Simple Life by Thom and Art Rainer (Review)

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: B&H Books; 1 edition (September 1, 2009)
ISBN-13: 978-0805448863

About the Book:
The research and change methods that made Simple Church a multiawarded, #1 ministry best seller are now applied to everyday matters in Simple Life.

Authors Thom S. Rainer and Art Rainer interviewed a cross-section of 1,077 individuals to confirm that most people feel their lives are overly stressful and misguided, not allowing enough time for what really counts. As they share these highly relatable stories, the Rainers chart a simple path from joyless to joyful.

Breaking life down into four key sections (God, Time, Relationships, Money), the authors show how four key goals (Clarity, Movement, Alignment, Focus) can begin to foster a life that is more spiritual and less busy, a life rich in experiences with family and friends rather than double-booked to-do lists and late nights at the office. The book even lays out an easy-to-follow action plan that will move readers assuredly toward the simple life in just thirty days.

My Review:
Overall this was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I am a single girl in late 20s. I have never been married or have children so many of the examples did not apply to me. The format made sense for the most part. I got a little confused in a few spots. I was able to pull out some good information and apply it to my life including this statement. What really matters is our relationship with God and others. We need to focus on these things. That is the simple life. People first. We need to eliminate even if means getting rid of something that is good that is focus. Clarity means you know where you are going. Movement is how we remove congestion to get where we need to go. Alignment is looking at bad habits and problems that are interfering with your progress. The authors discussed all four areas in relationship to God, Time, Money, and Relationships. The Simple Life is possible ironically it just takes effort. Recommended especially to families.

About the Author
Thom S. Rainer is president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, one of the largest Christian resource companies worldwide, and the best-selling coauthor of Simple Church. Rainer and his wife, Nellie Jo, have three grown sons and live in Nashville, Tennessee.

Art Rainer is a banking professional and freelance writer. He earned his MBA from the University of Kentucky and now lives with his wife, Sarah, near Miami, Florida.

Review copy provided by B+H Publishing Group.