Have you caught this disease? (Affluenza - Oliver James)

Member Name: Trishajs

Product:	Affluenza - Oliver James
Date:	31/07/09 (46 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It is a learning experience.

Disadvantages: Can be a heavy read in parts

I didn't buy this book, I borrowed it from my local library- they had taken advantage of the credit crunch to have a whole display dedicated to money- I am grateful- if they hadn't, I doubt this book and I would have crossed paths. I was drawn to it, as not only have I heard Oliver Jame's comments on society before, but also by the review comments- such as... Will Self saying..." should be mandatory reading for everyone" and Jeremy Vine's comment..." Never before have I read a book that so precisely captures the way we are all being emotionally snookered by the demands of 21st century living".

The hardback costs £17.99, but it is now available in paperback at various prices on Amazon etc; for about a fiver. Alternatively, of course there is always your local library.

Now as the book involves the author Oliver James travelling all over the world, and as he admits he first sent the book idea to his publisher in September 2003- this is not a rush it out now the credit crunch has arrived book- of which there are so many.

The book is about, Affluenza- which he says is a pandemic sweeping the globe, some areas are all but fully infected, some less so. He looks at the reasons why America and the UK are the worst affected and why some nations have no trace of the "disease".

He looks at how consumerism has impacted across the globe, on raising children, appearances, property fever and the sexes. The influence of a countries government, their religions and values are also considered in his analysis.

The book is divided into areas on the Affluenza Virus, The Vaccines, and finally a section entitled Wakey Wakey- where as Mr James says himself- "the gloves come off ...from a position of relative impartiality ....I allow myself to tell you what I really think"

Now I do not deny the book is heavy going in parts and I sometimes found it difficult to read. However, I am glad I persisted. I found it very interesting and for me a confirmation of what I already believed, it increased my belief with evidence rather than what had been just my assumptions. I would imagine some younger readers, being sufferers of Affluenza, (whether or not they would admit it), would not see what I see, and find the book somewhat condescending in parts. As a child of the fifties, I have watched the affluenza virus spread from the USA to the UK to become the most prevalent disease of the 21st century. I consider myself very lucky that my parents gave me the antidote at a very early age, it has protected me for the most part ever since.

I was already, at least partially immune from the virus, but those who have not been, may find that far from deriding his views, that they reach a life changing conclusion,. For when you learn to pursue your needs rather than your wants your emotional wellbeing and quality of life will become life enhancing.

Summary: Cos you can't take it with you.