Former publisher of Chatelaine Magazine, Lee Simpson documents her attempt to go an entire year without buying anything except food. She writes about the obstacles she encountered, the choices and compromises she had to make. She also shares advice on how to simplify your life and make more environmentally-friendly purchasing decisions, including food purchases.
The narrative explores the evolution of American cities through the lens of suburbs, highlighting Oak Park as Sacramento's first suburb. It emphasizes Oak Park's unique identity, marked by its own law enforcement, newspaper, and the amusement park Joyland prior to its annexation in 1911. Unlike the upscale neighborhoods nearby, Oak Park embodies working-class values and a straightforward architectural style. Currently, the community is undergoing a revitalization, striving to reconnect with its historical roots and affirm its significance as an urban center.