What are you currently reading? And bonus points if you can somehow find a connection to simple living, even if it is not about simple living.

I’ll start: I’m currently reading The Arabian Nights by Sir Richard Burton and… well it is grim but I love the simplicity of the short stories. I can pick the book, read a page or two inbetween chores while relaxing, and put the book back down.

(Sorry mod if this does not fit the community, I’ll delete if it doesn’t!)

  • TurtleTourParty@midwest.social
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    1 year ago

    The Plant Messiah by Carlos Magdalena. It’s a very interesting book about the author’s work saving endangered species of plants. I associate nature and an appreciation for local things with simple living and that’s what the author is trying to preserve.

    • Lazycog@lemmy.oneOP
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      1 year ago

      Have to put on my to-read list! Thanks for sharing :) Recently read Jane Goodall’s Book of Hope which is more about humanity and climate change, but with the same vibe you describe!

  • Kindymycin@lemmy.one
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    1 year ago

    The Great Hunt - Second book in The Wheel of Time series. I’m a sucker for fantasy serieses!From a simple living standpoint, I love how this genre tends to be set in medieval-like circumstances, which gives a window into simpler times to enjoy. Sometimes I wonder if we’d be better off living our daily lives like in medieval times, but improved by our advances in medicine, agriculture, etc.

    • Lazycog@lemmy.oneOP
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      1 year ago

      I’ve heard good things about that series! And I agree with how it relates to simple life. My favourite book series is the witcher and love how the main character “tries” to live a simple life lol.

      • Kindymycin@lemmy.one
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        1 year ago

        I’ve been thinking about getting into that series. I’ve heard they’re great. I loved the games and the Netflix show. Might check that out once I get thru the WoT 😀

        • Lazycog@lemmy.oneOP
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          1 year ago

          Highly recommend! It is a book series that gets you hooked, you won’t be able to stop 😄

  • ZenGrammy@beehaw.org
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    1 year ago

    No Mud, No Lotus, The Art of Transforming suffering by Thich Nhat Hanh. It’s obviously a book about Buddhism in general but the “trhansforming suffering” bit is about letting go of past traumas and chasiing things like money or power or possessions, and being happy with your life in it’s current state.

  • tinycarnivoroussheep@possumpat.io
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    1 year ago

    [insert joke about collecting your smut from public domain works. Sir Richard Burton was a very horny weirdo]

    I’m currently rereading my copies of the Natsume’s Book of Friends manga series. Very happy nice time reading.

    • Lazycog@lemmy.oneOP
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      1 year ago

      That was written on the preface text as well and… did not exaggerate lol.

      Oh that sounds like a chill read! Wish I could get into manga, but my brains just refuse to comply when it comes to reading panes right to left. Maybe it’s just lack of practice.

  • Brad@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    I’m actually reading a book called The Philosophy of Simple Living. It’s quite difficult to get into, but it’s a good book so far.

    • Lazycog@lemmy.oneOP
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      1 year ago

      Is it the book by Jerome Brillaud? I’ve been meaning to read a simple life book, but I feel like there are just way too many authors who wrote a lifestyle book to cash in on a trend… But since you are saying it has been good so far maybe I should give it a go!

      • Brad@lemm.ee
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        1 year ago

        That’s the one, it’s more of a philosophy book, im finding it interesting. I’m around a quater of the way through. Lots of quotes from the old greek philosophers. I’m enjoying it, but it’s quite a bit to read at times. To say it’s a book on simple living, the language used is far from simple.

        • Lazycog@lemmy.oneOP
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          1 year ago

          It actually sounds pretty good! Thanks for the tip, I’ll check out if I could possibly find it in the local library :)

  • OptimistPrime@sh.itjust.works
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    1 year ago

    I’m currently reading Cloud Atlas. Not related to simplicity. I saw the movie when it came out. I didn’t understand it at the time, but I’ll probably rewatch it when I’m done with the book.