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Smile or Die Barbara Ehrenreich (Y)

Smile or Die By Barbara Ehrenreich (Y)

Smile or Die by Barbara Ehrenreich (Y)


$10.00
Condition - Very Good
Only 2 left

Summary

Explores the tyranny of positive thinking, and offers a history of how it came to be the dominant mode in the USA. This book argues that the insistence on being cheerful actually leads to a lonely focus inwards, a blaming of oneself for any misfortunes, and thus to political apathy. It reveals the dark side of the 'have a nice day' nation.

Smile or Die Summary

Smile or Die: How Positive Thinking Fooled America and the World by Barbara Ehrenreich (Y)

This brilliant new book from the author of Nickel and Dimed and Bait and Switch explores the tyranny of positive thinking, and offers a history of how it came to be the dominant mode in the USA. Ehrenreich conceived of the book when she became ill with breast cancer, and found herself surrounded by pink ribbons and bunny rabbits and platitudes. She balked at the way her anger and sadness about having the disease were seen as unhealthy and dangerous by health professionals and other sufferers. In her droll and incisive analysis of the cult of cheerfulness, Ehrenreich also ranges across contemporary religion, business and the economy, arguing, for example, that undue optimism and a fear of giving bad news sowed the seeds for the current banking crisis. She argues passionately that the insistence on being cheerful actually leads to a lonely focus inwards, a blaming of oneself for any misfortunes, and thus to political apathy. Rigorous, insightful and bracing as always, and also incredibly funny, "Happy Face" uncovers the dark side of the 'have a nice day' nation.

About Barbara Ehrenreich (Y)

BARBARA EHRENREICH is the author of fourteen books, including the bestselling Nickel and Dimed and Bait and Switch. She lives in Virginia, USA.

Additional information

GOR001556736
9781847081353
1847081355
Smile or Die: How Positive Thinking Fooled America and the World by Barbara Ehrenreich (Y)
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Granta Books
2009-12-17
240
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Smile or Die