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rachyc's review against another edition
3.0
One of the longest books I’ve read but I’m glad I did. Besides one chapter based on politics, I found the book so interesting. James Oliver talks about how Affluenza is affecting several different countries, getting interviews from the locals and by looking at surveys. Loved hearing what each country think to be the most important and their opinion on wealth and power.
Just found the book a bit long and also he made a lot of references to which I didn’t understand. But great read!
Just found the book a bit long and also he made a lot of references to which I didn’t understand. But great read!
dmje's review against another edition
3.0
I like Oliver James, and I'm really interested in what this book has to say about society today - but I think the basic message could have been much more effectively got across in a book half or even a third the length of this one.
amandatamsin's review
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
An interesting, well researched and thought provoking study on the effects of (and antidotes for) consumerism and 'selfish Capitalism' as the author describes it.
My only criticism is that I felt that the author often had overly fixed views and tended to categorise people too much in relation to both looks, i.e. 'average' or similar was used to describe someone's appearance, and personality type.
My only criticism is that I felt that the author often had overly fixed views and tended to categorise people too much in relation to both looks, i.e. 'average' or similar was used to describe someone's appearance, and personality type.
loulud21's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent. In a way, it changed the way I think regarding money. Everyone should read this book.
tomsan's review against another edition
3.0
Generally it's not a bad read. I think the author's overall call for more authenticity, vivacity and playfulness in the face of endless consumerism is right on the money. In many ways the book feels quite prescient as more and more people seem to be reject material consumerism.
In other ways it's getting a little bit dated now. The political chapter especially has reference to politicians that were undoubtedly big names in their time but really date the book (when was the last time I heard of David Blunkett?). The US-bashing also feels very 2000s to me. I thought it was ironic near the beginning when the author criticises US self help books. Affluenza is clearly a self help book. Speaking of self help, one of the author's political antidotes to Affluenza is to have more direct democracy. Given Brexit I can't imagine such advice will be going down so well at his London dinner parties these days!
I did skim the chapters about parenthood, and perhaps that's where the gold was.
In other ways it's getting a little bit dated now. The political chapter especially has reference to politicians that were undoubtedly big names in their time but really date the book (when was the last time I heard of David Blunkett?). The US-bashing also feels very 2000s to me. I thought it was ironic near the beginning when the author criticises US self help books. Affluenza is clearly a self help book. Speaking of self help, one of the author's political antidotes to Affluenza is to have more direct democracy. Given Brexit I can't imagine such advice will be going down so well at his London dinner parties these days!
I did skim the chapters about parenthood, and perhaps that's where the gold was.
margeryk101's review against another edition
5.0
Read this book.
Been waiting to read this book for a couple of months after requesting it from the library. Was initially inspired to read it by Radio 4's 'Book Club' and dallied with the idea of buying it, but after reading the blurb in a bookshop, I decided borrowing it would be the most authentic option. After all that, I saw it in a charity shop in Forest Hill for £1 and had to get it.
What a refreshing read. James argues that there are three traits that make someone immune to the emotional distress brought about by Selfish Capitalism, and these are; vivacity, authenticity and playfulness. It also helps if you live in a non-English speaking world.
Buy what you need rather than what you want. Enjoy motherhood and spend time with small children. Try to do activities which give you 'flow'.
It finishes with an imaginative chapter with some brave ideas. The one I liked best was the idea to nationalise estate agents.
Oliver James is my new hero.
Been waiting to read this book for a couple of months after requesting it from the library. Was initially inspired to read it by Radio 4's 'Book Club' and dallied with the idea of buying it, but after reading the blurb in a bookshop, I decided borrowing it would be the most authentic option. After all that, I saw it in a charity shop in Forest Hill for £1 and had to get it.
What a refreshing read. James argues that there are three traits that make someone immune to the emotional distress brought about by Selfish Capitalism, and these are; vivacity, authenticity and playfulness. It also helps if you live in a non-English speaking world.
Buy what you need rather than what you want. Enjoy motherhood and spend time with small children. Try to do activities which give you 'flow'.
It finishes with an imaginative chapter with some brave ideas. The one I liked best was the idea to nationalise estate agents.
Oliver James is my new hero.