I liked the message behind this book and the idea of creating margin in our lives. The idea that this is written by a doctor is powerful as well. I ended up skimming much of the book though. I felt it was wordy and over complicated for a book about simplifying lives and creating margin. Also overall it felt the solution for creating margin is to move to another country, preferably third world. I liked the book but would prefer a more simple approach to the message. ( )

worn, marked up

Lots of descriptions of Western society overload with very little practical solutions for the overloaded beyond prosaic Let-Go-and-Let-God aphorisms. Interesting but ultimately unsatisfying for non-Christians. ( )

Helpful for two reasons - one, it provides a vocabulary for a very real and pressing problem that is often difficult to put a finger on. Two, Swenson is a wise man, and dispenses sound wisdom throughout the book. The reader is faced with a stark choice: if you really desire the rest and peace that margin provides, Swenson and common sense show you how to get there. But of course, your life will appear very strange: lazy, complacent, lacking ambition, etc. Your lifestyle will demonstrate what you truly value, and Swenson urges you to choose the good life.

I have no ideological objection to Margin, but found it to read like a long rambling sermon.

Summary: progress in the Western World has put us under greater psychological stress than ever before in history. We can avoid breaking under the strain if we will stop living at or beyond our God created limits. The resulting margin will buffer us from the inevitable changes of life and allow us to focus on the truly important things - our relationships with God, ourselves and others.

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