The contrast between the average consumerist behaviors and the conscious lifestyle adjustments of the profiled individuals marks a measure of hope for redefining what success really means within American culture. Schor’s book is a thoughtful, reflective study about American identity—including what Americans value—measured through how they spend or save. Faith communities would serve their members well by studying and discussing these topics within their ministry, as they are common pressures to each individual living within the United States.

Aknowledgments preface 1. Introduction 2. Communicating with Commodities: How what we buy speaks volumes 3. The Visible Lifestyle: American Symbols of Status 4. When Spending Becomes You 5. The Downshifter Next Door 6. Learning Diderot''s lesson: Stopping the Upward Creep of Desire