6+ Favorite Books on Alternative Lifestyles (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on alternative lifestyles (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

1. Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss

   

   $13.77

   Tim Ferriss's The 4-Hour Work Week is all about breaking free from the traditional 9-5 grind and creating a lifestyle that prioritizes freedom and flexibility. The book introduces concepts like outsourcing tasks and living proactively, which really shifted my mindset from just hard work to working smarter. I found it life-changing, even if the writing style can be a bit intense at times. While I did start my own business inspired by it—though it flopped before leading to some success—it sparked a desire in me to embrace a new way of thinking about work and life.

   Pros:

   • The book changed my life and mindset.
   • It taught me to work smarter, not harder.
   • I started my own business after reading it.

   Cons:

   • The writing style is hard charging and may be off-putting.
   • It can be easy to stereotype the author’s approach.
   • No other cons mentioned.

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   09/18/2025 02:09 am GMT
2. Early Retirement Extreme by Jacob Lund Fisker

   

   $23.75

   In Early Retirement Extreme, Jacob Lund Fisker shares his journey to financial independence by age 30, mixing practical advice with a philosophical approach. The book encourages readers to rethink their lifestyles through simple living, self-reliance, and a DIY ethic. I found it to be a real game-changer, challenging my views on money and prompting deep reflection. While it's a bit rough around the edges since it's self-published, I appreciated that rawness. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to reshape their financial future and values.

   Pros:

   • The book changed my behavior and mental framework.
   • It challenges my logic and values regarding money.
   • I appreciate its extreme approach to financial independence.

   Cons:

   • The book is self-published and rough around the edges.

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   09/18/2025 02:06 am GMT
3. Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

   

   $11.44

   In Vagabonding, Rolf Potts redefines what it means to be a traveler, shifting away from the negative stereotypes associated with the term vagabond. I was skeptical at first, expecting just another cliché travel guide, but this book is refreshingly practical and philosophical. Potts offers insightful tips and profiles of adventurous individuals, encouraging readers to actively choose how they want to explore the world. While it can be challenging to confront the idea of committing to long-term travel, Vagabonding invites you to think deeply about your choices. If you're considering a travel lifestyle, this book is definitely worth a read.

   Pros:

   • Practical advice throughout the book
   • Interesting profiles of historical and contemporary travelers
   • Encourages active choice and personal reflection about travel

   Cons:

   • The book can be irksome by forcing readers to confront their travel choices
   • Lacks discussion on the impact of long-term travel on others
   • No cons noted.

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   09/18/2025 05:04 am GMT
4. The Urban Homestead by Kelly Coyne

   

   $12.52

   In The Urban Homestead, Kelly Coyne offers a practical guide for anyone wanting to live more self-sufficiently in the city. The book covers everything from growing food on small patios to raising chickens and cleaning without harsh chemicals. I loved how it’s packed with easy-to-follow projects and tips, making it super accessible for beginners. While some of the info is a bit dated since it was published in 2006, the core ideas are still solid. Overall, it’s a fantastic resource that inspires a more sustainable urban lifestyle, and I found it genuinely useful!

   Pros:

   • The book is practical and useful for self-sufficiency.
   • It provides interesting and vetted ideas for city dwellers.
   • The authors promote sustainable living without resource depletion.

   Cons:

   • The book is somewhat outdated as it was written in 2006.
   • Some techniques have evolved since its publication.

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   09/18/2025 02:10 am GMT
5. Sex Lives of Cannibals by Maarten Troost

   

   $10.80

   In The Sex Lives of Cannibals, Maarten Troost shares his two-year adventure living on the Tarawa atoll in Kiribati. This isn’t your typical travelogue; it’s a funny and insightful look at how Troost’s dream of paradise clashes with the reality of island life, marked by the relentless soundtrack of “La Macarena.” I really enjoyed his storytelling, especially since he immerses himself in the culture rather than just passing through. Honestly, there wasn’t much I didn’t like about it—it's a solid read that kept me entertained throughout.

   Pros:

   • Engaging travel writing that captures life in Tarawa.
   • Humorous storytelling that entertains and informs.
   • Author's immersive experience adds depth to the narrative.

   Cons:

   • Not a whole lot - good book.

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   09/17/2025 11:03 pm GMT
6. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau

   

   $10.99

   In The $100 Startup, Chris Guillebeau challenges the notion that starting a business has to be complicated or costly. Instead, he emphasizes that all you really need is a customer and a way to meet their needs. The book is packed with engaging stories, practical charts, and some fresh ideas, especially for scaling a business. However, I felt it leaned a bit too much towards the information business side and sometimes oversold the dream of entrepreneurship. Despite this, it’s a well-written, practical guide that’s definitely worth your time if you want real insights without the fluff.

   Pros:

   • The book avoids fluff and provides practical advice.
   • It emphasizes that starting a business can be simple and inexpensive.
   • Includes interesting anecdotes, charts, and original tips.
   • Well-written and engaging.
   • Offers valuable takeaways on testing products and seeking customer feedback.

   Cons:

   • Tips lean too heavily on the information business side.
   • Contains some dream-selling that may not resonate with all readers.

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   09/18/2025 02:08 am GMT
7. Company of One by Paul Jarvis

   

   $9.99

   In Company of One, Paul Jarvis flips the script on traditional business wisdom by arguing that running a business for personal fulfillment, rather than relentless growth, can be just as rewarding. I appreciated the sense of camaraderie he creates, making me feel like I wasn’t alone in my desire to keep things small and manageable. The book offers practical strategies for improving your business without expanding it, which resonated with me. However, it could’ve been shorter, and I found some claims about it being the future of business a bit overblown. Still, it’s a refreshing take that validates a different approach to entrepreneurship.

   Pros:

   • Unique perspective on running a business for personal fulfillment rather than growth.
   • Camaraderie and validation for those who prefer a smaller business model.
   • Practical tactics for improving business without focusing on growth.
   • Exploration of reasons for keeping a company small offers refreshing insights.

   Cons:

   • The book could be half the length; some sections feel repetitive.
   • Sensationalizing the idea that a Company of One is the "future of business" may alienate those who prefer larger teams.

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   09/18/2025 03:04 am GMT