Cover Image: It's Not You, It's Capitalism

It's Not You, It's Capitalism

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Member Reviews

This was an informational, infographic journey into all of the reasons we need to break up with capitalism and try something different on for size. I found this approachable, informative, and entertaining. I really loved the way Malaika Jabali broke things down and I've recommended this book to several of my friends. As a millennial who graduated college shortly after a financial crisis hit, this book really resonated. Why does education, healthcare, and just...living cost so much? Capitalism, baby. This book has caused me to take a more critical look at my own participation in this system. A fitting read for just losing my job to capitalist greed.

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A good overview of the shortfalls of capitalism, framed for a young generation. I wasn't a huge fan of the comparisons to an ex here, but I can see the attempt to make a difficult subject matter a bit more relatable.

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3 1/2 stars

It's Not You, It's Capitalism is a well-researched book that attempts to argue that capitalism only benefits the wealthy and, therefore, isn't a great fit for any country; and this would be a true argument, IMHO. However, the conversational tone dotted with slang and the constant theme of a breaking-up relationship didn't do the argument any favors unless you're part of the intended audience, whom I presume must be under 30 (arbitrary age).

That said, there is so much good information here, history, philosophy and historical thinkers that if you can move past the tone, you'll find it a very worthwhile and enlightening read. Idealistically it would be wonderful if a book were written that embraced everyone as it seems the majority of individuals in the US (and perhaps elsewhere) do not understand exactly what socialism is but are willing to scrap it anyway because of erroneous information passed on to them.

Many thanks to Algonquin for sending me a copy.

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I love books that present economics in a new understandable way. I love Marx but his stuff isn't going to be relatable to most people now. This book will be, however. This was perfect. Treating capitalism as a toxic ex is the way to go!

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Thank you to Algonquin Books and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I also have a paperback copy. When this book is published, it will be even better as it will have color. I'll say, though that I didn't need it to find this book very readable and informative. While it definitely heavily skews on socialism, I will say that I learned a great deal, thanks for the bite sized pieces of information and the approachable writing style. I really enjoyed this book, even more than I'd thought I would.

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It doesn't matter what your economic outlook is, this is a great book that everyone should read. If you fell asleep in economics class, here is your chance to catch up.

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Overall, I think this was a good introduction to the issues of capitalism and how socialism can make our quality of life better. The style and tone is geared more towards the younger generation, treating capitalism as a toxic ex. This make the realities in the text a bit less harsh, and instead makes it seem like it really is possible to make a change.

I loved that throughout the book there were stories of local socialist movements that worked and affected their community in a positive way. It was also great to read about the history of capitalism, and its roots in racism. This intersectionality is often overlooked when the conversation about capitalism and socialism occurs.

This is a must-read for anyone looking to become more active in changing the harmful way our country and local communities are run.

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