Wow! I just received an email from a reader, congratulating me on my book being named to Amazon’s “Best Books of 2010.” To be honest, I had no idea what she was talking about – but oh my goodness, it’s true!
The Joy of Less has been chosen as one of the “Top 10 Books” of 2010 in the Home & Garden category. If you scroll down, you’ll see it at #6. I never hoped, nor dreamed, of receiving such an honor—not to mention being in the same company as the likes of Bill Bryson. :-)
I’m pretty shy when it comes to self-promotion, so I hope you’ll excuse my little happy dance here. I poured my heart, soul, and countless hours into writing those 286 pages, with the hope that its message—that less stuff can mean more happiness—would resonate with a few readers. I’m grateful, and truly humbled, that it’s been so well-received.
Most of all, though, I’d like to thank you—every one of you who has purchased my book, requested it from your library, reviewed it on your blog, or recommended it to a friend. You are the reason for its success, plain and simple. You inspired me to write it, you kept me motivated to finish it, and you celebrated with me when I published it. I wish I could give each of you a big hug and thank you personally, as these words I’m typing can’t begin to express my love and gratitude.
In writing the book, I wanted to convey that anyone can live a joyful life with less stuff—you don’t have to ditch your house, travel the world, or live out of a backpack. In fact, the benefits of decluttering can be even more powerful when you’re raising kids, making mortgage payments, and doing the 9-to-5. Simply getting rid of some excess stuff can energize you, liberate you, and change your entire perspective on life.
I thought if that message touched just one person, and helped them live a happier life, it’d be worth all the effort. But thanks to you, it’s touched more people than I ever imagined. Thank you so much for spreading the word, and helping The Joy of Less reach so many. I couldn’t have done it without you!
Congratulations, Francine!! That is so cool! What a nice surprise for you today. :) I’ll happy dance with you.
Congratulations! You definitely deserve to be in that category with Sir Bryson. Thanks for sharing your writings with us, and enjoy the moment!
Hey Francine, congratulations! That’s awesome, you definitely deserved it after all your hard work! Wow, it’s a great indication that the word is spreading about minimalism, thanks to you! I’m always looking forward to your posts, keep up the great work. :)
That’s terrific, Francine. This blog has been a true oasis for me — it’s nice to spend a few moments each day with a community of people who have learned that “less can be more.” I’m sure countless other readers feel the same way. Please keep at it!
Please enter me in the book giveaway and congratulations on making the Top Ten at Amazon!
I am a wife of nearly 29 years and a mom of 6 but I’m still trying to figure out who I am. Minimalism is helping me clear away all the excess, but I’m not sure yet what’s at the core or what I’ll end up keeping. I’ll keep the husband and kids but beyond them, I don’t know!
Congratulations Francine! That is wonderful and very much deserved! I’m so happy for you!
Congratulations! I look forward to your blog postings and always find something to help keep me on the path of minimalism. Enjoy your success.
I just KNEW this book was good! Isn’t it great to have that kind of affirmation, Francine? Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
I’m so happy for you and even more so for the way this award will help get the word out to even more people. Congratulations! And thank you.
hey francine!
nice. and i still swear by my favorite line in the book. AND btw have gotten many, many emails saying the same thing.
congratulations.
~janet
For the past several years I have been deep in thought about how I wanted to live my life differently going forward. I had no idea what that meant or entailed, I just knew I wanted to reinvent myself, slow down and enjoy life more. Minimalism has done just that and I am re-invigorated with life, the possibilities of scaling down, simplifying and changing my perspectives. I really do feel more at peace internally than ever before. It’s a good feeling.
Thanks for the continued inspiration and congratulations!
Congratulations. I look forward to getting my copy.
Congratulations! I’m happy to have been a little part of your sucess by purchasing on Kindle. OK, I admit to wanting a paper copy. So, shoot me. It is just one of those inspirational things that will be much read, and I hate that I don’t have one to hold. I HAVE released over 8000 books to other homes, so I’m not totally out of touch. You did a fantastic job, and well deserve the honor. Go, Girl!
Congratulations! Happy dance away, your book deserves it!
Congratulations, Francine! I just received my book yesterday and love it! I’m already fairly minimalist but love knowing there are kindred spirits out there!
Wow, great work. That would be a true honour to so well. I don’t have your book yet but if your posts are anything to go by it deserves to be in the top ten.
Congrats too! I just found your blog, loved it, and just received my own copy of your book from amazon.com. Maybe I helped contribute to your success – I sure do hope so. I am so inspired by your blog and quite happy to find someone else with a like mindset. Thank you and keep up the fantastic job! You have no idea how much you have helped me and so many others see the light. You are awesome! :)
How exciting, Francine, and big congratulations to you!
You may be surprised, Miss M.
The rest of us are not ;)
Congrats, Francine!
