Really really enjoyed this. I love nonfiction that has the potential to change minds, or even just get the reader thinking more about a topic and Mim Skinner has certainly achieved that here. The writing was light and entertaining, whilst also remaining incisive, probing, and informative, without feeling like it was super bogged down with facts. I really like how Skinner's personal story was woven into her investigation, and I appreciated her self awareness. I'm now at the age where friends are trying to get onto the property ladder and struggling, and I want to just give everyone a copy of these because I think it would make the world a better place if we were all considering the questions Skinner raises and implementing what, if any, change we can.

I have found the concept of living constantly in bigger groups fascinating. As a young child, living for the most part with one set of grandparents, I thought I would always be ready for the vagaries of living in a more complex environment. With age, I have found myself being less flexible and more in need of control than I ever thought I would want, and I shun the constant company of people.
So when I saw this book, I had to check it out and see what the author discussed.
The concept was not exactly what I thought I would be getting, but the author has her own approach to the topic, and that was informative.
We begin with the author's own forays into shared living spaces and the effort she once put in to be a certain way. There is an exploration of cults and community living of varying degrees of ownership, and all of this is interspersed with co-living quarters that mirror those of co-working spaces, which resemble hostels but not quite. No two consecutive chapters are on the same style of living, they are broken apart, and that definitely made it easier for me to read in longer stretches.
The writing flows just like it is being narrated to the reader, and the author is not an uninterested spectator. With some plans in the running for her own family, she is testing the waters and is quite upfront about any scepticism she might carry.
I felt it was an important book, one that did not quite turn out the way I hoped, but still well worth a read. I highly recommend this to non-fiction fans and people interested in how living together looks like in different mindsets.
I would love to read any other books the author writes since I really enjoyed her narrative voice.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

Living Together by Mimi Skinner is a fascinating exploration of the dynamics of shared living spaces. The book provides a detailed and insightful look at the challenges and rewards of living with roommates, partners, family members, and strangers. Skinner's writing is engaging and thoughtful, and she draws on personal anecdotes, interviews, and research to paint a vivid picture of the joys and struggles of communal living.

One of the strengths of Living Together is its nuanced and realistic portrayal of the different types of relationships that can form within shared living spaces. Skinner does an excellent job of highlighting the unique dynamics that arise when people from different backgrounds and with different personalities come together under one roof. She covers a range of topics, from communication and conflict resolution to hygiene and household chores, and provides practical advice for navigating these issues.

Another standout feature of Living Together is Skinner's emphasis on the importance of empathy and mutual respect in shared living situations. She stresses the need for all parties to recognize each other's boundaries, preferences, and needs, and to work together to create a harmonious and comfortable living environment. This message is particularly relevant in today's world, where more and more people are choosing to live with roommates or in communal living spaces due to financial constraints or lifestyle preferences.

Overall, Living Together is a well-researched, thoughtful, and engaging book that provides valuable insights into the complex world of communal living. Skinner's writing is clear and accessible, and her advice is practical and actionable. Whether you're a college student living in a dorm, a young professional sharing an apartment, or a retiree considering a co-housing community, this book is an essential guide to making the most of your shared living experience. Highly recommended.