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Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress: How Innovators of the Roaring 20s Created the Consumer Revolution
The birth of America's shopping addiction.Why do you have to have the latest iPhone? Is it really that much better than the last model? How did we end up with 57 kinds of peanut butter? Who buys reduced-fat, super-chunk, peanut butter balls? What makes celebrities irresistible? Even when we want to look away, we just can't. How come "just say no" never works? Not with booze, not with drugs, and not with sex. How did we end up with so many subscriptions? Do you even know how many you have? When was the first "girl's night out"? And why can't guys dream up anything better than a sports bar? And worst of Why is there so much click-bait?!
What if I told you that the answer isn't greedy corporations or deceitful advertisers? It's not big tech, artificial intelligence, social media, or hidden algorithms either. The answers have been hiding in plain site for over 100 years.
The desire to make our own choices is hardwired into our brains, but it was not until the Roaring 20s that the combination of mass production, mass finance, and mass marketing made choice-making the American drug of choice.
Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress retells the epic stories of the decade that addicted all of us to the shopping experience.
Is that a good thing? A bad thing? Or something in between?
Read on...and choose for yourself.
What if I told you that the answer isn't greedy corporations or deceitful advertisers? It's not big tech, artificial intelligence, social media, or hidden algorithms either. The answers have been hiding in plain site for over 100 years.
The desire to make our own choices is hardwired into our brains, but it was not until the Roaring 20s that the combination of mass production, mass finance, and mass marketing made choice-making the American drug of choice.
Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress retells the epic stories of the decade that addicted all of us to the shopping experience.
Is that a good thing? A bad thing? Or something in between?
Read on...and choose for yourself.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
477 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2023
48 people are currently reading
2608 people want to read
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August 17, 2023I received a free kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The title and summary sounded like a book totally up my alley. First I tried reading the kindle copy, but found the writing often off-putting; unnecessarily sarcastic, arguing for the merits of capitalism instead of telling more about the actual topic of the book, flippant about others who may share different opinions or beliefs from the author, and so on. I switched to the audio book, and at first found it more accessible and easier to digest. Maybe the lack of ridiculously long footnotes helped, or just hearing it more conversational than dry. But then about a third of the way through I just couldn’t do it any more. The author felt the need to defend Charles Lindbergh’s racism and antisemitism. The author sited Lindbergh’s “youth” (come on, he was late twenties not late teens). The author also used the excuse that many others felt the same way, and somehow that makes it okay? This was an extreme example of what was so frustrating with this book- just stick with the interesting and informative on-topic information. Why spend time on this? The author asks “What would you have done in Charles Lindbergh’s shoes” when faced with accepting an award from the Nazi government. Well, it’s hard for me to imagine as a Jewish person. I’d probably be dead long before I got into the room, you know, like much of my family who were murdered by Nazis. I just can’t keep giving this author the benefit of the doubt and trying to get through this book. The title should really be more clear about what this is, or at least not sound so fun when the material is mostly anything but. Really unfortunate.
April 18, 2023
Note: there are two versions of this on Goodreads that I cannot combine: I will review under BOTH of them so my review does not disappear.
Synopsis: (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review)
******************************************************
Epic stories from the decade that taught Americans how to vote with their wallets.
"The more you read, the less you feel like a sheep in the thrall of Madison Avenue, and more like a tiny, private tycoon bending the market to your whims."
What did Al Capone, Babe Ruth, and Coco Chanel all have in common? Al Capone understood that working men just wanted to enjoy a beer after a long day at work…and that working women wanted exactly the same thing. Babe Ruth understood that people wanted a show, not just a game…even if they would never see him play. Coco Chanel understood that women wanted freedom from tight corsets, flowing gowns, and complex updos…even if (especially if) that meant showing some skin. Each one understood what their customer wanted and found a way to give it to them.
We’ve heard amazing stories like these so often over the past 100 years that they’ve become…well, normal. But that’s only because no one alive today remembers what life was like before the so-called “Roaring 20s” – the most misunderstood decade in American history. Capone, Ruth, and Chanel were indeed unique, but they were not alone. Dozens of innovators used the same approach to systematically change every aspect of our daily lives in a 10-year orgy of societal transformation unknown before or since.
The 1920s ushered in nothing short of a Consumer Revolution – one just as transformative as the Industrial Revolution that preceded it or the Information Revolution that followed. Consumer culture not only changed what we buy and how we buy it, but more important than that, it changed how we see ourselves and our role in society. We’re more than healthcare patients, college students, social advocates, and citizens. We’re consumers…and we demand to be treated as such.
Our world – for good and for ill – would never be the same.
