As a reader and fan of the original book I really wanted to check this one out and so I bought it along with the matching gratitude journal. I also have the original, with the ribbon, as well as the 2005 reprint. I gave this new version five stars because I think she did an admirable job of updating while not totally losing the mood of the original that I found so comforting. I have done extensive cross referencing between the three to see if there were significant changes. Ok, so as someone who started with the original in the mid 90s, here is what I think: First of all, the original with the bookmark ribbon hardly exists anymore, so if you cannot find that, and you want the original book, do not hesitate to buy the 2005, which is the one with the darker pink cover. It is essentially the exact same book with a slightly different forward and no pink ribbon. I found it’s print easier to read not because it is larger, but because it is darker. It is really more of a reprint than an update. Now for the updated version. I will be totally candid and say that for myself, I enjoy the old one more. Not because I am stuck in the past or want to be, but because the new one is, well, just somewhat wordier. The essence of the original is definitely there. I’m glad I bought it and I plan to use it along with the other. The biggest differences are that while some of the essays are reprints exactly from the original, they have been altered to fall on different days of the month, or they have been replaced completely with I guess an “updated” essay and she will bring in mentions of social media, online this or that as well as a mention of accompanying music to Simple Abundance that is available on iTunes, Amazon Music, and Spotify. I searched by the title she gave and have been unable to find it. I guess the point here, is that while I do think the younger readers of today might find this more relatable, I do not feel that it adds anything really needed to this book that was the gateway for gratitude journals, for finding your authentic self and becoming more contented with your life circumstances. I’m glad she did this update. I do not know if it will be embraced by the masses the way the original was, because now it’s not a new idea. Also when the first one came out “new age” was considered by most to be something not that desirable. She made the idea acceptable by the average woman, and made it cover all faiths and beliefs by replacing “God” with “Spirit” and other such religion neutral words. She finally explains that in the forward to this new book. She is a Christian but wanted to write a book where all could find a comfort zone. I think this book is worth buying for all the reasons I have stated. But if you already have one of the others and are happy with it probably don’t bother. I don’t mind having a contemplative book without references to the modern technology, etc. Also, some of the essays were a bit more wordy and cerebral than I wish to wrap my brain around on a typical day. The first one is much more basic and has a charm and warmth, not to mention simplicity, that frankly I don’t believe the new one quite possesses. But, having said that, I still bought it and am not sending it back. If you’ve never read it, try either. It’s the best book ever published for women on rethinking your attitudes toward life, while bringing in subjects beloved by women, such as family, gardening, decorating and fashion, etc. I loved it and still do because at least for me, back in the 90s it was life changing. Some of the references in the older book can I’m sure come across as dated, so if you are under 40 or 50, or just want a more relatable to today version, probably the new is better. This long review is for people like me who wondered which version to buy. Hope it’s helpful.