Rating: 
Summary: Time: The ULTIMATE commodity
Review: For years I've thought of Europe as like the grandfather... sitting on the porch, watching America in action. He sits there, somewhat envious, reminiscing about the days when he used to be the top dog himself. But the envy is shortlived; in truth, he would never trade places with us, for he knows that the true cost of being able to call yourself #1 is far too high.
Money and power, after all, aren't everything.
In Take Back Your Time, de Graaf looks at a culture that is all about the material short term and cannot see beyond. It's a book that reminds us that it's OUR time, that this is a commodity that we CHOOSE to trade for things like money, status and comfort. I use the word 'remind' loosely--in truth, it's almost a new concept, for many. We hear stories of millionaires on their deathbed who would give everything to have one more year, yet other millionaires will do 15 hours tomorrow rather than think about it. Our culture is basically designed to HAVE TO work like this: the economy would go bust if we put anything before money. You could argue it's always been that way, but not to this extreme: every year we trade more hours so as to buy bigger houses, better cars, more gadgets, etc. This is a book that all of America needs to read. If only we had the time.
Rating:
Summary: Thought provoking
Review: Having been interested in these issues for a few years, I participated in the official Take Back Your Time Day on Oct. 24. I hadn't bought the book before the event since I thought I already knew enough about the issues, but with the enthusiasm generated from the event, I purchased a copy. I was pleased to find that it's a very readable, thought-provoking book - a variety of short essays by knowledgeable people about important ideas. It offers many ideas I hadn't thought about before. Well worth the cost - both in money and in the time spent reading it!
Rating:
Summary: Of immediate, systemic relevance to American society
Review: I didn't have to read this book to be sold on the concept. I bought it so that I could have more facts when people asked me questions. What I gained from reading these many essays is more than simple facts. I gained a deeper understanding of how pervasive both the causes and effects are of time poverty in America. I have had no choice but to look at my own life to see what I can do differently. And I am even more certain that what the Take Back Your Time Day organizers have been doing is of immediate and necessary importance. Why should you read this book? Because no matter how much you think you know about overwork and time poverty in America, you will almost certainly discover something new.
Rating:
Summary: Live deeper, not faster
Review: It's the 900 pound gorilla in America that everyone should be talking about: time poverty. Most folks accept it as unavoidable; that's just the way life is. Work, work, work. Busy, busy, busy. Bulloney, says this book. I'm not doing too bad but I see the trappings of modern existence creeping into my life and I'm inspired to keep them in check. This book is particularly strong because it draws on the opinions of many progressive thinkers, rather that just one lone voice in the wilderness. Stop buying stuff, invest time in your family and community and civic society. Live deeper. I'm working on it. Are you?
Rating:
Summary: The Essential Compendium
Review: Out of the various books on overworked Americans, the history of time and work in America, the environmental impacts of our lifestyle, and simple living alternatives, this volume is the single best introduction to all these topics. This book makes a great gift to just about anybody who works today.
Rating:
Summary: So good I'm going to buy copies for my friends
Review: Take Back Your Time is exceptionally clear in laying out the many ways in which we Americans suffer from not having enough time. Our lack of time to spend time with loved ones and friends, to help others, to be informed enough to vote, etc, is a direct result of choosing a way of life that emphasizes money and stuff over TIME. The book is a great read with numerous authors speaking to their particular knowledge on the subject of time poverty. I especially liked chapter 25 (It would be especially good for business too), which makes a compelling case that less time at work does not mean lower productivity.
Rating:
Summary: really great book
Review: This book is really a terrific read. If people showed a little solidarity and demanded some of the changes this book advocates the whole world would be a lot better off in so many ways
Rating:
Summary: excellent book
Review: this is a book long past due. even better than affluenza.
Rating:
Summary: TIRED OF WORKING TOO MUCH? READ THIS BOOK!
Review: This is a fantastic book about overwork and lack of leisure time in America, and how it affects us personally and as a society! John de Graaf has done an outstanding job as editor of this book! Get a copy for everyone workaholic you know! This is the book for the Take Back Your Time day movement that is growing by leaps and bounds! Say NO to overwork and get this book!
Rating:
Summary: TIRED OF WORKING TOO MUCH? READ THIS BOOK!
Review: This is a fantastic book about overwork and lack of leisure time in America, and how it affects us personally and as a society! John de Graaf has done an outstanding job as editor of this book! Get a copy for everyone workaholic you know! This is the book for the Take Back Your Time day movement that is growing by leaps and bounds! Say NO to overwork and get this book!
|
