Cheapskate in Lotusland: The philosophy and practice of living well on a small budget by Steve Burgess
Reviewed by Pamela Sinclair
Cheapskate in Lotusland is an interesting discussion and memoir on the benefits (and a few drawbacks) of living a frugal life. The book includes historical contexts and the significance of how frugality has been viewed. Interspersed with factual research and humour, this was a fascinating and educational read. For Burgess, living frugally has been both a lifelong habit and, increasingly, a necessity while living in Vancouver, one of Canada’s most expensive cities. I found the chapters on the grocery big-chain landscape, the one on Walmart, and the examination of the capitalist system, particularly fascinating and informative. Burgess also taps into the personal experiences of others living in the city, which shines a light on how the need to live frugally affects people with other life experiences and demands, such as those with children to raise.
“This book is not a 10-step how-to guide, but more of a thoughtful discussion where a reader can consider some of the views presented and fit the advice within their own life, considering their means, life, and comfort level.”
Burgess is unabashedly a self-proclaimed cheapskate, and has plenty of tips and insights for readers to consider when trying to save money on day-to-day living. It's timely, too, when the price of everyday needs such as rent, groceries, hydro and other utilities continues to increase, regardless of where one lives. Many individuals and families are searching for ways to spend less without sacrificing their comfort.
However, this book is not a 10-step how-to guide, but more of a thoughtful discussion where a reader can consider some of the views presented and fit the advice within their own life, considering their means, life, and comfort level. A reader can examine where they land in the retail landscape, how they can make their small corner of the world better, support small, local businesses, and spend less on necessities. This book is timely and a great opportunity to learn.
Thought-provoking and written by a person who lives this lifestyle, the reader is not being talked down to by someone who is living a high-salaried, comfortable life and being given financial advice from someone more comfortably set on the economic ladder. Burgess walks the talk, so to speak, and approaches the frugal life with openness and honest self-examination. He acknowledges that ultimately, “a good life requires a degree of discipline.” This was a great read, fun, humorous and informative. I recommend it to anyone interested in living well, but frugally.
About the Author
Steve Burgess is a writer and broadcaster whose honours include two Canadian National Magazine Awards. Burgess is a contributing editor of The Tyee and an award-winning documentary director. He is the author of Reservations (Douglas & McInyre, 2024) and Who Killed Mom? (Greystone, 2011) and his stories have been featured in publications including Reader’s Digest, Maclean’s and The Globe and Mail. He lives in Vancouver, BC.
About the Reviewer
Pamela Sinclair is a writer and lifelong reader. She enjoys reading multiple genres, both fiction and nonfiction. She lives in Halifax, NS, with her husband, daughter, and a grumpy grey cat named Ben. She is currently working on her first novel.
Book Details
Publisher : Douglas & McIntyre
Publication date : Jan. 6 2026
Language : English
Print length : 256 pages
ISBN-10 : 1771624639
ISBN-13 : 978-1771624633