What you can expect in this book:
-----------------------------
Fun, fast-paced, and fascinating stories about colourful characters of the 1920s.
Learn the origins of everything from frozen food to diaphragms.
Empower yourself to make better consumer choices...starting today.
This book will help you rediscover your power to change the world!
***********************************************************
LONG BOOK, LONG DESCRIPTION .. wow. I almost don't need to read the book as that is one heck of a synopsis... :-)
At least 100 years ago we were not OVERSHARED AND OVERWHELMED by dumb "influencers" (or as they now prefer "content creators") and their even sillier followers who buy their junk and make them billionaires. The origins of this plight on humanity were well presented and I loved this historical aspect of it although I know that they were using diaphragms in Ancient Egypt and were freezing food naturally in colder climates well before it was a commercial enterprise.
I will recommend this book to all my history-fanatic readers and those interested in consumerism, especially the dark side of it.
Fantastic book - #shortbutsweetreview
Synopsis: (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review)
******************************************************
Epic stories from the decade that taught Americans how to vote with their wallets.
"The more you read, the less you feel like a sheep in the thrall of Madison Avenue, and more like a tiny, private tycoon bending the market to your whims."
What did Al Capone, Babe Ruth, and Coco Chanel all have in common? Al Capone understood that working men just wanted to enjoy a beer after a long day at work…and that working women wanted exactly the same thing. Babe Ruth understood that people wanted a show, not just a game…even if they would never see him play. Coco Chanel understood that women wanted freedom from tight corsets, flowing gowns, and complex updos…even if (especially if) that meant showing some skin. Each one understood what their customer wanted and found a way to give it to them.
We’ve heard amazing stories like these so often over the past 100 years that they’ve become…well, normal. But that’s only because no one alive today remembers what life was like before the so-called “Roaring 20s” – the most misunderstood decade in American history. Capone, Ruth, and Chanel were indeed unique, but they were not alone. Dozens of innovators used the same approach to systematically change every aspect of our daily lives in a 10-year orgy of societal transformation unknown before or since.
The 1920s ushered in nothing short of a Consumer Revolution – one just as transformative as the Industrial Revolution that preceded it or the Information Revolution that followed. Consumer culture not only changed what we buy and how we buy it, but more important than that, it changed how we see ourselves and our role in society. We’re more than healthcare patients, college students, social advocates, and citizens. We’re consumers…and we demand to be treated as such.
Our world – for good and for ill – would never be the same.
What you can expect in this book:
-----------------------------
Fun, fast-paced, and fascinating stories about colourful characters of the 1920s.
Learn the origins of everything from frozen food to diaphragms.
Empower yourself to make better consumer choices...starting today.
This book will help you rediscover your power to change the world!
***********************************************************
LONG BOOK, LONG DESCRIPTION .. wow. I almost don't need to read the book as that is one heck of a synopsis... :-)
At least 100 years ago we were not OVERSHARED AND OVERWHELMED by dumb "influencers" (or as they now prefer "content creators") and their even sillier followers who buy their junk and make them billionaires. The origins of this plight on humanity were well presented and I loved this historical aspect of it although I know that they were using diaphragms in Ancient Egypt and were freezing food naturally in colder climates well before it was a commercial enterprise.
I will recommend this book to all my history-fanatic readers and those interested in consumerism, especially the dark side of it.
Fantastic book - #shortbutsweetreview
May 6, 2023
Booze, Babe and the Little Black Dress: How Innovators of the Roaring 20s Created the Consumer Revolution by Jason Voiovich was a really interesting read. The book was broken up into chapters that each read like a short story, and each chapter leads the reader to discover more about how the 1920's influenced consumer culture as it is today. I honestly did not know much about the 1920's; it always seemed like the period between World War I and the Great Depression in the history that I have learned. However, this book was a fascinating, and in-depth look at the people and innovations that flooded this era, that made me look at the 1920's in a whole new light (and a little disbelief that I didn't know more about it!)
My only hangup with the book was the writing style. Although I appreciated the way that it is a history book written in a really relatable way, I found the number of idioms, cliches and puns, as well as the continual reference to past and future chapter numbers really distracting.
Overall, it was a really good read and an interesting topic that kept me absorbed through a relatively dense subject matter and long-ish length.
My only hangup with the book was the writing style. Although I appreciated the way that it is a history book written in a really relatable way, I found the number of idioms, cliches and puns, as well as the continual reference to past and future chapter numbers really distracting.
Overall, it was a really good read and an interesting topic that kept me absorbed through a relatively dense subject matter and long-ish length.
