The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less

Written by Christine Platt

Narrated by Christine Platt

Forget the aesthetics of mainstream minimalism and discover a life of authenticity and intention with this “warm, engaging guide” (Laura Fenton, author of The Little Book of Small Living) 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 many: 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. “By detailing her own maximalist-to-minimalist transformation, Platt puts readers at ease” (The Washington Post) and 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jun 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797131559

Christine Platt

Christine Platt is a modern-day Renaissance woman. From serving as an advocate for policy reform to using the power of storytelling as a tool for social change, Christine’s work reflects her practice of living with intention. She holds a BA in Africana studies, an MA in African American studies, and a JD in general law. Christine has written over two dozen literary works for people of all ages. When she’s not writing, Christine spends her time curating The Afrominimalist—a creative platform chronicling her journey to minimalism. Visit her online at TheAfrominimalist.com.

Reviews for The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less

[Keesha Jolly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing! I love that it focused on the important questions to ask oneself while decluttering instead of just telling you how to make a pile and decide whether to toss it or keep it. If we don't know why we're doing something in the first place we're destined to repeat it. This book made me really reflect and now I'm ready to proceed with decluttering and intentionally curating a space that suits my style. Thank you for this book, for sharing your truth, sharing important facts, and for speaking to African Americans in a way that felt like...I know what it's like, I've got you, let's do this!

[Sharon Lenoir · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent guide with practical tips to help me practice minimalism my way! I enjoyed it and have already started following the NEED-USE-LOVE technique!

[Marcella Lopez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can not recommend this book enough! She spoke not only the to global impacts of overconsumption, but to the very personal impacts to our wellbeing and growth. She encourages us to unpack where our spending and consumption habits come from, to hold compassion for ourselves and our community at the same time. I am so thankful for this book!

[Angel Mills · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a great book and affirmation for me to continue my minimalist journey!

[nick · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm enjoying this book. I wasn't sure if I should read since I was already on board with minimalism. I'm glad I did read it- this isn't the same ole minimalism info. I appreciate the psychology behind consumerism especiallyfor black people. I also ?"minimalism isn't a destination, it's a journey" so comforting. I started with project 333 (clothing) but now I see the "letting go process" trickling into other areas. I like the stories in between as well.

[Kalyn Wilson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great read/listen, especially if you want a “supportive” voice while actively working on decluttering.

[Lauren McColloch · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was excited to listen to a book on minimalism from a different perspective, but could not get past the fact that she could not get past the fact that I am white and was hoping to learn something from her.

[Nicole · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I 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.