unique issues of people of the diaspora.
April 5, 2022
I listened to the audiobook version, which is read by the author. There were several takeaways for me:
- The minimalist movement is primarily led by white folks.
- For some reason, minimalism tends to mean devoid of color.
- I have too much stuff and I don't need it all.
- There's a lot of mental work you have to do before tackling all of your stuff.
Throughout, the author's mantra is "Need. Use. Love." and you're supposed to ask yourself if you need something, if you use it, and if you love it in deciding whether to keep, donate, rehome, or trash the item. While I like the idea of this, I'm not as sold on it in practice because, after 2 years of working from home, I don't love basically any of my work clothes but I need them and will probably use them again so then they stay.
Two bigger things which go unaddressed (or, if they were, I missed them).
1) There's an assumption that you're middle-class or above economically and fairly secure in that position. Which is to say that the idea that you can get rid of something now and re-acquire it later if you truly need it, is one rooted in economic privilege that not everyone has.
2) Related to the above, there's nothing in here about how to address changes in your economic status. For example, someone who grew up with less may be more likely to hold on to things that get used incredibly rarely out of fear of not being able to have/buy said item when it is truly needed. I don't have the answers here and apparently neither does the author.
In case you're wondering, it's been almost a month since I finished listening to this one and I've done nothing with any of the things in my house despite having intentions to start decluttering as soon as I started the book. Maybe I took the author too literally when she said don't start going through things right away?
- The minimalist movement is primarily led by white folks.
- For some reason, minimalism tends to mean devoid of color.
- I have too much stuff and I don't need it all.
- There's a lot of mental work you have to do before tackling all of your stuff.
Throughout, the author's mantra is "Need. Use. Love." and you're supposed to ask yourself if you need something, if you use it, and if you love it in deciding whether to keep, donate, rehome, or trash the item. While I like the idea of this, I'm not as sold on it in practice because, after 2 years of working from home, I don't love basically any of my work clothes but I need them and will probably use them again so then they stay.
Two bigger things which go unaddressed (or, if they were, I missed them).
1) There's an assumption that you're middle-class or above economically and fairly secure in that position. Which is to say that the idea that you can get rid of something now and re-acquire it later if you truly need it, is one rooted in economic privilege that not everyone has.
2) Related to the above, there's nothing in here about how to address changes in your economic status. For example, someone who grew up with less may be more likely to hold on to things that get used incredibly rarely out of fear of not being able to have/buy said item when it is truly needed. I don't have the answers here and apparently neither does the author.
In case you're wondering, it's been almost a month since I finished listening to this one and I've done nothing with any of the things in my house despite having intentions to start decluttering as soon as I started the book. Maybe I took the author too literally when she said don't start going through things right away?
October 27, 2022
Christine Platt, the Afrominimalist, writes of how to make minimalism work for you. While she mentions other organizers such as Marie Kondo (does it spark joy) and methods of minimalism (organization vs decluttering vs extreme minimalism vs the tiny house movement), she has effectively coined her own offshoot. Coming from an empathy and community-oriented mindset, she urges readers to think about not only why they've purchased what they've purchased, but the true longevity of the item. You can remove an article of clothing from your closet, for example, but its life long outlasts your address.
She also makes note of her dislike of the word "purging" when decluttering. Such language denotes minimalism and organization as negative acts, when really, it should be a process that brings clarity and authenticity.
Furthermore, she uses quotations, snippets, and statistics to drive her points home. Being intentional, she argues, is the best way to curb one's materialistic appetite. Did you know that money in black communities stay in those communities for only 6 hours? In white communities, that money can stay for up to 3 weeks. In Asian communities, upwards of a month. Where you spend your money matters! So spend your money on items that are crafted, beautiful, authentic, and go towards your community. This will make your purchases more intentional and meaningful.
Platt also discusses the struggle of one's closet (how much is too much? should I use a capsule wardrobe?) and moving (why use storage? don't make all your purchases to fill your home all at once!).
This is bound to be a supremely helpful guide for those interested in both minimalism and intentional living.
She also makes note of her dislike of the word "purging" when decluttering. Such language denotes minimalism and organization as negative acts, when really, it should be a process that brings clarity and authenticity.
Furthermore, she uses quotations, snippets, and statistics to drive her points home. Being intentional, she argues, is the best way to curb one's materialistic appetite. Did you know that money in black communities stay in those communities for only 6 hours? In white communities, that money can stay for up to 3 weeks. In Asian communities, upwards of a month. Where you spend your money matters! So spend your money on items that are crafted, beautiful, authentic, and go towards your community. This will make your purchases more intentional and meaningful.
Platt also discusses the struggle of one's closet (how much is too much? should I use a capsule wardrobe?) and moving (why use storage? don't make all your purchases to fill your home all at once!).