May 7, 2023
Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress: How Innovators of the Roaring 20s Created the Consumer Revolution is a great book that I enjoyed reading. The author provides an impressively detailed history of sales. While that might sound boring, the author keeps it extremely interesting. You will learn interesting facts about everyone from General Motors to Birdseye, along with many others, and it covers the growth of everything from automobiles to radio. It’s full of amazing innovations, and I said WOW at least once on almost every page. The book is long and well worth the cost.
I recommend it to anyone that likes to read about history in interesting ways.
I recommend it to anyone that likes to read about history in interesting ways.
June 3, 2023
I received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion. That being said, this is a phenomenal book. The story-driven narrative style is reminiscent of the podcast Stuff You Should Know. It is engaging, interesting, and informative and makes me want to keep reading all the way through in one go! While I didn't do that due to other obligations and time constraints, it is definitely worth the read.
dnf-abandoned
October 25, 2023Received from NetGalley in exchange for a review but I just couldn’t… it seems like things I’d like, and maybe I will come back to it, but so far I just didn’t think the author was doing what he said he would do. I do admit it would be a hard sell that really it’s the people, not the companies, that made capitalism/consumerism this way.
May 23, 2023
Note: there are two versions of this on Goodreads that I cannot combine: I will review under BOTH of them so my review does not disappear.
Synopsis: (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review)
******************************************************
Epic stories from the decade that taught Americans how to vote with their wallets.
"The more you read, the less you feel like a sheep in the thrall of Madison Avenue, and more like a tiny, private tycoon bending the market to your whims."
What did Al Capone, Babe Ruth, and Coco Chanel all have in common? Al Capone understood that working men just wanted to enjoy a beer after a long day at work…and that working women wanted exactly the same thing. Babe Ruth understood that people wanted a show, not just a game…even if they would never see him play. Coco Chanel understood that women wanted freedom from tight corsets, flowing gowns, and complex updos…even if (especially if) that meant showing some skin. Each one understood what their customer wanted and found a way to give it to them.
We’ve heard amazing stories like these so often over the past 100 years that they’ve become…well, normal. But that’s only because no one alive today remembers what life was like before the so-called “Roaring 20s” – the most misunderstood decade in American history. Capone, Ruth, and Chanel were indeed unique, but they were not alone. Dozens of innovators used the same approach to systematically change every aspect of our daily lives in a 10-year orgy of societal transformation unknown before or since.
The 1920s ushered in nothing short of a Consumer Revolution – one just as transformative as the Industrial Revolution that preceded it or the Information Revolution that followed. Consumer culture not only changed what we buy and how we buy it, but more important than that, it changed how we see ourselves and our role in society. We’re more than healthcare patients, college students, social advocates, and citizens. We’re consumers…and we demand to be treated as such.
Our world – for good and for ill – would never be the same.
What you can expect in this book:
-----------------------------
Fun, fast-paced, and fascinating stories about colourful characters of the 1920s.
Learn the origins of everything from frozen food to diaphragms.
Empower yourself to make better consumer choices...starting today.
This book will help you rediscover your power to change the world!
***********************************************************
LONG BOOK, LONG DESCRIPTION .. wow. I almost don't need to read the book as that is one heck of a synopsis... :-)
At least 100 years ago we were not OVERSHARED AND OVERWHELMED by dumb "influencers" (or as they now prefer "content creators") and their even sillier followers who buy their junk and make them billionaires. The origins of this plight on humanity were well presented and I loved this historical aspect of it although I know that they were using diaphragms in Ancient Egypt and were freezing food naturally in colder climates well before it was a commercial enterprise.
I will recommend this book to all my history-fanatic readers and those interested in consumerism, especially the dark side of it.
Fantastic book - #shortbutsweetreview
Synopsis: (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review)
******************************************************
Epic stories from the decade that taught Americans how to vote with their wallets.
"The more you read, the less you feel like a sheep in the thrall of Madison Avenue, and more like a tiny, private tycoon bending the market to your whims."
What did Al Capone, Babe Ruth, and Coco Chanel all have in common? Al Capone understood that working men just wanted to enjoy a beer after a long day at work…and that working women wanted exactly the same thing. Babe Ruth understood that people wanted a show, not just a game…even if they would never see him play. Coco Chanel understood that women wanted freedom from tight corsets, flowing gowns, and complex updos…even if (especially if) that meant showing some skin. Each one understood what their customer wanted and found a way to give it to them.
We’ve heard amazing stories like these so often over the past 100 years that they’ve become…well, normal. But that’s only because no one alive today remembers what life was like before the so-called “Roaring 20s” – the most misunderstood decade in American history. Capone, Ruth, and Chanel were indeed unique, but they were not alone. Dozens of innovators used the same approach to systematically change every aspect of our daily lives in a 10-year orgy of societal transformation unknown before or since.
