When I got the email from NetGalley that I had been approved for Jane Marie’s MLM book, I immediately dropped what I was reading and picked it up, and I’m so glad I did! The book expands on the first season of the podcast in a lot of ways, and is full of stats and information, but remains completely readable. I found myself unable to put it down once I got started, which is not always the case for nonfiction with a lot of information. I would highly recommend this to anyone, but especially to anyone who is in or is considering joining an MLM.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the review copy.

Pub Date: March 12, 2024

I've been part of several MLM companies so I wanted to read this book with great desire. I found it to be pretty general - explaining the structure of such companies and how you don't make money with them. I liked the examples that supported each chapter. The real world stories were very relatable. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I love The Dream podcast, especially the first season, which focused on MLMs. This book draws on and expands that first season, and it's very fun to read (except for the inevitable rage I felt!).

Is multi-level marketing (also known as MLMs) a trick or a treat?

If you have listened to Jane Marie's podcast THE DREAM, then you will know she thinks MLMs are a trick. This book is full of historical context and discusses a few founders as well as a few who joined MLMs. It is well-researched and footnoted throughout. Man, I appreciate a good footnote!

I think listening to her podcast first would be helpful. She does more modern real-life case studies in the podcast (e.g., LuLaRoe); whereas, the book leans a little more old school like Amway, which many readers might not have as much of a reference for.

Emily Lynn Paulson's HEY HUN published this year, and I really liked that one as an "insider's guide" from someone who was high up in an MLM. Jane Marie has never been in an MLM, so this book is more of an academic look at MLMs. They work very well as companion pieces, and I rated both very highly. Just keep in mind that they are indeed different from one another although they do have a bit of overlap in their Venn diagram.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars, rounded up