I've been adding books to the reading list here and there, and I'd like to bring your attention to one I'm particularly excited about, Peter C. Whybrow's American Mania.

Combining biological, economic, and psychiatric models, Whybrow creates a compelling explanation for the ambitious American role in what he terms the "Fast New World."  He argues that Americans are predisposed to seeking success and adventure at all costs, given the exploits of our parents (or grandparents, or great-grandparents) who chose to test their fortunes here.  The uniquely American (and possibly Australian?) drive for better-faster-more is fast exceeding the biological restraints on our collective lifestyle, leading to obesity, diabetes, and anxiety.   He also makes the case that our foundational models of the free market and the commons can't achieve their intended purposes today and ought to be reconsidered.  The case histories Whybrow uses to explore his theory are rich examples, but unfortunately lead him to prosaic, oft-repeated prescriptions.

I think I'm so excited about this book because a lot of the blogs and books I've been reading idealize simpler, easier, healthier, happier times without much inquiry into how our culture and expectations ended up where they are now.  I think this line of thinking is much more fruitful than nostalgic storytelling -- which American Mania does sometimes, too -- and might be more useful in the long run.  Despite its disappointing conclusion, I highly recommend checking it out.  (The NYPL has 17 copies.  Maybe we can come up with some prescriptions equal to Whybrow's otherwise-rigorous curiosity?)  And thanks so much for all of the recommendations you've sent me in the past few months!