tolkienqueerfriend's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Honestly this book was kinda tough for me as someone steeped in productivity culture, but that just showed me how much I needed it! I would recommend taking this book slow, and giving it time to really sink in. If you do, it will be very rewarding
anktion's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
kp_writ's review against another edition
4.5
Like some other reviews, I agree that while this author was trying to be inclusive and mindful of how laziness can be different for those who face intersectional oppressions, I do think this book is most useful for the white middle-class white-collar workers who grew up with a go-getter overachieving mindset. Thankfully for my reading experience, I fit that exact demographic, so I quite enjoyed my time with this book. Admittedly I did tune out of some sections when I felt like I was already familiar enough with the material - this book leans more towards the introductory than the advanced side of this topic.
For example, I wish the author did more to explicitly connect the idea of laziness with the perception of welfare. The example of a parent telling their child not to give money to homeless people felt uninspired and felt easy to dismiss, in my opinion. I would be more interested in an example that liberals and leftists, who I'd imagine are more likely to be the audience for this book, may try to police the money they give via charity or "mutual aid."
I think people looking for straightforward "burnout tips" and cold hard facts will be disappointed. This is the kind of "self-help" book that underlines how "self-help" will not fix everything (and in fact will likely exacerbate the problem). It uses anecdotes and interviews to make its points, and I prefer that to the kind of nonfiction that spits facts or quotes at you.
For example, I wish the author did more to explicitly connect the idea of laziness with the perception of welfare. The example of a parent telling their child not to give money to homeless people felt uninspired and felt easy to dismiss, in my opinion. I would be more interested in an example that liberals and leftists, who I'd imagine are more likely to be the audience for this book, may try to police the money they give via charity or "mutual aid."
I think people looking for straightforward "burnout tips" and cold hard facts will be disappointed. This is the kind of "self-help" book that underlines how "self-help" will not fix everything (and in fact will likely exacerbate the problem). It uses anecdotes and interviews to make its points, and I prefer that to the kind of nonfiction that spits facts or quotes at you.
notmeganyoung's review against another edition
Honestly, just didn’t feel like I was learning anything I didn’t already know. Too many anecdotes.
almondnumberone's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
So interesting to think of laziness as a concept, and in this case, as a false one. I'm so glad I read this book! It made me be so much more compassionate of myself and others that think of themselves as "lazy". Dr Devon Price makes us understand that there is always a reason for people to rest/stop. At some point I felt that it got slightly repetitive, but still recommend it!
rachelarchelaus's review against another edition
Repetitive and not really learning anything.