A BUNCH OF PRETTY THINGS I DID NOT BUY

A funny but gracious anti-consumerism manifesto, this is one woman’s story of her battle to keep consumerism at bay. Sarah Lazarovic spent a year painting the possessions she coveted instead of purchasing them and this charmingly-illustrated handbook is a witty take on the “slow shopping” movement.

Based on a visual essay posted on The Hairpin (check it out here but please note that this essay has been turned into a chapter in the book), Sara Lazarovic’s A BUNCH OF PRETTY THINGS I DID NOT BUY is a charmingly illustrated story of one woman’s battle to keep consumerism at bay. In seven chapters, Sarah poignantly illustrates the dilemma of living in a world with so many beautiful things to buy and the consciousness that keeps her in check.

Sarah writes brilliantly and is careful not to preach at or guilt her readers about their spending habits. Whether she’s trying to justify the purchase of yet another Ikea home furnishing, musing on the thrill of the deal or debating the pros and cons of shopping with (or without) sustainability in mind, Sarah’s handbook for the conscious consumer is clever, fun, and visually stunning.

Sarah Lazarovic is a writer, illustrator, and artist based in Toronto. She has written for many publications, including The National Post, The Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Maclean’s, Elle Canada, Tablet magazine, The Hairpin, and Media Bistro. In 2001, she founded the popular city blog, Torontoist.com and she frequently draws comics and infographics which you’ll find on her website www.longliveirony.com.