I've been meaning to read this for a while, and now that I have I'm really impressed. Perhaps the fact that I don't think I suffer too badly from Affluenza helps! Affluenza, James suggests, is an epidemic sweeping the English speaking world. It consists of an obsession with 'keeping-up-with-the-Joneses', excessive consumerism (buying stuff because you 'want' it instead of because you 'need' it), the need for increased wealth (beyond what you need), property fever - all leading to depression, anxiety and addictions.

Traveling the world's affluent cities (London, New York, Singapore etc) James interviews people who do and don't suffer from Affluenza, and tries to discover what makes some people more or less prone to the virus. He then goes on to suggest remedies, such as paying parents to look after their children (instead of forcing them back to work), teaching that it is not necessary to be rich and beautiful to be happy and how being playful, vivacious and authentic helps.

As someone he interview suggests, society is becoming populated by Tin Men from the Wizard of Oz - hollow inside.

I would have liked to have seen more interviews with normal citizens, instead of the stream of millionaires that he visited; and I'm not sure the very vicious attack on the Blairite government was completely necessary - I'd imagine that most governments (of all flavours and in all times) would have mucked it up just as they did (and do).

A fascinating read, certainly made me think about materiality, and asking myself do I 'need' or 'want' that? ( )

I recently heard a term I found interesting: nuffism, the philosophy of getting by with enough and no more. In a way, this fits with my own beliefs, though I also believe in living comfortably and in widening horizons, both of which can cost a lot of money. Nonetheless, I, like many of my generation, am stifled by the desperation of mass consumerism and one-upmanship, and often seek ways to make escaping that possible in my everyday life.

That's why I picked up this book. I was looking for a discussion on the issues tied in with our consumerist society, as well as some pointers to perhaps avoid said issues. I was not disappointed. Between the covers are some fascinating studies into the prevalance of depression and anxiety across the world, and how these appear to be connected to the communal lifestyle and mindset of individual nations. From the US to Japan to Denmark (which is a place in which I'd now very much like to live!), the reader can see what works, what doesn't, and why we are so messed up.

This is certainly an interesting read. The style is, of course, very academic, but the information is worth absorbing if you can bring yourself to do so. ( )

Very interesting concept, but I couldn't get far into this book as I found the large narrative paragraphs just too dry and formal for my reading. Lots of examples of people who are depressed because of the way our modern society lives - quite depressive reading the first couple of chapters. ( )