The Sharing Solution - How to Save Money, Simplify Your Life & Build Community

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