Many of us share all the time. We carpool to work, loan the lawn mower to the neighbor, and dividing job time and duties has even become more popular. “The Sharing Solution: How to Save Money, Simplify Your Life & Build Community” by Janelle Orsi and Emily Doskow takes sharing to a whole new level. This 400 plus page practical and legal guidebook shows anyone how to create and maintain successful arrangements.
Personally, even thought the authors present a very good argument for sharing, I don’t see myself doing this to the extent the authors cover in this guidebook. However, I do feel it is an extremely useful guide for those who do wish to create more opportunities for themselves and organizations, and do it right. So, for a certain group of people, this book will be very valuable. For others, they may dismiss this idea altogether. For those not into sharing to the extent the authors recommend and advocate, fine, the book is not for you. If, on the other hand, you want to create a sharing group, or a sharing agreement with someone, or just find out more about what this buzz is all about, this is a book well worth reading.
The first part covers sharing basics, and includes chapters on topics such as how to get started and the benefits of sharing which the authors discuss social, personal, environmental, and financial benefits. Chapters on finding sharing partners and what you should consider when you share. The chapter on sharing communications was interesting and provided good general communication advice, as well as a little on resolving conflict. As a mediator, I was happy to see the authors promoting mediation as a very good way to resolve sharing disputes because the mediation process is great for not only resolving the conflict, but preserving the relationship witch is a must if you wish to continue sharing. There was also a chapter on the importance of putting your arrangement in writing. For simple sharing, a written agreement is not necessary, but for some of the more elaborate sharing arrangements the authors discuss a written agreement is very important and the authors provide good advice. In my law practice, I’ve seen a lot of problems that would never have happened if clear communication and written agreements would have been used from the beginning. I’m glad the authors covered these topics.
The second part of the book covers sharing solutions. Each chapter discusses in more detail sharing in different situations. These chapters include: Sharing Housing; Sharing Household Goods, Purchases, Tasks and Space; Sharing Food; Sharing Care for Children, Family, and Pets; Sharing Transportation; and Sharing at Work. All of these chapters provide good information if you are interested in sharing in these areas. The authors provide many ideas of how you can incorporate sharing more into your life, and provide sample agreements and check lists to help you.
The Appendixes provide additional resources and forms to assist you as well. Over all, I found this to be a very informative and useful book for those that are interested in sharing more as the authors advocate. It’s not for everyone, but for those it is for, it is an excellent resource.
The Sharing Solution - How to Save Money, Simplify Your Life & Build Community
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