The 1920s ushered in nothing short of a Consumer Revolution – one just as transformative as the Industrial Revolution that preceded it or the Information Revolution that followed. Consumer culture not only changed what we buy and how we buy it, but more important than that, it changed how we see ourselves and our role in society. We’re more than healthcare patients, college students, social advocates, and citizens. We’re consumers…and we demand to be treated as such.
Our world – for good and for ill – would never be the same.
What you can expect in this book:
-----------------------------
Fun, fast-paced, and fascinating stories about colourful characters of the 1920s.
Learn the origins of everything from frozen food to diaphragms.
Empower yourself to make better consumer choices...starting today.
This book will help you rediscover your power to change the world!
***********************************************************
LONG BOOK, LONG DESCRIPTION .. wow. I almost don't need to read the book as that is one heck of a synopsis... :-)
At least 100 years ago we were not OVERSHARED AND OVERWHELMED by dumb "influencers" (or as they now prefer "content creators") and their even sillier followers who buy their junk and make them billionaires. The origins of this plight on humanity were well presented and I loved this historical aspect of it although I know that they were using diaphragms in Ancient Egypt and were freezing food naturally in colder climates well before it was a commercial enterprise.
I will recommend this book to all my history-fanatic readers and those interested in consumerism, especially the dark side of it.
Fantastic book - #shortbutsweetreview
October 25, 2025
I read the Kindle edition which I won from a Goodreads giveaway entry.
The book is interesting from a historical and consumer aspect with many sub layers to that consumer aspect like advertising, marketing, new product introduction and more.
I found the notes at the end of each chapter annoying and wish they were at the bottom of the page where noted.
This book is on the long side and also reminded me of reading a Malcolm Gladwell book. A few times I laughed at the author’s humor and a few times the humor fell flat.
I can recommend this book though not strongly.
The book is interesting from a historical and consumer aspect with many sub layers to that consumer aspect like advertising, marketing, new product introduction and more.
I found the notes at the end of each chapter annoying and wish they were at the bottom of the page where noted.
This book is on the long side and also reminded me of reading a Malcolm Gladwell book. A few times I laughed at the author’s humor and a few times the humor fell flat.
I can recommend this book though not strongly.
May 21, 2023
Brace yourself for a journey filled with excitement, speed, and sheer fascination!
Throughout a remarkable career spanning over 25 years, Jason Voiovich has been at the forefront of launching numerous ground-breaking products. From revolutionary medical devices and virtual healthcare systems to innovative non-dairy consumer cheese and even inventive alternatives to the notorious "cone of shame" for pets, the author’s diverse portfolio showcases his fearless pursuit of innovation. But perhaps one of his most unexpected accomplishments lies in the realm of bovine assistance, where he has even developed specialized tools to aid cows in their intimate needs. Yes, you read that right!
Formally educated at prestigious institutions such as the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Minnesota, and with post-graduate studies at the esteemed MIT Sloan School of Management, Voiovich recognizes the immense value of his training. However, he attributes his true triumphs to his upbringing in a family of artists, immigrants, and entrepreneurs. From them, he learned the art of keen observation, the ability to discern patterns before they become apparent to others and the skill of transforming these insights into innovative creations. An ardent student of history, Voiovich finds solace in observing the past as a lens through which to understand and navigate the present. He firmly believes that the experiences of those who came before us hold invaluable lessons, offering guidance in tackling the challenges and embracing the opportunities of our time.
With Jason Voiovich as our guide, we embark on a journey of discovery, where the extraordinary convergence of his diverse expertise and deep appreciation for history converge. Prepare to be inspired, informed, and amazed as he unravels the tapestry of human ingenuity, reminding us that the past holds the key to unlocking a brighter future.
"Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress" will take the reader on an exhilarating journey through the transformative era of the 1920s, where American society underwent a revolution driven by consumer culture. Jason Voiovich expertly intertwines captivating stories of colorful characters, unveiling the pioneers who shaped our daily lives during this enigmatic decade.
In this engaging and fast-paced book, Voiovich showcases how visionaries like Al Capone, Babe Ruth, and Coco Chanel understood the desires of their customers, igniting a wave of societal change. From the simple pleasure of enjoying a beer after a hard day's work to the liberation from confining corsets and extravagant hairstyles, these innovators recognized the evolving needs of the people and provided them with what they craved.
With meticulous research and a flair for storytelling, Voiovich invites the reader to witness the birth of frozen food, diaphragms, and countless other advancements that continue to impact our lives today. Beyond the fascinating anecdotes, this book empowers the reader to make informed consumer choices, encouraging us to rediscover our influence in shaping the world around us.
