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alexisrt's review against another edition
4.0
I've read or have seen several books in the same vein (women, work life balance, parenting), so Schulte is trodding popular territory here. They've all come out at around the same time, though, so I can't fault her for a bandwagon. (This book was chosen as part of a community reading program at my public library, which is partly why I read it.)
The diagnosis is typical, but it's well researched: the examples are good and she uses other countries as a contrast without idealizing them (the Danes wind up coming across as less perfect than they see themselves to be; I don't know if that was her intention). The framing of how this is all eating our time is well done, and she recognizes that the problem (and any solutions) are not just about women, but all of us.
THere are two flaws that got to me:
- The time problem is not just one for the middle classes. It's okay to write a book about middle class concerted cultivation parenting, as long as you've defined your topic clearly. However, the time crunch applies to a broad swath of the American population (those, who Schulte herself . If you're only interested in the time crunch of middle class families with children, define that. With a few exceptions, her targets fit a similar demographic.
- Her proposed solutions are weak, largely because there is no easy answer to broad social change. The people setting the policies are those who have managed to rise to the top in the current system. They're largely the ones who benefit. Further, we have firmly internalized Margaret Thatcher's famous remark that "There is no such thing as society." People (usually women) choose to have children and therefore to bear the consequences of that "choice." Schulte acknowledges American individualism, but facing up to its extent--that we begrudge people even the basics of sick time or recovery from childbirth--would make for a depressing conclusion.
The diagnosis is typical, but it's well researched: the examples are good and she uses other countries as a contrast without idealizing them (the Danes wind up coming across as less perfect than they see themselves to be; I don't know if that was her intention). The framing of how this is all eating our time is well done, and she recognizes that the problem (and any solutions) are not just about women, but all of us.
THere are two flaws that got to me:
- The time problem is not just one for the middle classes. It's okay to write a book about middle class concerted cultivation parenting, as long as you've defined your topic clearly. However, the time crunch applies to a broad swath of the American population (those, who Schulte herself . If you're only interested in the time crunch of middle class families with children, define that. With a few exceptions, her targets fit a similar demographic.
- Her proposed solutions are weak, largely because there is no easy answer to broad social change. The people setting the policies are those who have managed to rise to the top in the current system. They're largely the ones who benefit. Further, we have firmly internalized Margaret Thatcher's famous remark that "There is no such thing as society." People (usually women) choose to have children and therefore to bear the consequences of that "choice." Schulte acknowledges American individualism, but facing up to its extent--that we begrudge people even the basics of sick time or recovery from childbirth--would make for a depressing conclusion.
sedruola's review against another edition
5.0
This book has helped me articulate all that was closed up within me. Knowing there is more to our lives than working, paying bills and dying. Her research and easy way of writing make this book very relateable for anyone. She uses her own situation as a jumping point, but if you pay attention, you'll see yourself reflected. This book cleared my clutter and showed me exactly what I felt I was searching for. . . a way to relay my own story.
curlypip's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. I skim-read the second half (and ignored the notes and references, of which there are many).
I’m not really a fan of self-help books, and this one is no different. It was incredibly well researched and well written, but, there weren’t really any revelatory moments, and it was mostly confirmation of things I already knew such as use your time wisely, carve out time for yourself, don’t worry about the small stuff. I guess if you are a chronic multitasking scatterbrain it’s helpful, but by the ending I was just looking forward to it being over (isn’t it ironic? That I wanted it over and wanted to reclaim my time for something else?)
Not my book group’s best choice
I’m not really a fan of self-help books, and this one is no different. It was incredibly well researched and well written, but, there weren’t really any revelatory moments, and it was mostly confirmation of things I already knew such as use your time wisely, carve out time for yourself, don’t worry about the small stuff. I guess if you are a chronic multitasking scatterbrain it’s helpful, but by the ending I was just looking forward to it being over (isn’t it ironic? That I wanted it over and wanted to reclaim my time for something else?)
Not my book group’s best choice
amchica's review against another edition
3.0
I ended up skimming some parts near the end because this got repetitive. I think the author is spot on with her arguments, but I found that depressing because I think we're so far gone in our society as far as what we expect from ourselves and each other that I don't see us moving away from our obsession with "busy-ness."
asurges's review against another edition
5.0
Even though this book stressed me out with its constant barrage of information, I was also, oddly, comforted. You mean my inability to focus isn't solely my fault? This book made it clear to me that everyone--not just the stereotypical busy moms--puts a lot of currency in being constantly occupied and feeling important in our busyness and that our current workplaces don't help any of us with peace of mind or cultivating ourselves. A very important book, especially if you're feeling like you're crazy.
mawalker1962's review against another edition
4.0
Read my full review here: http://www.heydaycoaching.com/blog/2015/12/31/overcoming-overwhelm-a-review-of-brigid-schultes-overwhelmed-how-to-work-love-and-play-when-no-one-has-the-time
bmcprior's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good book (or should I say, research project), but at times it was WAY too damn long. Pretty hefty stuff, though I liked it. I do think it would have been improved if it was more concise.