This is bound to be a supremely helpful guide for those interested in both minimalism and intentional living.
August 25, 2021
This was an excellent introduction to the mindful minimalist lifestyle. While the writing is geared more towards the African American minimalist, everyone can learn from it.
In this small book, the author gives a brief overview of why she chose to be a minimalist, and her struggles to overcome stereotypes, expectations of her elders, and assumptions by her coworkers on how she should live and what she should own. She also discusses how the need to buy and own a lot of stuff is not only a status symbol for minorities, but also provides a sense of comfort to its owners. The last part of the book are gentle guidelines on how to declutter and live happily with less in a society that encourages more.
I found it admirable that the author continually reminded those looking to declutter that they shouldn’t blame, but understand others' mindset of encouraging them to buy stuff. Through a brief discussion of the history ofAfrican American communities in the U.S. and the mindset of elder family members, she shows that it is easy to blame circumstances for one's desire to hoard. However, she reminds one that forgiveness is more important, and understanding the circumstances one's grandparents grew up in is also vital for healthy relationships.
Lastly, it was encouraging to read a book about minimalism by someone who does not condone the monotone colors and blah decorating style that is so common with the aesthetic minimalist movement. Instead, she insists that it is possible to maintain one's personal style and decorating preferences while still living with less.
Eye-opening, Encouraging, and Refreshing, this is one of the best minimalist lifestyle books I've read!
In this small book, the author gives a brief overview of why she chose to be a minimalist, and her struggles to overcome stereotypes, expectations of her elders, and assumptions by her coworkers on how she should live and what she should own. She also discusses how the need to buy and own a lot of stuff is not only a status symbol for minorities, but also provides a sense of comfort to its owners. The last part of the book are gentle guidelines on how to declutter and live happily with less in a society that encourages more.
I found it admirable that the author continually reminded those looking to declutter that they shouldn’t blame, but understand others' mindset of encouraging them to buy stuff. Through a brief discussion of the history ofAfrican American communities in the U.S. and the mindset of elder family members, she shows that it is easy to blame circumstances for one's desire to hoard. However, she reminds one that forgiveness is more important, and understanding the circumstances one's grandparents grew up in is also vital for healthy relationships.
Lastly, it was encouraging to read a book about minimalism by someone who does not condone the monotone colors and blah decorating style that is so common with the aesthetic minimalist movement. Instead, she insists that it is possible to maintain one's personal style and decorating preferences while still living with less.
Eye-opening, Encouraging, and Refreshing, this is one of the best minimalist lifestyle books I've read!
May 24, 2022
"Minimalism is a way to liberate yourself from things that no longer serve you, behaviors that do not benefit you, and expectations that do not align with your personal mission and vision"
This book is phenomenal. I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author and thought her narration was great.
I've read other books on minimalism, all of them very practical with step-by-step processes. And I've seen the many examples of a "minimalist" aesthetic full of all white everything and clean lines, much of which does not excite me at all. I LOVE that Christine Platt does not ascribe to a minimalist aesthetic and actually cautions against trying to copy the aesthetic of others. Instead, she encourages authetic expression of yourself, through whatever colors, patterns, and textures you love.
What sets this book apart is its exploration of the psychological aspect of why we accumulate things we don't need. Digging into conspicuous consumption and the psychology behind attaching to things were extremely helpful. I found all of the questions she asks very applicable. Additionally, there are sections of the book tailored to issues faced by marginalized communities, and most specifically the Black community. While I am white, these sections were so educational and helpful in continuing to learn and develop empathy.
This book would be enjoyed by anyone curious about minimalism or who has tried other methods in the past but still finds themselves accumulating more stuff.
This book is phenomenal. I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author and thought her narration was great.
I've read other books on minimalism, all of them very practical with step-by-step processes. And I've seen the many examples of a "minimalist" aesthetic full of all white everything and clean lines, much of which does not excite me at all. I LOVE that Christine Platt does not ascribe to a minimalist aesthetic and actually cautions against trying to copy the aesthetic of others. Instead, she encourages authetic expression of yourself, through whatever colors, patterns, and textures you love.
What sets this book apart is its exploration of the psychological aspect of why we accumulate things we don't need. Digging into conspicuous consumption and the psychology behind attaching to things were extremely helpful. I found all of the questions she asks very applicable. Additionally, there are sections of the book tailored to issues faced by marginalized communities, and most specifically the Black community. While I am white, these sections were so educational and helpful in continuing to learn and develop empathy.
This book would be enjoyed by anyone curious about minimalism or who has tried other methods in the past but still finds themselves accumulating more stuff.
