Idaho State University 2007 Reading Project
The Reading Project consists of a series of events to encourage reading and stimulate debate among members of ISU and our community.
The 2007 Reading Project selection
Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic
by John De Graaf, David Wann, and Thomas H. Naylor.
De Graaf, producer of the PBS documentaries Affluenza (1996) and Escape from Affluenza (1998); David Wann, a former EPA staffer and expert on sustainable lifestyles; and Thomas H. Naylor, professor emeritus in economics at Duke, have assembled an updated and more in-depth look at the epidemic of over-consumption sweeping the United States and the rest of the world, based on de Graaf's documentaries. They define "affluenza" as "a painful, contagious, socially-transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety, and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more" and examine the spiraling cycle of over-consumption, spending, stress, and broken relationships caused by America's obsession with uncontrolled economic growth at any cost. This witty yet hard-hitting book provides evidence of the social problems caused by the American obsession with acquiring "stuff" and proposes solutions for living more sustainably. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries. (Excerpt from the Library Journal)
Author Information
John de Graaf, sociologist, has been writing and producing award-winning television programs for twenty years. Over twenty programs have been aired on PBS including Affluenza, Running Out of Time, For Earth's Sake, and Green Plans, among many others. He is a frequent speaker at colleges & universities and has been a visiting scholar at The Evergreen State College.
David Wann, environmental scientist, left the Environmental Protection Agency to concentrate on producing articles, books, and videos about sustainable lifestyles. He is the author of four books including Biologic: Designing with Nature to Protect the Environment and Deep Design: Pathways to a Livable Future.
Thomas Naylor is a Professor Emeritus of Economics at Duke University where he taught for 30 years. As an international strategic management consultant, he has advised governments and corporations in over thirty countries.
Faculty Resources
Below are web sites containing lesson plans you may want to adapt for your classes pertaining to the book "Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic."
Download the discussion guide to review the reading questions.
Affluenza (2nd edition) available for 2 week check out at library reserve.
PBS documentaries Affluenza and Escape from Affluenza on order (check with library reserve in the near future).
Discussion Guide
Community & Personal Action
Personal Action
- Energy Conservation Tips (PDF)
- Saving Water
- Substitute and Save
- The Smart Recycler's Guide to Surviving Supermarkets
Community Agencies
Check here for a list of community agencies and organizations (PDF) and their contact information.
2007 Reading Project: Affluenza
Itinerary as of 8/16/07
| Wednesday, September 5th | |
| 6:30 pm | Discussion with Lynn Shutters, ISU Assistant Professor of English Are you living the American Dream or the American Nightmare? What happens when we get caught up in a pursuit for more? Location: Marshall Public Library, Storytime Room |
| Thursday, September 6th | |
| 12:15pm | Discussion with Lynn Shutters, ISU Assistant Professor of English Are you living the American Dream or the American Nightmare? What happens when we get caught up in a pursuit for more? Location: Portneuf Room, Student Union |
| Tuesday, September 18th | |
| Time TBA | Authors Fly-In |
| 8:00 pm | Affluenza Documentary Location: Bengal Movie Theater, Student Union |
| Wednesday, September 19th | |
| Noon | Creating Television Documentaries (brown bag) Author: John de Graaf Location: Salmon River Suites, Student Union |
| 2:00 pm | Writing Non-fiction Discussion Author: David Wann Location: Salmon River Suites, Student Union |
| 5:30 pm | Escape from Affluenza Documentary (authors available for short Q&A) Location: Bengal Movie Theater, Student Union |
| 7:00 pm | Neighborhoods on Purpose/Revitalizing Communities Author: David Wann Location: Frazier Auditorium |
| Thursday, September 20th | |
| Noon | Take Back Your Time Author: John de Graaf Location: Salmon River Suites, Student Union |
| Noon | Affluenza Presentation followed by Affluenza Documentary Author: David Wann Location: Multipurpose Room, Bennion Student Union (Idaho Falls) |
| 1:00 pm | The Motherhood Manifesto Author: John de Graaf Location: Salmon River Suites, Student Union |
| 5:30 pm | Affluenza Documentary Location: Bengal Movie Theater, Student Union |
| 7:00 pm | Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic (Keynote) Authors: John de Graaf and David Wann Location: Ballroom, Student Union |
| 8:30 pm | Affluenza: Book Signing Reception Authors: John de Graaf and David Wann Location: Wood River, Student Union |
| Friday, September 21st | |
| 11:00 am | Finding Real Wealth (Brown bag) Author: David Wann Location: Wood River Room, Student Union |
| 12:00 pm | "What's the Economy for Anyway?" Author: John de Graaf Location: Wood River, Student Union |
| Time TBA | Authors Fly-Out |