What We Are Reading Today: ‘This is Home: The Art of Simple Living’

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Updated 16 December 2023
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘This is Home: The Art of Simple Living’

  • The book underscores the importance of sustainability and ethical choices, which makes it apropos in light of a modern understanding of green living

“This is Home: The Art of Simple Living” by Natalie Walton is a pleasant read on creating a meaningful and harmonious home environment. Through beautiful visuals and insightful narratives, the author teaches readers to embrace simplicity and find joy in the spaces they inhabit.

Walton showcases a collection of stunning homes from around the world, with each design featuring a unique style and story behind it. She delves into the philosophy behind creating a home that reflects the person’s values and nurtures their sense of belonging.

One of the book’s strong points is the author’s ability to combine practical advice with heartfelt storytelling. She emphasizes the importance of making thoughtful decisions in choosing design elements as the home should be a sanctuary and provide a sense of connection to the person.

The author also talks about design concepts, such as minimalism, the inclusion of natural pieces, and the use of light and space in the room. Walton encourages readers to declutter and embrace a more mindful approach to interior design.

The book also underscores the importance of sustainability and ethical choices, which makes it apropos in light of a modern understanding of green living.

“This is Home” includes images that capture the essence of each featured home, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the ambience of these inspiring spaces and take a deeper look into the stories of the homeowners through the narratives. This combination of stunning visuals and meaningful storytelling creates a truly joyful reading experience.

While the book generally speaks to people who are interested in interior design and home decor, its appeal extends beyond aesthetics by reminding us that a home is not just a place to live in but a reflection of our identity and values and a source of comfort and inspiration.

The book was published in 2018 and is available on Amazon for SR186 ($50).

 


What We Are Reading Today: Power and Possession in the Russian Revolution by Anne O’Donnell

Updated 09 March 2026
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What We Are Reading Today: Power and Possession in the Russian Revolution by Anne O’Donnell

The revolutions of 1917 swept away not only Russia’s governing authority but also the property order on which it stood. The upheaval sparked waves of dispossession that rapidly moved beyond the seizure of factories and farms from industrialists and landowners, envisioned by Bolshevik revolutionaries, to penetrate the bedrock of social life: the spaces where people lived.

In Power and Possession in the Russian Revolution, Anne O’Donnell reimagines the Bolsheviks’ unprecedented effort to eradicate private property and to create a new political economy—socialism—to replace it.

O’Donnell’s account captures the story of property in reverse, showing how the bonds connecting people to their things were broken and how new ways of knowing things, valuing them, and possessing them coalesced amid the political ferment and economic disarray of the Revolution.