Voiovich's mastery of both U.S. history and marketing shines through by delivering a fresh perspective that underscores the profound impact of the "Choice Era" on American culture. With each turn of the page, readers are captivated by the intersection of history and marketing, making this an enriching and enjoyable read.
In "Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress," Voiovich reveals the hidden roots of consumer culture, demonstrating how understanding the past can empower us in the present. The author's skillful storytelling transports the reader back in time, allowing us to partake in the fascinating stories of the 1920s.
Prepare to be captivated by this unique blend of history, marketing insights, and engaging narratives. Jason Voiovich's book is a testament to the enduring influence of the Roaring 20s, reminding us that we possess the power to shape our world through our choices. Very highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
Throughout a remarkable career spanning over 25 years, Jason Voiovich has been at the forefront of launching numerous ground-breaking products. From revolutionary medical devices and virtual healthcare systems to innovative non-dairy consumer cheese and even inventive alternatives to the notorious "cone of shame" for pets, the author’s diverse portfolio showcases his fearless pursuit of innovation. But perhaps one of his most unexpected accomplishments lies in the realm of bovine assistance, where he has even developed specialized tools to aid cows in their intimate needs. Yes, you read that right!
Formally educated at prestigious institutions such as the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Minnesota, and with post-graduate studies at the esteemed MIT Sloan School of Management, Voiovich recognizes the immense value of his training. However, he attributes his true triumphs to his upbringing in a family of artists, immigrants, and entrepreneurs. From them, he learned the art of keen observation, the ability to discern patterns before they become apparent to others and the skill of transforming these insights into innovative creations. An ardent student of history, Voiovich finds solace in observing the past as a lens through which to understand and navigate the present. He firmly believes that the experiences of those who came before us hold invaluable lessons, offering guidance in tackling the challenges and embracing the opportunities of our time.
With Jason Voiovich as our guide, we embark on a journey of discovery, where the extraordinary convergence of his diverse expertise and deep appreciation for history converge. Prepare to be inspired, informed, and amazed as he unravels the tapestry of human ingenuity, reminding us that the past holds the key to unlocking a brighter future.
"Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress" will take the reader on an exhilarating journey through the transformative era of the 1920s, where American society underwent a revolution driven by consumer culture. Jason Voiovich expertly intertwines captivating stories of colorful characters, unveiling the pioneers who shaped our daily lives during this enigmatic decade.
In this engaging and fast-paced book, Voiovich showcases how visionaries like Al Capone, Babe Ruth, and Coco Chanel understood the desires of their customers, igniting a wave of societal change. From the simple pleasure of enjoying a beer after a hard day's work to the liberation from confining corsets and extravagant hairstyles, these innovators recognized the evolving needs of the people and provided them with what they craved.
With meticulous research and a flair for storytelling, Voiovich invites the reader to witness the birth of frozen food, diaphragms, and countless other advancements that continue to impact our lives today. Beyond the fascinating anecdotes, this book empowers the reader to make informed consumer choices, encouraging us to rediscover our influence in shaping the world around us.
Voiovich's mastery of both U.S. history and marketing shines through by delivering a fresh perspective that underscores the profound impact of the "Choice Era" on American culture. With each turn of the page, readers are captivated by the intersection of history and marketing, making this an enriching and enjoyable read.
In "Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress," Voiovich reveals the hidden roots of consumer culture, demonstrating how understanding the past can empower us in the present. The author's skillful storytelling transports the reader back in time, allowing us to partake in the fascinating stories of the 1920s.
Prepare to be captivated by this unique blend of history, marketing insights, and engaging narratives. Jason Voiovich's book is a testament to the enduring influence of the Roaring 20s, reminding us that we possess the power to shape our world through our choices. Very highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
October 18, 2023
I thank NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me with an ARC copy of this book, which I freely chose to review.
The 1920s have long captured popular imagination. There are books, series, movies, songs, dresses... based on the era, and most people have an image in their heads of what it might have been like. It is an interesting historical period, for sure, coming right after WWI, with people eager to make up for lost time, and with a lot of innovations and changes taking place. It is also a period historians have studied in detail and one that is far away but not so far as to appear totally alien to us. Things were different, but they were starting to look a bit more like what we’re used to. So, people are intrigued, while at the same time having a feeling of familiarity with the people and the society.
So, what does this book add that is new? This probably depends on how much potential readers have researched or learned about the 1920s. The main thing that makes it different is the idea behind it, its thesis. According to the author, Jason T Voiovich, the 1920s and its innovators created the consumer revolution. He postulates that consumer culture is important because it democratised power and put it in the hands of consumers (any consumers, not only those with a lot of money), who, for the first time had access to more choices and could decide how to spend their hard-earned money. He makes a very good case for it, and in the process, writes about a variety of topics and characters, in a very accessible and engaging way.
