Book cover of Bright-Sided: How Positive Thinking Is Undermining America

Book description

Barbara Ehrenreich's New York Times bestselling Bright-sided is a sharp-witted knockdown of America's love affair with positive thinking and an urgent call for a new commitment to realism

Americans are a "positive" people -- cheerful, optimistic, and upbeat: This is our reputation as well as our self-image. But more than…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Bright-Sided as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Bright-sided shows the chokehold that positive thinking has on Americans. I admired the way the author “bucks” this central tenet of our society. The author demonstrates how positive thinking permeates all facets of American lives. Most importantly, she convinced me of the false promises and perils that emanate from our culture of positive thinking.

If you love Bright-Sided...

Ad

Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

Want books like Bright-Sided?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Bright-Sided.

Browse books like Bright-Sided

Book cover of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Book cover of Ain't No Makin' It: Aspirations and Attainment in a Low-Income Neighborhood
Book cover of Facing Up to the American Dream: Race, Class, and the Soul of the Nation

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Bright-Sided, you might also like...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

5 book lists we think you will like!