Material World: A Global Family Portrait
by Charles C. Mann, Peter Menzel
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Book Reviews of Material World: A Global Family Portrait
Book Review: more than a coffee table book
Summary: 5 Stars
My 10 year old daughter was attracted to this book as we browsed in the local bookstore, and we bought it impulsively. Five years later, it turns out to have been the most important nonfiction book that has entered our house. It is a treasure trove of information delivered in an irrisistable format, and it says more with photos and simple facts than any narrative ever could. It portrays what you really want to know about another culture: how they live. The facts point up the distribution of wealth in the world in a more pointed and poignant way than a book that tries harder by saying more. We have given it countless time as a coming of age gift.Book Review: Your Kids Will Get A Whole New Perspective on "Stuff"
Summary: 5 Stars
I discovered this one-of-a-kind book while paging through my favorite book catalog. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it, and bought it immediately for full price at my nearest bookstore (I NEVER pay full price - I was that excited!) On a cue from my catalog's annotation, I left it casually available in our family room. Within 10 minutes, my 9-year-old "material girl" zoomed in on the large, glossy cover, and asked about the book. I played cool: "Just a new book I really like... it's about all kinds of families and what kinds of stuff they have." Warily sensing the "educational" angle, she left it untouched as I left the room. Ten minutes later, she impatiently called to her 6-year old sister: "Look at this picture! This is a real family and this is all their stuff, even their beds! Where's their car? Look at these 2 little Mexican girls buying Barbies!" Unable to resist the text by now, she amended: "Oh, they're just looking. They don't have money to buy them." A thoughtful pause followed. Were the darling kids in the picture the anonymous "poor people" they heard about so often at school? They don't look unhappy in the photos...they look just like a regular family. YES! CONNECTION! It took the 2-page "Toilets of the World" spread to hook their 8-year-old brother, but this book remains an unending source of fascination for all of us. I am making a list of families to buy it for. Please take my word on this: I love language, but Material World's pictures tell a story of common humanity that could never be conveyed the same way in words. Don't miss this book.Book Review: I feel like I know families all around the world now.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read and reread this book and I feel like I know these diverse families in many different countries. There is so much to learn from each photograph and the accompanying text is interesting and educational. An eye opener for American kids.Book Review: Beautiful and informative
Summary: 5 Stars
An incredible piece of journalism and photography. It puts into perspective daily life around the world as well as the "stuff" we cherish.Book Review: Amazing Insight
Summary: 5 Stars
As I live in Australia I found it hard to get this book. After seeing a write up on it in my local paper I found the different cultures amazing to see in their homes and their worldly possessions. Must buy this book.