I don’t want this to turn into a very long list of topics and people, especially because the description is quite clear and gives a good taste of what to expect, but, to give you an idea, you can find information about: prohibition (of course); Babe Ruth (evidently) but also about how baseball became so popular in radio and how radio programmes evolved; Coco Chanel and her little black dress, but also about the evolution of fashion during that era and what flappers were really about; chiropractors and their marketing; Charles Ponzi and other similar schemes; the origin of Credit Unions; the car industry, especially selling cars on credit; the evolution of catalogue shopping; celebrities and how they differ from the ones we see and read about now; election campaigns; frozen foods; marketing (and the role of women in it); the ‘Scopes Monkey Trial’; dancing and music of the era; Betty Crocker...
I am not an expert on the 1920s, so I can’t say how people who have done a lot of research on the subject will feel about this book, but even on the topics I was more familiar with, I confess I learned a lot, and regarding some of the specific topics, I had no idea how things had evolved (or who the people he writes about were). The book is packed with information, including a section on Key People (where one can access a brief biography of the main figures that make an appearance, some unfairly forgotten nowadays), a Further Reading section (organised by chapters) perfect for those who might want to learn more about a specific theme, his acknowledgments, and a hilarious (and self-deprecating) ‘about the author’ write-up. The book also contains many footnotes. Some add factual details to the content or refer to the texts where the information came from, but there are also direct comments from the author, and many of those are amusing. This does not mean the book is not serious in its intent, and as the list of resources and further reading clarifies, the author has done his research and has managed to unearth some pretty rare sources (and he shares the information about those as well).
This is a book that can be read by chapters if people are looking for specific information, but I read the whole book from cover to cover and enjoyed it immensely. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the book. My only reflection to those considering buying it would be that, as I only had access to an early ARC copy, I cannot comment on how well or badly the footnotes will work in an e-book format. Perhaps those who think they might use it as a source of research or ideas (and it would be a great one for anybody who wants to learn more about the 1920s, especially the 1920s in the USA, as the book is centred in the United States) should check out the paperback version, but obtaining a sample of the book might clarify matters.
I don’t hesitate in recommending it to people who are not experts on the history of the 1920s in the USA but want to learn more, and anybody who wants to get an idea about how the era was and what changes it brought up, for their own research, writing, or personal enjoyment.
The 1920s have long captured popular imagination. There are books, series, movies, songs, dresses... based on the era, and most people have an image in their heads of what it might have been like. It is an interesting historical period, for sure, coming right after WWI, with people eager to make up for lost time, and with a lot of innovations and changes taking place. It is also a period historians have studied in detail and one that is far away but not so far as to appear totally alien to us. Things were different, but they were starting to look a bit more like what we’re used to. So, people are intrigued, while at the same time having a feeling of familiarity with the people and the society.
So, what does this book add that is new? This probably depends on how much potential readers have researched or learned about the 1920s. The main thing that makes it different is the idea behind it, its thesis. According to the author, Jason T Voiovich, the 1920s and its innovators created the consumer revolution. He postulates that consumer culture is important because it democratised power and put it in the hands of consumers (any consumers, not only those with a lot of money), who, for the first time had access to more choices and could decide how to spend their hard-earned money. He makes a very good case for it, and in the process, writes about a variety of topics and characters, in a very accessible and engaging way.
I don’t want this to turn into a very long list of topics and people, especially because the description is quite clear and gives a good taste of what to expect, but, to give you an idea, you can find information about: prohibition (of course); Babe Ruth (evidently) but also about how baseball became so popular in radio and how radio programmes evolved; Coco Chanel and her little black dress, but also about the evolution of fashion during that era and what flappers were really about; chiropractors and their marketing; Charles Ponzi and other similar schemes; the origin of Credit Unions; the car industry, especially selling cars on credit; the evolution of catalogue shopping; celebrities and how they differ from the ones we see and read about now; election campaigns; frozen foods; marketing (and the role of women in it); the ‘Scopes Monkey Trial’; dancing and music of the era; Betty Crocker...
I am not an expert on the 1920s, so I can’t say how people who have done a lot of research on the subject will feel about this book, but even on the topics I was more familiar with, I confess I learned a lot, and regarding some of the specific topics, I had no idea how things had evolved (or who the people he writes about were). The book is packed with information, including a section on Key People (where one can access a brief biography of the main figures that make an appearance, some unfairly forgotten nowadays), a Further Reading section (organised by chapters) perfect for those who might want to learn more about a specific theme, his acknowledgments, and a hilarious (and self-deprecating) ‘about the author’ write-up. The book also contains many footnotes. Some add factual details to the content or refer to the texts where the information came from, but there are also direct comments from the author, and many of those are amusing. This does not mean the book is not serious in its intent, and as the list of resources and further reading clarifies, the author has done his research and has managed to unearth some pretty rare sources (and he shares the information about those as well).
