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Rating: 
Summary: Oversimplified and Superficial
Review: Although I had high hopes for this book, I was disappointed by Hammerslough's mediocre analysis of consumerism in America. It may be plumped up by some interesting examples of materialism, but it fails to really identify the cultural roots of why we overspend, why we seek comfort in things.Most dismaying is the final chapter of the book, which provides a superficial overview on how we can overcome our materialist nature. This chapter reads like a simplistic advice column from a whiny monthly magazine. Save your money for something you really need.
Rating: 
Summary: Thoughtful advise
Review: Because we practice a voluntary simplicity, your money or your life way of living I am always interested in books on the subject of downsizing or decluttering or dematerializing. So this book caught my eye. I especially liked how she speaks to the issues of fear and feeling one may be deprived if they do with less. How as a society we have evolved and look to things to bring us a feeling of worth or happiness whereas in decades past it was family and friends whom we turned to. Ironically those were also the decades when people had money in savings accounts and weren't in debt. The books premise really is money cant buy you love. I especially liked Chapter 11 where the author talks about the value of having one day (Sunday) where we don't do anything except rest and relax. And she differentiates between recreation and fun and real rest and relaxation. And she discusses developing a will for living. Doing what gives one pleasure as well as an income. And the importance of simply being thankful for what one has. I really agree with her on that. I often stand in the shower and realize that there are people who have no indoor plumbing. No hot water at the turn of a knob, and now clean clothes fresh out of a washing machine and dried and ready for me to wear. Or the fact that I turn a knob and I have hot water to wash dishes, which in turn helps prevent diseases that in so many of the worlds countries are rampant. It is a book I recommend although I believe Your Money or Your Life is number one and the author agrees since she lists it on the books to read section.
Rating:
Summary: Thoughtful advise
Review: Because we practice a voluntary simplicity, your money or your life way of living I am always interested in books on the subject of downsizing or decluttering or dematerializing. So this book caught my eye. I especially liked how she speaks to the issues of fear and feeling one may be deprived if they do with less. How as a society we have evolved and look to things to bring us a feeling of worth or happiness whereas in decades past it was family and friends whom we turned to. Ironically those were also the decades when people had money in savings accounts and weren't in debt. The books premise really is money cant buy you love. I especially liked Chapter 11 where the author talks about the value of having one day (Sunday) where we don't do anything except rest and relax. And she differentiates between recreation and fun and real rest and relaxation. And she discusses developing a will for living. Doing what gives one pleasure as well as an income. And the importance of simply being thankful for what one has. I really agree with her on that. I often stand in the shower and realize that there are people who have no indoor plumbing. No hot water at the turn of a knob, and now clean clothes fresh out of a washing machine and dried and ready for me to wear. Or the fact that I turn a knob and I have hot water to wash dishes, which in turn helps prevent diseases that in so many of the worlds countries are rampant. It is a book I recommend although I believe Your Money or Your Life is number one and the author agrees since she lists it on the books to read section.
Rating:
Summary: Oversimplified and Superficial
Review: Dematerializing is a must read for anyone raising kids in our possession-obsessed society. It is a pleasure to read--the writing is both clever and engaging. Dematerializing offers valuable insights into our need for possessions without being preachy or disparaging of our ingrained cultural instincts. It also offers valuable suggestions for finding satisfaction with what you've got. I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: Great Read
Review: Dematerializing is a thought-provoking, fascinating book about why
we want, want, want to buy more and more things. It's original and relevant because it doesn't go over the same tired arguments about consuming and spending less. Instead, it explores motivation behind buying and the meaning that objects hold, and offers practical suggestions for feeling you have 'enough' in a materialistic culture. Hammerslough's very appealing tone and thorough research resonated for me, and I'd recommend it highly.
Rating:
Summary: one of the top 10 books I've ever read, and I read a lot
Review: Original thinking. Very thorough analysis of why people buy things, or want to buy them. Looks at it from many different angles. If you spend too much, or find that spending money or having things doesn't solve your problem of wanting things (that is, do you just end up wanting more?), then this book can help you do some soul-searching to arrive at a solution. Sees possessions as symptoms, not goals. Examines why you want things, and how you can solve the problem of spending too much or putting too much emphasis on possessions by changing your thinking. Expertly written. A pleasure to read.
Rating:
Summary: 'Dematerialize' by avoiding this book!
Review: The title holds promise--advice on how to break the buying habit. The contents proved to be everything but--pages of poorly-and annoyingly--written filler on why we're so consumed by consuming. After slogging through this wasteland of non-information, I gave up and turned with hope to the last chapter, the one that's supposed to offer advice. It does, but it's pathetically shallow and self-evident. Readers, the first step in dematerializing is to not waste money on this book. The next step is to gather your thoughts and come up with your own way to dematerialize. I guarantee you'll do a much better job than Hammerslough. And it won't cost you a penny.
Rating:
Summary: wonderful!
Review: This is a wonderful book and especially relevant right now. It's going out to all my friends as the perfect Christmas present.
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