Ilene R. (planteater) reviewed The Contemplation of Stuff on 8/18/2008 + 10 more book reviews

Paul Lukas pays attention to the things that the average person doesn't. He revels in humble, well-made objects that do their jobs perfectly (the change maker used by ice cream vendors), as well as the weird ones that defy explanation (kraut juice). Lukas helpfully provides the manufacturers' names, wherever possible, and/or tells us where he obtained his items - because Lukas is not only a philosopher of consumption, he is also a practitioner. It's an easy, relaxing read, and one that may make the reader a bit more aware of his or her surroundings, of the marvelous and strange things that inhabit our consumption-driven world, and of the impulses that drive us to create (and purchase) the things that we do.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details