A really fascinating look into motivation behind ambition! I found this to be an insightful read about a topic I hadn't given enough thought.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved the cover - really grabbed me - but not so much the content. I liked some of the anecdotes, particularly about the concepts of "overwork" and monetizing your passion (is it good or can it kill your love of the hobby?) Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book.

✨(eARC) Book Review✨

All the Gold Stars: Reimagining Ambition and the Ways We Strive by Rainesford Stauffer

So you’re an over-achieving, perfectionist suffering from burnout, wondering—what is it all for? Have I got the book rec for you!

I felt this book deep in my core. It’s a timely book that analyzes, dissects, and reconstructs what it means to be ambitious and, likewise, what ambition means to us. It is well-researched and beautifully written. You can tell that Stauffer put so much care into this book by sharing such a variety of stories, her own toxic ambitious tendencies, and great research. I’ve been feeling less and less ambitious in my own life as I’ve gotten older, and this book is the perfect antidote for not feeling bad about that. It encourages you to seriously reconsider how you conceive of ambition and gives you a probably much-needed reminder that you are more than the work you do. You are a whole person.

The book didn’t quite go where I expected—it’s not some ground-breaking theory. It’s more like a quiet, encouraging chat with a friend who really gets it, ya know?

Perhaps I’m biased. The author and I did briefly overlap at the same small college, and while we didn’t know one another well, I was so excited to give this a read and support her work. (I haven’t read her first one, An Ordinary Age, but it’s on my TBR!) I think this one speaks to many millennials whose ambition was constantly nurtured and encouraged growing up, leaving us with an unhealthy perception of our aspirations.

Thanks to @hachettebooks and @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

📖: (4/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

While I enjoyed the premise, I'm not sure the thesis here was enough to fill out a full book. Or perhaps it would've worked if it was a bit shorter. Towards the middle, it really started to drag and feel repetitive. The chapters, while focusing on different subtopics, didn't feel different enough. Many of the points were generic and less related to the specific topic at hand. While each chapter represented a worthy example of ambition in our lives, the explanation of each began to feel repetitive. I didn't feel like the reporting dug deep enough into each topic, but instead stayed pretty high level with the Overall, I really admire Rainesford's work and writing. I think the topic here just didn't get enough to work with for a non-academic text.

This is a thought-provoking book that challenges our understanding of ambition. The author offers that our current definition of ambition is too focused on productivity and achievement, and that we need to find a way to be ambitious without burning ourselves out. If you're feeling burnt out or if you're struggling to find a balance between work and life, this is a great resource.

Having worked in private education for much of my life, this was a good choice for me. I enjoyed the case studies and the discussions of who succeeded versus those who burned out (or otherwise failed to meet goals). I felt the book was well-researched. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

The deal: This is one of those “the subtitle says it all” situations.

Is it worth it?: I think so! Especially if you haven’t already read a bunch of other things on this and other related topics (burnout, labor, mutualism, time, etc.). If you’re pretty far along on your work/ambition/community care radicalization journey, you might not find much new here. If not, it’s a great sampler platter. Once you’re done, choose what interests you most and follow any of Stauffer’s research breadcrumbs to folks like Kim Kelly, Sarah Jaffe, Mariame Kaba, Mia Birdsong, etc.

Pairs well with: Dr. Ayesha Khan’s “Cosmic Anarchy” newsletter

B

An engaging exploration of ambition and achievement, and the burnout that can often come from years of chasing gold stars. This book dives into so many fascinating topics—it's informative and educational, but the personal anecdotes also add a relatable, meaningful touch. I think ALL THE GOLD STARS will resonate with so many people, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

“All the Gold Stars” by Rainesford Stauff is a literary gem that deserves every bit of praise it receives. From the moment I started reading, I was captivated by the author’s eloquent storytelling and masterful grasp of language. This book is a shining example of what makes literature truly exceptional.

