Not Buying It by Judith Levine

What an interesting concept: to only buy necessities - and even then the author thought hard about the purchase.

This is a chronicle of the author and her husband’s year long project of not buying things they did not need. I love her candor about her project and her writing in general. Before starting, they shop and stock up.

During this project, they discover many free events and they make use of them. One was the public library. The author also talks about consumerism. Why do we buy the things we buy? Do we need them or is it because we have a coupon that expires which would make the price a steal? In the beginning, the author has a desire, almost a longing to buy something that is not needed. But by the end of the year, the she feels great about being able to walk through a store and not buy a single item. She doesn’t feel any urges whatsoever!

I admire their dedication!