Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic
Author: John De Graaf, David Wann, Thomas H. Naylor
List Price: $24.95
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ISBN: 1576751511
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Pub (09 June, 2001)
Sales Rank: 7,574
Average Customer Rating: 4.21 out of 5
Customer Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5
A Book to Read Again and Again
It's hard sometimes to live a simple life surrounded by "affluenza" and its effects. So for me, the book "Affluenza" has been really helpful in reminding me what's important in my life - it's not the "stuff." It's my life that I value. It's not all that's advertised to make me hungry for what I don't want. It's remembering what I do want in my life, and prioritizing that above those tantalizing baubles that are offered over and over again to deplete my bank account - to put me in debt - to put me in slavery to my possessions.So, thank the authors for writing this important book that reminds me again and again who I am and why I have chosen to step back from all the glitter and acquisition. It reminds me why I work a 30 hour week, instead of a 40 hour week, and why I even hope to pare that down to a 25 hour week - so that the rest of my time can be spent on my life!
I like it that "Affluenza" isn't preachy or grim. It's light and humorous. It's fast-paced, like a television program - only without commercials. It's stock full of information about how we got to this place where money and things outweigh time with our families and time volunteering to make our communities stronger. And it gives examples and ideas about how to move forward into a place where each of us can get out of debt, and shift our priorities to what we truly value in this life that we only get to live one time.
David Horsey's cartoons are right on the money. They're witty and apt. The writing is visual and well-paced. Can you tell - I like this book! And it couldn't have come at a better time. A lot of us need to see its message. As for me, it's one of those books that I'll keep around to refer to when I feel particularly plagued by the lure of keeping up with any Joneses.
Rating: 5 out of 5
An enjoyable, informative wake-up call.
I enjoyed reading this book quite a bit, but I was saddened to see just how materialistic American society has become. The average American household carries over $7000 in credit card debt. My question is "What the HECK are they buying and WHY do they need itso badly that they would go into debt for it?" I was brought up to only buy things you need and can afford - what was everyone else teaching their children? Money doesn't buy happiness, but the average person doesn't seem to know that. Or, if they do, they don't know quite how to stop the rampant consumerism from ruling their lives. I didn't realize exactly how much of a burden our consumer society is on the planet until I read this book. The authors did a fabulous job of exposing the facts about our economic conditions while making the book entertaining at the same time. There's even a quiz to help you see how badly you are infected with the Affluenza bug. A great read, especially if you borrow it from the library!
Rating: 3 out of 5
A good start to a bad finish
This book certainly opened some new ideas on what and where this world is heading with consumerism and egocentralism. It is true we are becoming a society of consumers and non-involved citizens falling into debt and this book tells it like it is to those who are not open to the facts. Overall, it is a good book but has some severe shortcomings. For one, the cliche'd eco-environmentalism here is sickening. I totally disagree with the author forcing non-nature lovers to believe nature is the cure for ALL society's ills. I am a consumer/citizen who does not live by the credit card and hang out in megamalls but nonetheless, I have other things that interest me more than shopping-IE: Family, Friends, Golf, Skiing, Playing Music, Model Railroading, Camping, Traveling, Spirituallity, Volunteer Work, and Computers. The latter chapters of this book is nothing short of leftist rant and rhetoric about the big evil corporations, the selfish Republicans, the environment and pollution. These chapters are moot and boring. Keep that in mind when you buy this book. Similar Products
Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal
The Overspent American: Why We Want What We Don't Need
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America
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