Living It Up

Friday, May 5, 2006

Living It UpLast night I finished Living It Up : America’s Love Affair with Luxury, by James Twitchell. This is, if I remember correctly, the fifth book of his that I’ve read, and it did not disappoint.

This book (and AdCult) should be required reading in high school. Dr. Twitchell travels to Rodeo Drive, 5th Avenue, Miami, and Vegas — bravely bringing his wife and daughter on investigative “shopping” trips, too — to decipher what exactly is it that draws us to consume, consume, consume … It’s fascinating and scary, revolutionary and eye-opening. Before you buy another $180 pair of jeans or $5000 purse, pick up a $10 copy of this book and learn why you want those things in the first place.

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Josh Axelman 05.13.06 at 10:09 pm

I have been telling David for weeks that he needs to wear a cape. I will call him out on http://www.whatdaphuk.com and ask him in a public forum to wear a cape to work on Friday, every Friday. In fact, I will even buy the cape for him. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0003069PC/103-0061581-6331831?v=glance

2 Justin 06.10.06 at 11:04 pm

Hi David,
My wife read this book and really liked it. Opens your eyes, as you said.

BTW, I found your site via the Bonsai Kitten thing - I mentioned bonsai kitty once on my site, and now I get tons of comments on the post from angry teens :). Glad to know I’m in good company.

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