August 23, 2021
I loved this book. I have been following Christine on Instagram since 2020, when Courtney Carver (of Be More With Less) mentioned Christine's IG account on her own IG page. I came to be interested in minimalism in 2017 when I was experiencing pain and was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. Although I made progress in observing how I spent / consumed, I still have / had a long way to go.
What I loved about the book was the depth into personal decisions around minimalism and really looking at your own situation to see why you have made the decisions around what you purchased and how it actually has impacted your job / life. The book talks a lot about values and there is much food for thought in our individual contributions to consumerism and the ethics / waste around that.
Despite that heavy introspection, Christine reminds us to forgive our past selfs and focus on our current intentions. I have been reading this book for a couple of months and definitely have started moving the needle on my minimalism / simplicity towards a more personal / less numbers based process. I found the book really inspirational and underlined a lot of quotes to come back to recenter me on the journey!
What I loved about the book was the depth into personal decisions around minimalism and really looking at your own situation to see why you have made the decisions around what you purchased and how it actually has impacted your job / life. The book talks a lot about values and there is much food for thought in our individual contributions to consumerism and the ethics / waste around that.
Despite that heavy introspection, Christine reminds us to forgive our past selfs and focus on our current intentions. I have been reading this book for a couple of months and definitely have started moving the needle on my minimalism / simplicity towards a more personal / less numbers based process. I found the book really inspirational and underlined a lot of quotes to come back to recenter me on the journey!
September 13, 2021
I listened to the audiobook and the author's voice is very soothing. I really liked the author's stance on making minimalism your own; it doesn't always have to equal white walls and neutral tones. I think this is true of any intentional practice, but Christine Platt articulates this very well.
As Christine Platt mentions in the book, mainstream minimalism, like many mainstream things, often centers around the white face. I am very glad Christine Platt added her voice to the minimalist conversation and definitely think this book is one of the better ones around minimalism. She emphasized the importance of being authentic and intentional, which I loved. Towards the end, I also thought she did a great job of explaining why "sustainable" fashion is more expensive and why it's worth it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in minimalism or in living an intentional life.
As Christine Platt mentions in the book, mainstream minimalism, like many mainstream things, often centers around the white face. I am very glad Christine Platt added her voice to the minimalist conversation and definitely think this book is one of the better ones around minimalism. She emphasized the importance of being authentic and intentional, which I loved. Towards the end, I also thought she did a great job of explaining why "sustainable" fashion is more expensive and why it's worth it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in minimalism or in living an intentional life.
July 7, 2022
Good truths are often difficult ones, and there are a lot of good truths in here. I initially developed an interest in minimalism years ago, but it didn't seem like anything in the minimalist space was something I could connect with. The Afrominimalist is different. The way that Platt links consumerism to status seeking behaviors and the psychology of ownership and money scripts brought together a lot of things I already knew but never thought about in an intersectional way before.
There are two simple things that Platt kept going back to that are among the top truths I'm taking away from this. It's not a deal if it doesn't serve you, and it's important to take some and leave some. For the second one, she was referring to things she read and came across in her own minimalist journey, but it applies everywhere. It's okay to read something or experience something, take what you need from it, and leave the rest behind. Knowledge is rarely an all-or-nothing situation.
There are two simple things that Platt kept going back to that are among the top truths I'm taking away from this. It's not a deal if it doesn't serve you, and it's important to take some and leave some. For the second one, she was referring to things she read and came across in her own minimalist journey, but it applies everywhere. It's okay to read something or experience something, take what you need from it, and leave the rest behind. Knowledge is rarely an all-or-nothing situation.
January 23, 2023
Incredible guide! I appreciate the author sharing her personal journey to minimalism and the cultural experiences and expectations that can influence consumerism and consumption. Despite our different cultures Christine Platt did an outstanding job of connecting her experiences to my own. My learning experience with this book was incredibly valuable and it will be a life-long guide in my consumer behavior.
The process shared is pretty straight forward yet involves some emotional messiness. I think that is the value in this guide. To adapt and maintain a minimalist lifestyle, you need to unpack your personal history of consumption and understand why you are the consumer you are. As you learn about yourself, you need to be able to forgive yourself and others for the habits you developed along the way. These two steps are unique to anything I have read or heard about minimalism and are essential if you want to successfully live a life with less. I cannot recommend this enough.
The process shared is pretty straight forward yet involves some emotional messiness. I think that is the value in this guide. To adapt and maintain a minimalist lifestyle, you need to unpack your personal history of consumption and understand why you are the consumer you are. As you learn about yourself, you need to be able to forgive yourself and others for the habits you developed along the way. These two steps are unique to anything I have read or heard about minimalism and are essential if you want to successfully live a life with less. I cannot recommend this enough.
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