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  • A Year of Living Simply

  • The Joys of a Life Less Complicated
  • By: Kate Humble
  • Narrated by: Kate Humble
  • Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (406 ratings)

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A Year of Living Simply cover art

A Year of Living Simply

By: Kate Humble
Narrated by: Kate Humble
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Summary

If there is one thing that most of us aspire to, it is, simply, to be happy. And yet attaining happiness has become, it appears, anything but simple. Having stuff - The Latest, The Newest, The Best Yet - is all too often peddled as the sure fire route to happiness. So why then, in our consumer-driven society, is depression, stress and anxiety ever more common, affecting every strata of society and every age, even, worryingly, the very young?

Why is it, when we have so much, that many of us still feel we are missing something and the rush of pleasure when we buy something new turns so quickly into a feeling of emptiness, or purposelessness, or guilt?

So what is the route to real, deep, long-lasting happiness?

Could it be that our lives have just become overly crowded, that we've lost sight of the things - the simple things - that give a sense of achievement, a feeling of joy or excitement? That make us happy. Do we need to take a step back, re-prioritise? Do we need to make our lives more simple?

Kate Humble's fresh and frank exploration of a stripped-back approach to life is uplifting, engaging and inspiring - and will help us all find balance and happiness every day.

©2020 Kate Humble (P)2020 Octopus Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"Simply wonderful." (Ben Fogle)

"Kate's book has the warmth and calming effect of a log fire and a glass of wine. Unknit your brow and let go. It's a treat." (Gareth Malone)

"Kate Humble pours her enviable knowledge into attainable goals. It's a winning combination and the prize - a life in balance with nature - is definitely worth claiming." (Lucy Siegle)

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What listeners say about A Year of Living Simply

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Simply inspiring…

Easy to listen to, simple suggestions and nicely narrated. I live with a small and beautiful garden and long to have a larger and even more beautiful garden one day and this book has inspired me even more…

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Loved it

Refreshing and informative. Lovely speaking voice and obviously loves her life, Kate speaks my language in so many ways. Love the recipes and the details of Joe and Beth’s house. Highly recommended. Thank you.

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I enjoyed the journey Kate went on.

It’s a reminder there is another way to live life without all the trappings we are told we can’t live without.

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Easy listening , good for the soul

I’d put this book on , driving to and fro from work. It brought calm and food for thought. A lovely read/ listen.

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Uplifting

A gentle validation of all those simple things that make life feel special - a book that I shall return to over and over.

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A superb book a must read!

I loved this book, it was made all the better by the author reading it herself. I enjoyed it so much I am going to buy a paper copy so I can read it again!

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A simple pleasure!

This book has just got me through a really horrible spell of illness, it has been my company and comfort these past three days of so. I didn't have the energy or inclination to pick up a book, or the headspace for the radio or TV. This book was a beautiful listen from start to finish. Thank you Kate.

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Just brilliant

There are very few books I would read or listen to again but this is one I will be.

Kate's stories are inspiring and I love listening to her gentle tone.

An inspiring book in so many way of learning to slow down and live more simply.

Thanks Kate for a brilliantly written book.

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A brilliant read, well read

A most enjoyable book. So descriptive, you can feel you are there Very enlightening and thought provoking

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A heartwarming book

I loved the book, I found it wonderful how Kate had intertwined much of her life’s work into the pages. Kate reading the book herself also made the experience much more genuine. So relatable and reassuring, Kate’s words make you really think about your own life and the small changes we can all make going forward.

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