Simply Imperfect: Revisiting the Wabi-Sabi House

I recently learned about this book by reading Robyn Lawrence's online column: Wabi-Sabi Wednesdays in Mother Earth News. I loved the column and bought the book. If you're interested in buying this book, and want to learn more about the content, I recommend you check out her column for some excerpts.The book starts off with an exploration and discovery of wabi-sabi in existing environments, then it moves into the history and philosophy of the wabi-sabi, the aesthetics, and the cultivation of a wabi-sabi lifestyle. One chapter, about 1/2 way through, is dedicated to reducing clutter and creating space for wabi-sabi. I found this section to be a great reminder that many of us have a difficult time with ideas like wabi-sabi because we have too much to do, we're too distracted, and we live in a cluttered world.Ironically, I found the layout of the book to distract from the content. The main text is frequently interrupted with anecdotes, images, examples, and lists that often span more than one page and repeatedly disrupt the flow of the chapter. These disruptions become longer and more frequent as you move into the body of the book. Eventually, it feels like the anecdotes are competing with the main text, causing the reader to feel like they are being constantly interrupted by the kid with all the answers.This is a good DIY book for creative people looking for ideas and inspiration, but not a book I'd recommend for an introspective study of wabi-sabi.

Overall an enjoyable read. There was a lot devoted to tea ceremonies etc and I felt like it was a little more head candy than I had hoped for. Still worth the read, just not exactly what I had hope to find in the way of more guidance to begin this path.

I've studied Wabi-Sabi on a serious level and I find it ironic that a book about Wabi-Sabi gives you shopping and home decorating advice. Granted, it's a tough concept to really grasp, but when it gets boiled down to picking out the proper knick-knacks and flooring you sort of the lose the point. On a more positive note, I think Ms. Lawrence might inspire some her readers to take it to the next level and discover the philosophy is much deeper than nicely repaired tea bowls and rusty artifacts to hang on the wall. I would suggest the reader think of this book as Wabi-Sabi 1.0 and take it from there, if so inspired.

Expansive thoughts on something not really needing expansive contemplation. But lovely nevertheless. Just looking at the quiet cover brought me peace and calm.

Just reading about the author's experiences and observations inspires me to open up more and more to the genuine, warm, and beautifully imperfect life right in front of me.

I absolutely loved this book. It really explains the idea and philosophy of wabi-sabi. This isn't a photo book. It's more about understanding what makes a home (and life) a particular way. By the end I wished this coffee lover would start drinking tea. The beauty and ritual of serving it seems so lovely.

I found this book on the communal "reading while you visit' book shelf at Rancho Margot, Costa Rica and leafed through it - reading some parts - savoring others. I just knew I had to have it: and one for my dad who has always been wabi sabi - and one for my friend Anne - and one for my Tai Chi master brother-in-law. Great book. Just had to have it.

this book was my introduction to wabi sabi... and it's perfect... easy reading, entertaining, and most of all, informative... i just love this book... i've taken my time to read this to get the most out of it... it's help guide me to a simplier life, and i appreciate that... anyone wanting to know more about this subject, get this book...

I wish I had read the reviews before buying this book. I bought it quite excitedly because I absolutely loved The Wabi Sabi house, which introduced me to a philosophy that I have found incredibly useful in my life. But this book is basically a rehash of the first, and strangely, not as well written (a different editor?). Many of the pictures are the same too. So really, if you have the one, you don't need the other, and if you need one, I'd recommend the other anyway.

Enjoyable read.