It wasn’t some left-wing hippie or some Bush-bashing radical who started writing about a car-free lifestyle more than a year ago. In fact it was actually an SUV-driving, meat-eating professional journalist.
Chris Balish, author of “How to Live Well Without Owning a Car,” admits living without a car is not for everyone but says people can and should do it.
The book, which is a quick read and chock full of insightful statistics and quotes, is going back to press within four weeks
of release.
“We never anticipated this book would get so big,” Balish said last week. “We’ve had tons of e-mails from readers that have loved (the book).”
The 216-page book recounts his path to the car-free lifestyle. Selling his Toyota SUV without buying a new vehicle started him on
his road to a car-free, and care-free, lifestyle.
“I lost my love handles and started sleeping better; I just had this great peace of mind,” he said. “Not to mention I became debt-free for the first time in my life.”
One of the biggest things the book focused on was the financial aspect – and it was quite compelling. Balish reports people without cars can save $700 per month and more than $8,000 per year.
One part reads, “Buying a car is one of the worst financial moves a person can make.”
Tips on how to date and lead a vibrant social life without owning a car are helpful, such as inviting your date over to your place to cook dinner, or meeting somewhere close to your house. In his book, Balish claims he leads a better social
life than when he drove.
He does admit that eventually, you’ll probably have to tell your date you
don’t drive.
But beyond the how-to chapters of the book, Balish also looks into the history and presence of cars in America. His analysis of car culture and automobile advertising proves to be an interesting read.
“I don’t want to contribute to global warming and wars around the world,” Balish
said. “If I can save money and make a positive impact, it’s win-win-win.”
“How to Live Well Without Owning a Car” is one of the most informative and insightful books written this year. The social, environmental and historical analysis Balish provides in his book is one of the best compilations of fact and opinion published lately. Even if you can’t image life without your gas-guzzler, pick up a copy. It’s sure to open your eyes.
[email protected]