By Betty Taylor

Reviewed by Kristin Daniels, age 18


More Fun Less Stuff is a deceptively simple title for a very comprehensive book. It was written by Betty Taylor, the executive director of the Center for A New American Dream. The book’s thesis is short but seemingly difficult to implement. If Americans would only slow down, turn off their TV’s/cars/stereos/computers, and get together with one another; then amazing things would happen for us, the environment, and the animals.

This book contains interesting bits of information designed to inspire the reader and spur them to action. From it we learn that “since 1940, Americans alone have used up as large a share of the Earth’s mineral resources as all previous humans put together.” Despite dire proclamations of American wastefulness there are plenty of suggestions on correcting the imbalance. Ideas such as “green” businesses, reduced meat consumption, developing alternative fuels, and a renaissance of the arts are proposed.

This book not only deals with the external world but also the internal world. It offers ideas designed to bring contentment without ever opening up a wallet or swiping a credit card. Suggested activities include holding a song circle, a story swap, or even just taking a sheet of homemade brownies to a neighbor and introducing yourself.

I enjoyed this book and the message it conveyed. The free response questions in the opening section of the book are of particular interest. I took the time to really think about my answers to questions such as “What makes you happy?” and “What do you want from life?” I came up with some interesting and even surprising answers. I am sure you will do the same if you read this little gem of a book.

Buy this book now!