To her credit, she had already identified each of the second-hand-embarrassment moments I would have from my perspective as a reader each parable she gave from her own life represented a moment of discomfort for her, in understanding her privilege, lack thereof, or dynamic relationship there between. I sincerely rolled my eyes at the beginning of the book Biss' ignorance seemed feigned and impossible, and it was frustrating to read how an upper 'middle' class white woman (very much the woman who I, as a child in a suburban rich southern city, witnessed in my neighborhoods, school PTAs, and parents peer groups) was navigating the world with such disconnect. I think one of the most important aspects of the book (but not necessarily why I liked it) was Biss' own growth and development in her self-awareness in the context of capitalism and society. But-it isn't simply a book to explain theory, but moreso a memoir in a way a collection of essays over time. If you've taken philosophy courses in college past the 101 level, you might find this book somewhat redundant in that regard. It's a great primer to theory, without necessarily being an enigmatic and philosophical text.
In a way, this book is like Marx & Engels for people-namely, Americans-who are still entrenched in the legacy of McCarthyism and the red scare, of a culture dependent on pure capitalism and its effects, yet understandably might be ignorant of how capitalism itself works and want to learn without feeling accosted. I think the readers who will gain the most from this book are those similar to Biss, who are white, American, upper 'middle' class, and generally consider moments of discomfort (if at all) in identification of their class or privilege as affronts to their identity. This is also coincidentally a subject covered in the book). Reviews posted previously seem to say this book just doesn't read the room, or has a general air of ignorance or privilege and I agree-to a certain extent, where I still think this book is helpful and necessary (not that it needs to be-Biss could certainly write this book for no reason, if only personal fulfillment.
I was equally hesitant and enthusiastic, and the reviews definitely seemed mixed, while the press and publisher information seemed encouraging. I really did not know what to think about this book.
If you are currently skimming the reviews to determine whether to read I have a review for you.
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