Congrats on the best book award. I bought the book 2 weeks ago. I love purging but always found stuff accumulating over and over. Now I have your advice to stop it at the door. After reading your book I now look forward to going home every night and purging one small area in my home. It is a joy to give away my things in the hope that someone else can use or treasure it. Thank you so much for your inspiring writing.
Congratulations Francine! Such an accomplishment!
Well done Francine! As Anne said in her email “You may be surprised but the rest of us are not”. You are simply wonderful and it shows not just in your latest book but your blog and philosophy. Your modesty just makes you even more endearing! Consider the Amazon accolade the first of many! And the beauty about this is that the ethos of minimalism should not bind you in trying to “top” your latest book with a “sequel”. In the spirit of minsumerism, you could stop right now but the message would carry on nonetheless! Thanks again for opening my eyes to a new way of thinking! London’s lucky to have you!
Congrats on your book, along with your lifestyle choice. After raising 4 children, 25 years of marriage, and then divorce, I chose to rethink my values. I left behind a newly built 5000 sq ft house with all of it’s contents and opted to purchase a small, modest townhouse. It is furnished with only what I need, and I put a lot of thought into anything non-consumable that enters my door. I have plenty of empty closet space, along with the peace of mind that you describe that is part of a minimalist lifestyle. I can focus on what’s important to me, family, upcoming retirement, travel, etc. without being bound to ‘things’. Thank you for the inspiring website! It has helped me with a direction I never thought I would choose, and am now so grateful that I did.
Congratulations! I’m not surprised. I’m not terribly cluttered, but the parts about how/where to best store ‘treasures’ gave me a lot to think about!
Well done Francine!!.
Happy dancing right beside you!!!!!
You deserved to win!!!!
Wow!! That’s fantastic news and WELL-DESERVED too!!! Congratulations!!
Congratulations Francine. That is a HUGE achievement! How do you plan to celebrate?
I’m thrilled and delighted for you. I also am looking forward to receiving my very own copy, as I bought myself a small present in the form of The Joy of Less.
Congratulations, Francine! Can you tell we’re all so proud of you! :-)
PS I just bought the book for my Kindle. Guess what I’ll be reading on the plane today? :-)
Many congratulations,Francine. Bought your book as soon as it was available on Amazon UK. Love it and keep refering to it. Its the best I have read on this subject. Very well written. I am 65 years old realize I have always been a minimalist and your blog and book are helping me and my husband to downsize from a large family home. We are so enjoying the freedom from stuff. You deserve this success, well done.
I’ve read a lot of minimalist books, and yours is definitely my favourite.
A huge win for the minimalist movement. I have a confession also…. you were the first minimalist blog that I stumbled across and set me straight on the path to freedom. I will always cherish you for that so thankyou and congratulations.
I love your blog (read every post in the past month!) and your book is on my (very) short wish list! Can’t wait to red it… :o)
What exciting news for your Francine, congratulations! I just love your book and continue to find your suggestions and insights useful. Enjoy the feeling of success, you deserve it!
That is brilliant, I really enjoyed the book myself and read it through several times. Each time I feel like it adds something new. Congrats to you.
Congratulations Francine! That’s awesome!
That is wonderful, Francine! I am so happy for you, and proud!
Oh congratulations! That’s fantastic!
This is certainly something to celebrate! Congrats!
I work in a sustainability job but it is my life that I have been transforming lately thanks to blogs such as yours. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation to change my life.
Oh Francine,
That’s the most wonderful thing!!! You must be doing the crazy happy dance right now!
My hats off to you!!!
Oops. I don’t have a hat! I gave it away.
Anyways, Congrats!
Congratulations!
I am so thrilled for you and it is well deserved. I know many people will be blessed and find freedom by reading the book. I have not read it yet, but love your blog and stay motivated by it alone. Congratulations!
Congratulations! It’s a fantastic book, and I’m taking my Kindle version with me on a shopping weekend with the girls (I’ll be reading outside changerooms!) to remind myself to enjoy the Christmas decorations, food,and company – and not get sucked into buying “junk” that no one at home wants or needs.
Awesome! My wife shared your book with me, and to my surprised delight, I loved it! We’ve just begun our minimalist journey, after years of being weighed down by junk, stuff, and more junk. Thanks for sharing your ideas with the world in your book…I’m not surprised it has become so popular. Congrats!
Congratulations on your success! And thank you for all your hard work that is helping everyone to live more simple lives. I have been pointing my cluttered friends into the direction of your website and letting them know how much it has helped me! :)
I can really feel how grateful you are through your words : ) It was well deserved. Congrats very much on your success : )
Congratulations on being in the Top Ten. Not only does it speak to your great work but also it speaks to the Minimalist/simplicity movement. As a society perhaps we are finally seeing the light and discovering that less really is more. The beauty of it all is that it seems that young people like you are the leaders of the minimalist movement. This gives me faith for the future. Us boomers have been lost in the “ultimate consumer mentality”. Perhaps the next generation will take your lead and not follow the more is better ideology of their boomer parents.
Keep up the good work.