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A review by mkmatheson
99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life by Adam Chandler
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
“If working hard made you rich, donkeys would be covered in gold.”
Chandler’s exploration into American exceptionalism as a grift has a broad scope across history. Whether it’s the motived mythologizing of Columbus or America’s obstinance in mandating a living wage, Chandler makes a clear argument about the expectations-versus-reality of being the 99% (illustrated to great effect in the title, co-opting a Thomas Edison quote). But this isn’t a scathing book—nor “anti-American” as an earlier review called it; Chandler isn’t whining, he’s interrogating how the country can improve for the sake of *all* its citizens. Though the transitions between chapters feels a tad tangential, the sum of its parts results in an informative and comprehensive read.
Chandler’s exploration into American exceptionalism as a grift has a broad scope across history. Whether it’s the motived mythologizing of Columbus or America’s obstinance in mandating a living wage, Chandler makes a clear argument about the expectations-versus-reality of being the 99% (illustrated to great effect in the title, co-opting a Thomas Edison quote). But this isn’t a scathing book—nor “anti-American” as an earlier review called it; Chandler isn’t whining, he’s interrogating how the country can improve for the sake of *all* its citizens. Though the transitions between chapters feels a tad tangential, the sum of its parts results in an informative and comprehensive read.