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A review by lisahooha
Fibershed: Growing a Movement of Farmers, Fashion Activists, and Makers for a New Textile Economy by Rebecca Burgess
5.0
The tone is definitely drier and academic, but I personally don’t mind that. I think it was well researched and written. The work she’s done is good praxis, but the tone isn’t self-congratulatory at all. I was a little worried this was just going to be fear mongering and virtue signaling at first, but it really comes together the deeper you get.
The book is organized so you understand the problems with the current clothing industry, then the following chapters break down alternatives, their different eco-social benefits, and how it’s all interconnected. Not necessarily all in that order, you do have to piece things together for yourself a little bit tbh. There is a method to the madness though.
What was a nice surprise for me was that she acknowledges her privileges and recognizes positions other than her own. It’s a bit subtle, but hearing the way she talks about the issues, people, and options available lets you know she has done a lot of reflection. It’s not necessarily just about heart, but the sociological accuracy she has too. Some reviews described being talked down to, but I felt validation and relief. It’s starts off about her and her work, naturally, but it’s pretty well rounded and grounded!
The book is organized so you understand the problems with the current clothing industry, then the following chapters break down alternatives, their different eco-social benefits, and how it’s all interconnected. Not necessarily all in that order, you do have to piece things together for yourself a little bit tbh. There is a method to the madness though.
What was a nice surprise for me was that she acknowledges her privileges and recognizes positions other than her own. It’s a bit subtle, but hearing the way she talks about the issues, people, and options available lets you know she has done a lot of reflection. It’s not necessarily just about heart, but the sociological accuracy she has too. Some reviews described being talked down to, but I felt validation and relief. It’s starts off about her and her work, naturally, but it’s pretty well rounded and grounded!