Michael Easter’s The Comfort Crisis is a reality check on modern convenience

💡 We live remarkably comfortable lives in the modern era of urbanization and high-tech convenience. For many of us, our biggest problems are no longer physical survival or life-or-death situations, but psychological. Author and health and fitness journalist Michael Easter takes aim at this growing comfort in his 2021 book The Comfort Crisis, arguing that our easy lifestyles may be doing us more harm than good.

What to expect: Easter starts somewhere personal, recounting his struggles with alcoholism and how his constant pursuit of immediate comfort left him deeply unhappy. As he eventually began reaping the rewards of sobriety, he came to realize that the astonishing level of comfort he — and so many others — had built into his life was leaving people hollow, unfulfilled, and ultimately unhealthy. To combat that comfort, Easter embarks on an Into the Wild-esque journey through Alaska where he hunts alongside explorer and wildlife biologist Donnie Vincent and deliberately pushes himself to mental and physical extremes. Along the way, he draws on interviews with scientists, spiritual leaders, and others to explore the many ways humans can challenge themselves and step beyond their comfort zones.

What we liked: The book takes a back-to-basics approach, moving away from the abundant comfort of modern life and toward the physical hardships our ancestors routinely faced. It makes clear that how we’ve come to live is a stark contrast to how we’re inherently built. As Easter chronicles his journey towards embracing discomfort, it’s hard not to feel the urge to follow suit and question just how much of modern life’s coziness we really need. He tells his story with vulnerability, humor, and earnestness.

What didn’t land: Some of his theoretical references and inspirations can feel overly generalized, while his prescription for tackling the comfort crisis occasionally comes across as too generic, radical, and fixated on hunting and physical discomfort.

Our verdict: While you’re probably not going to find yourself on a month-long trip through Alaska, the book makes a strong case for immersing ourselves in the discomforts of nature and finding meaning beyond our small, comfortable lives. Across its 200+ pages, it’s an engrossing story, with Easter’s vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling making for a breezy but substantial read. Part adventure story and part personal development book, The Comfort Crisis is worth picking up when you’re feeling unchallenged and looking for an unconventional story to shake things up.

WHERE TO GET IT- You can find the eBook on Amazon and Kobo.