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A review by sarah_reading_party
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 an important book. It's readable, and yet hard to read. From the beginning, D. L. Mayfield presented the reality of what the "American Dream" looks like for so many in this country today. I felt so much conviction around my life of privilege as a middle class white woman, a homeowner, a suburb-dweller, a Christian who has only ever been a minority by choice (study abroad). I've read D. L. Mayfield for years and love her passion for justice, equity, and for making people the center of the world and not just financial gain. While reading this book, I was encouraged to see her passion for change and her conviction that Christians need to do better.
There were a few concerns I had with this book. First, I think poverty and suffering were a bit romanticized or presented as a subject the author feels guilt over not experiencing. I was curious to know when it is "appropriate" for white people to suffer. The author almost died in childbirth but seemed to brush that off as "not as bad" as other people's experiences. Secondly, she teaches refugees English and is friends with Muslims. I wonder where evangelism comes into that. I'm not saying we should "4 spiritual laws" everyone we come into contact with, but I think if Christians are involved in that work they should talk about their faith. I didn't get that the author does that but maybe I missed it. Lastly, if we don't just follow her example--how do we change our perception of the American dream and help others? There was a little encouragement to "get involved" at the end but no real suggestions as to HOW to do that. I put the book down feeling somewhat more educated, a little more guilty, and not really sure how to move forward.
Despite these concerns, I think this book is worth the read and is an important subject to consider.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free ecopy to read. All opinions are my own.
There were a few concerns I had with this book. First, I think poverty and suffering were a bit romanticized or presented as a subject the author feels guilt over not experiencing. I was curious to know when it is "appropriate" for white people to suffer. The author almost died in childbirth but seemed to brush that off as "not as bad" as other people's experiences. Secondly, she teaches refugees English and is friends with Muslims. I wonder where evangelism comes into that. I'm not saying we should "4 spiritual laws" everyone we come into contact with, but I think if Christians are involved in that work they should talk about their faith. I didn't get that the author does that but maybe I missed it. Lastly, if we don't just follow her example--how do we change our perception of the American dream and help others? There was a little encouragement to "get involved" at the end but no real suggestions as to HOW to do that. I put the book down feeling somewhat more educated, a little more guilty, and not really sure how to move forward.
Despite these concerns, I think this book is worth the read and is an important subject to consider.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free ecopy to read. All opinions are my own.