cover image DEMATERIALIZING: Taming the Power of Possessions

DEMATERIALIZING: Taming the Power of Possessions

Jane Hammerslough, . . Perseus, $26 (278pp) ISBN 978-0-7382-0386-7

For decades critics have lamented the increasing materialism of American culture. Here, though, Hammerslough takes a fresh, current look at the role objects play in our daily lives. Beginning with a reminder of the most basic definition of "materializing" from myths and fairy tales ("the spirit of something becomes tangible"), she explores the ubiquitous effort to make intangibles like love, self-esteem, success, health, happiness, control, superiority, perfection, morality and safety manifest through ownership of things. Refreshingly, Hammerslough probes deeper than trite complaints about spoiled children and adults with misguided values. She acknowledges that the joy of a new car may be perfectly reasonable and harmless, while pointing out that our "faith" in and "expectations" of objects can be destructive in many ways, for both individuals and communities. Objects, Hammerslough contends, are expected to relieve stress, alleviate fears, provide escape, express identity (or a desired identity), procure acceptance and deliver people from pain and disappointment. Yet she describes how "possession-obsession" blocks creativity, stunts growth, hinders relationships, garbles communication and redirects energy and attention away from achievement and toward the illusions and accoutrements of achievement. A contributor to Parenting, Child, Travel & Leisure and Country Living, Hammerslough presents thorough, detailed information in an easy, conversational style. While occasionally underestimating the difficulty of transforming deeply held beliefs and ingrained (culturally supported) habits, she offers many practical suggestions for positive change and an inspirational view of a timely topic. (Oct.)

Forecast:Offering much discussion fodder, a sensible approach to prosperity and a compassionate authorial voice, this addition to the simpler-living genre should be a shoe-in for interviews and talk shows.