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Interviews | January 3, 2012

Jill Owens: IMG Naomi Benaron: The Powells.com Interview

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Naomi BenaronRunning the Rift is the most recent winner of the PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction, as awarded by Barbara Kingsolver. It's also an... Continue »
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The Overspent American: Why We Want What We Don't Need

by Juliet B. Schor

The Overspent American: Why We Want What We Don't Need Cover

ISBN13: 9780060977580
ISBN10: 0060977582
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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

The Overspent American explores why so many of us feel materially dissatisfied, why we work staggeringly long hours and yet walk around with ever-present mental "wish lists" of things to buy or get, and why Americans save less than virtually anyone in the world. Unlike many experts, Harvard economist Juliet B. Schor does not blame consumers' lack of self-discipline. Nor does she blame advertisers. Instead she analyzes the crisis of the American consumer in a culture where spending has become the ultimate social art.

Review:

"Thick with survey data, less taxing than a saunter through Saks, Schor's study is a scornful indictment of consumerism — which, she argues, has created a nation of debtors but failed to fill a gaping cultural maw. This is the stuff from which revolutions are made." Entertainment Weekly

Review:

"[A] masterful take on the human folly of overspending." Los Angeles Times Book Review

Review:

"Engaging...[Schor's] case studies of families who have rejected consumerism and simplified their lifestyles are vivid and will resonate with many readers." Fortune

Review:

"Schor writes in a lively manner and offers fascinating information about consumer spending patterns. She has written an engaging book that will cause readers to look afresh not only at their society but also at themselves." Philadelphia Inquirer
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About the Author

Juliet B. Schor, bestselling author of The Overworked American and senior lecturer and Director of Studies, Women's Studies, at Harvard University, writes and lectures widely on issues of work and consumption. She lives in Newton, Massachusetts, with her husband and two children.
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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 1 comment:
Leslie Pop, February 9, 2011 (view all comments by Leslie Pop)
The Overspent American should be required reading for life in general! Schor manages to examine consumption habits without getting judgmental and offers a wealth of information on ways to change such habits if the reader so chooses. Schor avoids political or idealogical affiliations and simply presents the facts about America's middle- and upper- class lifestyles. The book is incredibly motivational in terms of taking a closer look at intentions, habits, and what you really want to be the end product of your hard work and consumption habits. Highly recommended!
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780060977580
Author:
Schor, Juliet B.
Publisher:
Harper Perennial
Author:
by Juliet B. Schor
Location:
New York :
Subject:
United states
Subject:
Personal Finance - General
Subject:
Budget
Subject:
Anthropology - Cultural
Subject:
Finance, personal
Subject:
Consumer behavior
Subject:
Debt
Subject:
Values
Subject:
Credit
Subject:
Saving and investment
Subject:
Lifestyles.
Subject:
Values -- United States.
Subject:
Consumption
Subject:
Consumer Behavior - General
Subject:
Sociology - General
Subject:
Finance, Personal -- United States.
Subject:
Lifestyles -- United States.
Subject:
Business - General
Edition Description:
Trade PB
Series Volume:
102-644
Publication Date:
19990431
Binding:
TRADE PAPER
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Yes
Pages:
272
Dimensions:
7.97x5.31x.65 in. .50 lbs.
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Related Aisles

The Overspent American: Why We Want What We Don't Need New Trade Paper
0 stars - 0 reviews
$13.00 In Stock
Product details 272 pages Harper Perennial - English 9780060977580 Reviews:
"Review" by , "Thick with survey data, less taxing than a saunter through Saks, Schor's study is a scornful indictment of consumerism — which, she argues, has created a nation of debtors but failed to fill a gaping cultural maw. This is the stuff from which revolutions are made."
"Review" by , "[A] masterful take on the human folly of overspending."
"Review" by , "Engaging...[Schor's] case studies of families who have rejected consumerism and simplified their lifestyles are vivid and will resonate with many readers."
"Review" by , "Schor writes in a lively manner and offers fascinating information about consumer spending patterns. She has written an engaging book that will cause readers to look afresh not only at their society but also at themselves."
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