What I particularly love is her philosophy for happiness, which is the subject of her new book, A Year of Living Simply. The clue is in the title. Remember the basics. Instead of barging through the day on autopilot, really stop to think about the tiniest little things that added a moment of joy. No, of course stopping and smelling the flowers won't cure all our ills and woes. But taking the time to savour the things that bring pleasure, really being in that moment and appreciating it, can remind you that most days have moments that buoy your mood.' - JO ELVIN, MAIL ON SUNDAY YOU I wondered why she had to fly to the Taos community with their recycled housing (using bottles and other reclaimed materials) in New Mexico. There is plenty of information about it, after all it's been going for over forty years. Recently I got very into Kate Humble’s television series Twice the Life for Half the Price. The premise is that families living in urban environments seek out a life in the country that delivers less of the stress of modern life and more of life on the land, for less money or at least relatively less for what they have in return. What distinguishes this programme from others about escaping to the country is that the lives they seek out are real and authentic country lives, rather than chocolate box versions bought out of their appreciated London assets and healthy pension pots. As a result the programme is both more accessible and more satisfying. In this book, Kate shares her journey to find out what it really means to live a simple life. Kate has a busy life, her tv career means that she travels around the country, often away from home for weeks at a time.

Some bits go on too long. I can’t believe how long the Earthships section went on for. Only for her to finish by revealing that they are primarily made with concrete so they’re not that good for the environment after all and that it’s better not to build a new house. Kate was born as Katherine Humble on Dec 12, 1968, in Wimbledon, London, England. Her ethnicity is English. The last person you textedMy friend Emma. She is staying at mycabin in France and had seen akingfisher for the first time in her life! Thanks to Netgalley, Aster publishing and Kate Humble for my digital copy of the book for my honest review.What I expected was not what I got. The author enjoyed a break in a remote area of France, so much so, she bought a place there herself. I’d defy anyone to read A Year of Living Simply and not be inspired to change something in their life. It may be something as simple as sorting a shelf (and I have) to a more life altering action as deciding to live off grid, but Kate Humble’s honest, beautifully written book feels like a true catalyst for change at the most personal of levels. This isn’t a self-help book but my word it delivers food for thought and ideas to enhance any reader’s life. It also affords a glimpse into the life of the author that feels a privilege to see.

Using a variety of different methods from death cleaning, to gardening and to meeting people who have changed their whole way of life to live a more simple existence, I found so much to relate to within this book. I often find myself at my happiest when I'm in my garden pottering, or with my nose in a book, and it looks at those simple pleasures and those distractions that help take you away from all the negatives and shift your mind into a happier state. I just felt aggrieved that she was promoting this simple life, but much of it would only be possible if you had the time and the funds to pursue it. So not really so simple then! And I felt she was slightly judgmental of those who didn’t aspire to these things whilst at the same time trying to be self deprecating about her own abilities eg with making bread.

A Year of Living Simply

Most people will recognise Kate Humble from telly. She’s a well-known face; honest, appealing, the kind of person you’d like to sit down and have a cuppa with and chat, knowing you’ll come away enriched by the experience. It’s thus a joy that Humble’s new book, A Year of Living Simply, reflects her broadcasting style. It’s conversational, thoughtful, funny, at times even profound, and just strips away a lot of the nonsense we’ve been obsessed with in our twenty-first century, all singing all dancing world, to what really matters: being happy and how we achieve it. Kate begins to wonder what, if anything, she can do to make life simpler. Her first project was to embark on a spot of gardening. She wants to learn how to grow fruit and veg in a dedicated section on her 4 acres of land! This sounded like a good place to start, the excitement and enjoyment of growing your own food. I did Springwatch at Pensthorpe, I’ve done lots of filming on the coast. It is a very beautiful part of the world. My husband also has good friends who farm there and I find myself there fairly often. And I’ve never seen mad March hares boxing anywhere better than Norfolk.” Kate Humble is a writer & broadcaster specialising in science, wildlife & rural affairs. She started her television career as a researcher, later presenting programmes such as ‘Animal Park’, ‘Springwatch’ and ‘Autumnwatch’. The timing of this means you could put your feet up with a cuppa in a cosy sweater and read about the tribulations of life beyond your door. It is an easy read and full of simple ideas and warmth.

The minute the book is opened, there is some sort of serenity about it and an optimism. Kate Humble talks briefly about some hard times that she has faced, but it moves onto a positive calmness. It is a joy to read about her walking in the countryside. I, myself am surrounded by countryside and yet, still feel this and a quiet calmness whilst reading this book, in a way I've never known quite possible through a book. A Year of Living Simply is the book that will urge you to reflect on the resources you use, re-prioritise what really holds value in your life, and to realise what true happiness really is. It will remind you to appreciate not only the origins of the materials around us, but also their versatility which will inspire readers to discover how to live more simply in their own lives.Bottom line - an enjoyable read if you know very little about alternative lifestyles/technologies and don't mind the pipedream that it might all come true for you, too. I didn’t get the chance to read until recently, by which time (as happens) my mood had changed somewhat and I couldn’t really remember why it was I had it. I began to read therefore a little bit grumpily and with unfair expectations that I would be preached at.