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cdjdhj's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fascinating book about why we spend money we don't have on things we don't need to impress people we don't even like. Well researched and written, this book explains consumerism and how it hurts us as individuals, families, communities and as a nation. The author also offers life-changing solutions. Although Juliet B. Schor originally wrote this book in the mid 1990s, it is just as compelling and relevant, and probably more so, today.
mkwilliams's review against another edition
5.0
I wish I could give this book 6 stars, it was that good. Should become basic required reading at the high school level for all American schools!
rmichno's review against another edition
3.0
The examples seemed very outdated. Too much data from studies but not enough of a narrative. It had a good message but there are better books (ex. Your Money or Your Life) that give more practical advice on avoiding consumerism.
izarravarela's review against another edition
5.0
Since I read this back in high school, this has been my go-to title for people who don't understand why they can't make ends meet. (*Pssst! Try moving those ends closer together!*)
jjmcdade's review against another edition
3.0
This book was first published in 1998; so, some of the information is a bit dated. However, as she usually does, Schor makes many good points about consumerism, materialism, and how and why we work in America. I think this could be even more interesting if she updated it to reflect the technological changes occurring in the last ten years. Clearly, social media has put the consumerist phenomenon on overdrive. There are a lot of charts and regression analyses; so, it is a bit academic. But, it's not unreadable for the layperson.
jessimuhka's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting book, used survey data to back up points well. Got a bit preachy at times, but overall a worthwhile read.
maylingkuo's review against another edition
4.0
i really cannot say enough good things about this book. it's well-written, well-researched and incredibly interesting. the most shocking thing to me is that the content is so relevant to today and yet it was written in 1998.
also, it was good timing for me since we just rented 'what would jesus buy,' directed by morgan spurlock, and that film discusses something a little similar in terms of people's shopping habits at christmas - how the spending has spiraled out of control and how americans go into debt purchasing gifts.
my favorite ideas and takeaways from the book include the following:
--schools incorporating classes and lessons on how to spend and save money, including examining advertising to deconstruct messages and what they mean
--government and community initiated lending libraries: not just for books! this could include lawn tools, other tools, puzzles, games, so many ideas that would work better on a shared level
--we place $$ limits on work gift exchanges, but why don't we do the same for family gift exchanges, kids' birthday parties, birthday presents, etc?
--we shouldn't all subscribe to the thought that just because we're not paying full price on an item, it means we're saving in some way
--how can we decommercialize our rituals to make them more about the moment and less about the stuff? weddings become about the registries, christmas about the gift exchange and halloween and others about specific decorations and things to purchase
beyond these overall ideas, the book does so much to chronicle how much money is actually saved and how much people are in debt. it's a sad story and i think a cautionary tale that we should all pay attention to so that we don't end up consuming more, but essentially gaining less emotional satisfaction.
also, it was good timing for me since we just rented 'what would jesus buy,' directed by morgan spurlock, and that film discusses something a little similar in terms of people's shopping habits at christmas - how the spending has spiraled out of control and how americans go into debt purchasing gifts.
my favorite ideas and takeaways from the book include the following:
--schools incorporating classes and lessons on how to spend and save money, including examining advertising to deconstruct messages and what they mean
--government and community initiated lending libraries: not just for books! this could include lawn tools, other tools, puzzles, games, so many ideas that would work better on a shared level
--we place $$ limits on work gift exchanges, but why don't we do the same for family gift exchanges, kids' birthday parties, birthday presents, etc?
--we shouldn't all subscribe to the thought that just because we're not paying full price on an item, it means we're saving in some way
--how can we decommercialize our rituals to make them more about the moment and less about the stuff? weddings become about the registries, christmas about the gift exchange and halloween and others about specific decorations and things to purchase
beyond these overall ideas, the book does so much to chronicle how much money is actually saved and how much people are in debt. it's a sad story and i think a cautionary tale that we should all pay attention to so that we don't end up consuming more, but essentially gaining less emotional satisfaction.
rachelsayshello's review against another edition
4.0
A book that made me think hard about my own spending habits-that's a miracle. The first half is stronger than the second-mostly because I wasn't impressed with her sample of downshifters (and their concerns/examples are a bit dated). Still, well worth the read if you're in to this kind of thing.
raehink's review
3.0
The irony is, of course, that I didn't need to purchase this book to tell me what I already know! But it was interesting social discussion nonetheless. The author examines our modern-day conspicuous consumption and love of "things." He has good counsel on how to "downshift" and live more simply and with less money. The most telling thing to me is that the book was written a decade ago and it's premise is still timely. In fact, maybe more so now when there are such deep divisions between the rich and the poor, the haves and the have-nots.
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