The Big Tiny: A Built-It-Myself Memoir (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
Dee Williams, at the young age of forty-one was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. After receiving her diagnosis she took stock of her life, reevaluating priorities, her possessions and what matters the most. She decides to embark on building an 84 square foot house mounted on a trailer, constructed by her own hands. After reading Dee's story I asked myself if I could live in 84 square feet of space. I believe I could, my biggest hurtle would be the lack of warm running water. I could forgo electricity but water...not so much, I live for showers. I'm a minimalist so paring down wouldn't pose an issue, for me less is truly best. I admire Dee's courage and rationale for her bold move. She lists a lot of arguments as to why this is such a great idea along side her difficult moments managing to take her by surprise. Granted this lifestyle isn't for everyone and the backbreaking work Dee put in was exhausting. I paused several times imagining what a simpler, less time consuming life a 'tiny' house would afford and I was ready to start building sooner than later. Location, location, location appears to be the biggest constraint, hopefully by now less of an issue for tiny house dwellers. A very interesting story in combination with an ever more interesting concept. Dee certainly provides a thought provoking lifestyle leaving the reader to evaluate their own way of living. I haven't scratched the tiny concept off my list of possibilities, if only the shower issue could be remedied I'd be all in, for now something to consider for the future. I love books like this where you get a peek into a lifestyle so completely different than your own. Dee has lived in an 84 square foot house for 10 years that she built herself. While I don't believe I could live in such a small space, I certainly understand the desire to pare down belongings and simplify life to make time for what really matters. I wish Dee many more years of happiness in her Big Tiny.
What do You think about The Big Tiny: A Built-It-Myself Memoir (2014)?
Any story, about anyone, following through with a dream, is inspiring to me.
—Qwerty
Interesting, in an I-would-never-ever-want-to-do-that sort of way.
—sophie
More than just Eat Play Build for the trendy hipster crowd.
—jcaunedo