This is a book that can be read by chapters if people are looking for specific information, but I read the whole book from cover to cover and enjoyed it immensely. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the book. My only reflection to those considering buying it would be that, as I only had access to an early ARC copy, I cannot comment on how well or badly the footnotes will work in an e-book format. Perhaps those who think they might use it as a source of research or ideas (and it would be a great one for anybody who wants to learn more about the 1920s, especially the 1920s in the USA, as the book is centred in the United States) should check out the paperback version, but obtaining a sample of the book might clarify matters.
I don’t hesitate in recommending it to people who are not experts on the history of the 1920s in the USA but want to learn more, and anybody who wants to get an idea about how the era was and what changes it brought up, for their own research, writing, or personal enjoyment.
July 4, 2023
Booze, Babe, & the Little Black Dress takes readers on a fascinating journey into the heart of consumer culture in the 1920s. But don't let the title fool you; this book is not just about fashion and parties. It's a well-researched and engrossing survey that delves into the origins of our modern shopping experience.
Author Voiovich presents a compelling argument that the roots of our contemporary consumer culture can be traced back to transformations that took place a century ago. From the moment you step into the pages of this book, you'll find yourself transported from contemporary Target and Costco stores to the vibrant world of the Roaring Twenties.
The author skillfully highlights key aspects of consumer culture that originated in the 1920s and continue to shape our shopping habits today. Customized options, informational advertising, and in-store retail credit are just a few of the innovations that were born during this era. Voiovich explores the lives and achievements of influential figures such as Coco Chanel, Betty Crocker, Babe Ruth, and Charlie Chaplin, who played pivotal roles in shaping the way we consume.
One of the book's standout features is its ability to contextualize the cultural transformations of the decade within a larger historical framework. Voiovich demonstrates a firm grasp of the subject matter, incorporating extensive references to historians, scholars, and primary-source research. His background as the son of an advertising director and a product designer and adman himself shines through, infusing the text with enthusiasm and passion.
What sets this book apart from more academic historical texts is its engaging and accessible style. The author skillfully captures the titillating and over-the-top cultural milieu of the 1920s, drawing readers into a world of glamour, excess, and innovation. The narrative flows smoothly, making it a pleasure to read and absorb the wealth of information presented.
While the overall tone of the book is optimistic, Voiovich does not shy away from addressing the dark side of consumer culture. He acknowledges the environmental impacts of mass consumption and underscores how modern shopping has become an addiction for the American public.
Booze, Babe, & the Little Black Dress is a captivating exploration of consumer culture that will appeal to history buffs, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the origins of our shopping habits. With its meticulous research, engaging style, and thought-provoking insights, this book leaves a lasting impression. It is a testament to the author's expertise and passion, offering readers a comprehensive and enjoyable journey through the transformative decade of the 1920s.
Author Voiovich presents a compelling argument that the roots of our contemporary consumer culture can be traced back to transformations that took place a century ago. From the moment you step into the pages of this book, you'll find yourself transported from contemporary Target and Costco stores to the vibrant world of the Roaring Twenties.
The author skillfully highlights key aspects of consumer culture that originated in the 1920s and continue to shape our shopping habits today. Customized options, informational advertising, and in-store retail credit are just a few of the innovations that were born during this era. Voiovich explores the lives and achievements of influential figures such as Coco Chanel, Betty Crocker, Babe Ruth, and Charlie Chaplin, who played pivotal roles in shaping the way we consume.
One of the book's standout features is its ability to contextualize the cultural transformations of the decade within a larger historical framework. Voiovich demonstrates a firm grasp of the subject matter, incorporating extensive references to historians, scholars, and primary-source research. His background as the son of an advertising director and a product designer and adman himself shines through, infusing the text with enthusiasm and passion.
What sets this book apart from more academic historical texts is its engaging and accessible style. The author skillfully captures the titillating and over-the-top cultural milieu of the 1920s, drawing readers into a world of glamour, excess, and innovation. The narrative flows smoothly, making it a pleasure to read and absorb the wealth of information presented.
While the overall tone of the book is optimistic, Voiovich does not shy away from addressing the dark side of consumer culture. He acknowledges the environmental impacts of mass consumption and underscores how modern shopping has become an addiction for the American public.
