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A review by jamiep
The Myth of the American Dream: Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety, and Power by D.L. Mayfield
5.0
“I started this book by looking at the way Jesus announced his ministry: he was bringing good news to the poor, the captive, the blind, the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. I wanted to examine the opposite values—affluence, autonomy, safety, and power—and to pay attention to how strong they are in my life and in the larger narrative of the American experiment.”
I think the thing I like the most about Mayfield’s books is that she doesn’t tell us what to think or what to do specifically. She voices concerns, gives data, and laments. It’s an easy read, but gave me much to ponder and ruminate over. Although the book is mostly about the ills of broken society there is hope scattered throughout that change is attainable.
The book is a series of essays (sadly not as many stories as her other book Assimilate or Go Home but still plenty). Some I agreed with wholeheartedly and some I bristled at. Many points that we would do well to consider.
I think the thing I like the most about Mayfield’s books is that she doesn’t tell us what to think or what to do specifically. She voices concerns, gives data, and laments. It’s an easy read, but gave me much to ponder and ruminate over. Although the book is mostly about the ills of broken society there is hope scattered throughout that change is attainable.
The book is a series of essays (sadly not as many stories as her other book Assimilate or Go Home but still plenty). Some I agreed with wholeheartedly and some I bristled at. Many points that we would do well to consider.