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38 pages 1 hour read

Annie Leonard

The Story of Stuff: How Our Obsession with Stuff is Trashing the Planet, Our Communities, and Our Health—and a Vision for Change

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2010

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard explores the unsustainable nature of American consumer society, focusing on the environmental and human costs of overconsumption. Leonard divides the materials economy into extraction, production, distribution, consumption, and disposal, illustrating how each stage is interconnected and influenced by corporate and consumer behaviors. She argues for a systemic change towards less consumerism and greater valuing of resources, advocating for justice, equity, and environmental sustainability. Sensitive topics include environmental damage and systemic inequities.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard receives praise for its compelling analysis of consumer culture and its environmental impacts. Leonard's engaging narrative and thorough research enlighten readers, yet some find the tone somewhat preachy and the solutions overly simplistic. Overall, it's a thought-provoking call to mindfulness in consumption.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Story of Stuff?

Readers who would enjoy The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard are environmentally-conscious individuals interested in sustainability and consumerism. Fans of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and Naomi Klein's This Changes Everything would find Leonard's exploration of the impact of excessive consumption informative and engaging.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years