One aspect that immediately stood out to me was the extensive and meticulous citation throughout the book. Stauff’s dedication to thorough research and accurate references adds a layer of credibility to the narrative, making it a valuable resource for readers seeking reliable information. The inclusion of well-cited sources allows readers to delve deeper into the topics explored in the book, fostering a sense of intellectual curiosity and expanding our understanding of the subject matter.

What truly sets “All the Gold Stars” apart, however, is its ability to strike a perfect balance between educational value and sheer enjoyment. Stauff’s writing style effortlessly weaves together facts and anecdotes, ensuring that readers are both informed and entertained. The book takes complex concepts and presents them in a way that is accessible to readers of all backgrounds, making it a delight to read for anyone interested in the topic.

Stauff’s attention to detail is evident in every chapter, as she carefully constructs a narrative that flows seamlessly from one section to the next. Each page is filled with captivating stories, insightful observations, and thought-provoking analyses. It is evident that the author has poured her heart and soul into this book, resulting in a work that is rich in substance and brimming with passion.

I have been excited for this book since I was introduced to the author’s work through Culture Study and I saw it announced on her Twitter account and it absolutely lived up to and exceeded my expectations! It felt like this book was talking directly to me. In every chapter I felt seen and understood and I appreciated that while there is no single solution presented, there are ideas and challenges and new frameworks I can reference in the short and long term. This is an important read and I highly recommend

An extremely thoughtful -- and thought-provoking -- deep dive on ambition, which we've learned to make a default mode of existing without much interrogation. After watching a movie, my dad likes to say "Was this necessary?" The answer to that question for "All The Gold Stars" is a resounding "yes!"

Growing up a Straight-A obsessed perfectionist and a person who cycles through burnout, this was a book I needed to read. I had to snort at the part about how achievers turn hobbies into work and more achievement. I'm always trying to do that. I really enjoyed all the different angles that were tackled and would recommend this to anyone who has spent their life chasing gold stars.

An engaging look into ambition and burnout. Rainesford Stauffer has written an interesting book that kept me flipping pages while nodding my head and saying, “yup, mmhmm.” Really resonated with me. Excellent read!

A fascinating look at ambition, who gets to have it, and the different ways it is conceptualized and applied. The writing is clear, accessible, and there are many anecdotes from the author. Recommended to anyone interested in reading about and reflecting on work-life balance, burnout, and related concepts.

Thank you very much to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

I found myself highlighting, marking, and nodding along to most all of examples and anecdotes in Stauffer's latest book. The case studies challenged me, I appreciated the personal details included (and deeply related), and I'm looking forward to continue reflecting on the best way to model sustainable ambitious behavior. Highly recommend!

All the Gold Stars earns all the stars from me. I’m going to forever read whatever Rainesford Stauffer decides to write. Her first book had my highlighting every other page and here again I was circling and emphasizing dozens and passages. The balance of memoir with the stories of the people she interviewed was perfect and really shines a light on the fact that if you too feel imposter syndrome or generally overwhelmed by pressure to strive for more — you are not alone.

Pros: The cover of this book caught my attention immediately because I’ve used gold stars as a personal symbol for years. I love to get and give gold stars and think of them as a sign of a job well done . . . which shows that I am the intended reader of this book.

I found this book to be incredibly relatable and think other “achievers” (especially Millennials and/or Enneagram Ones) will too. From the author’s stomach problems to discussion about motivation, ambition, and achievement being metrics of being a good person, I felt seen and understood. I appreciated the author’s examination of how our culture values ambition and a Protestant work ethic . . . and why that is not always a healthy thing. One of the biggest lightbulb moments I had when reading this book was the section on hobbies and how achievers turn their hobbies into “serious leisure” that becomes about achievement rather than enjoyment. I would reread this book and will recommend it to friends who I know will also relate to the message of this book.

Cons: None really. I wasn’t interested in some of the case studies, but that is a very minor con.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books for the opportunity to read this book.