A review by brandonc985
The Myth of the American Dream: Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety, and Power by D.L. Mayfield

4.0

The Myth of the American Dream is a book on the reflections of a white woman and what it means to be American and the implications with that. I really appreciate this book because of how story based she is in her writing. She addresses that Jesus came to free the poor, captive, blind, and oppressed, Mayfield asked the question, "What is the opposite of poor, captives, blind, and oppressed." She concludes that the opposite of those things are Affluence, Autonomy, Safety, and power. She also proposes that these are the charactersitics of the American Dream so many of us try to pursue.

There were many strengths to this book that I have to recognize. Mayfield's writing is laced with many stories of difference. Most of her reflections and conclusions came from being around people who were not like her. One of the most impacting parts was when Mayfield talked about money and the power of every time you buy a purchase you thank God for his provision. I also appreciated how Mayfield gave a glimpse of justice and her wrestle with justice.

My biggest set back while reading was that there were moments where Mayfield's writing felt like she was kind of wallowing in white guilt. I would've appreciated maybe if she had not talked so much about how much she felt bad, it felt counterproductive.

Overall, I would highly suggest this book to most people.