The story of a middle-aged man who left money out of his life. The first couple chapters kept my interest, but then some started to bog down with the introspective thoughts and ideas. But, toward the finish, the book caught my interest again.Chapter 11 begins with discussions of America's money standards. Have to say this the clearest, explanation I have ever read. I took economics in College and this couple pages increased my understanding the system greatly. And I see where the gold standard, and our system of dollars is like air...very scary. This part alone was worth reading the book. The ending chapters also better explain Daniel's thought and why he walked away from the normal way of life. Most of us can't even think of doing what he is, but I can understand his wanting, and applaud his actual following his beliefs. I had high hopes for this book but Sundeen's story is not one of daily living without the dollars to do it. Instead, it is a story of a man running from a fundamental religious upbringing, finding mysticism to be empty, looking for meaning in life and finding none, and finally realizing and accepting that he is gay. The moneyless living seems like an afterthought.The book is written primarily from Sundeen's point of view, seemingly written from conversations and letters that Daniel Suelo (meaning "the soil") had written. Sundeen's admiration for Suelo is apparent throughout the book, sometimes to the point of questionable literary significance. The book seems to go off on tangents about new age philosophies, hippie lifestyles, political injustices, and usurp.The story of "the man who quit money" seems to be a sideline rather than the center of the theme. There are other irritants, but these do not have to do with the story or the style of the writing, which is fair. However, if you are looking for tips and insights into living in today's society without relying upon the capitalist system to support you this is not your book. That being said, if you want a book that gives a single man's story about running from his past, and "finding himself" this might be the book for you.
What do You think about The Man Who Quit Money (2012)?
It's an interesting story. Fortunately, the book wasn't too long so I finished it pretty quickly.
—hebm
Excellent personal journey to learn to live in this world, but not of it.
—Enehola
Thought was interesting, a bit cloying at first, made me think.
—spongebobcrazed
Was not what I expected..the title is deceiving.
—Anna
A wonderfully enchanting and influential book.
—mica