Booze, Babe, & the Little Black Dress is a captivating exploration of consumer culture that will appeal to history buffs, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the origins of our shopping habits. With its meticulous research, engaging style, and thought-provoking insights, this book leaves a lasting impression. It is a testament to the author's expertise and passion, offering readers a comprehensive and enjoyable journey through the transformative decade of the 1920s.
June 28, 2023
Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress: How Innovators of the Roaring 20s Created the Consumer Revolution by Jason Volovich
477 Pages
Publisher: BooksGoSocial
Release Date: April 4, 2023
Nonfiction (Adult), History, Financial, Capitalism, Consumerism, Commercialism, Promotion, Marketing
The book is divided into the following parts.
Part 1: Booze
Manufacturing Desire, The Manipulation Messiah, Flash Food, Cars on Time, Consumer Rebellion, Opening the Big Box, and Housing Feminism
Part 2: Babe
When Advertising Grew a Pair, America’s First Equal Opportunity Employer, Subscribing to Culture, The First District Court of Public Opinion, Happy Feet, Swampland, Changing the Game, Marketer in Chief, Five-Cent Trip to Hell, Mad Women, The Sensemakers
Part 3: The Little Black Dress
Family for Sale, How You Got Your Kicks, All-Natural Ingredients/Artificial People, Democratizing Fashion, Buying a Better You, Capitalism without the Capitalists, “Please can I….”, Five-Star Wonderland
Conclusion: “The Customer Is Always Right”
I was slightly confused when I got this book. For some reason, I thought it was a historical fiction book. I was so wrong. The author takes us through the history of consumerism, capitalism, promotions, and marketing. I learned the ladder of products was originally a concept from GM. He talks about the effect brands and celebrities have on people’s perspective. We use this viewpoint to determine how successful we are.
I felt as if I was in my college marketing course which was a favorite of mine. This is a book everyone should read. The author does an amazing job showing us how the public is led by commercialism. It is well written and easy to understand. Hopefully after reading the book, people will change how they feel about buying stuff.
477 Pages
Publisher: BooksGoSocial
Release Date: April 4, 2023
Nonfiction (Adult), History, Financial, Capitalism, Consumerism, Commercialism, Promotion, Marketing
The book is divided into the following parts.
Part 1: Booze
Manufacturing Desire, The Manipulation Messiah, Flash Food, Cars on Time, Consumer Rebellion, Opening the Big Box, and Housing Feminism
Part 2: Babe
When Advertising Grew a Pair, America’s First Equal Opportunity Employer, Subscribing to Culture, The First District Court of Public Opinion, Happy Feet, Swampland, Changing the Game, Marketer in Chief, Five-Cent Trip to Hell, Mad Women, The Sensemakers
Part 3: The Little Black Dress
Family for Sale, How You Got Your Kicks, All-Natural Ingredients/Artificial People, Democratizing Fashion, Buying a Better You, Capitalism without the Capitalists, “Please can I….”, Five-Star Wonderland
Conclusion: “The Customer Is Always Right”
I was slightly confused when I got this book. For some reason, I thought it was a historical fiction book. I was so wrong. The author takes us through the history of consumerism, capitalism, promotions, and marketing. I learned the ladder of products was originally a concept from GM. He talks about the effect brands and celebrities have on people’s perspective. We use this viewpoint to determine how successful we are.
I felt as if I was in my college marketing course which was a favorite of mine. This is a book everyone should read. The author does an amazing job showing us how the public is led by commercialism. It is well written and easy to understand. Hopefully after reading the book, people will change how they feel about buying stuff.
June 17, 2023
It takes a lot for a confirmed fiction/thriller reader to pick up a 450-page work of non-fiction, but I really enjoyed Jason's first book, so I tried this one, too. And once again, I'm glad I did.
I had no idea that so many of the products that we take for granted today were created in the 1920s. The list presented in the first chapter (cars, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.) is amazing. But beyond that: radio stations, home mortgages, news magazines, even suburbs. The modern person literally can't imagine those things ever NOT existing. And to think that all of these things hit the market in the same decade!
It was also eye-opening to realize that at some point someone had to figure out how to make money with these new things called radio stations. Of course they did, but it simply had never occurred to me.
The subtitle of the book mentions innovators, and the look into the innovators of the decade was fascinating. If this book did nothing but discuss those 1920s innovators and their inventions, that would have been interesting enough.
This book, however, succeeds because it puts everything that was happening in the 1920s into the context of the Americans lucky (?) enough to be alive at a fascinating time in American history. It must have been simply OVERWHELMING for the members of our mostly agrarian society to deal with these dramatic changes, especially since they had to learn how to be good consumers when they had no previous models to follow! Learning how to be a consumer was another amazing innovation of the 1920s.
This book deserves to be college textbook for a semester-long course designed to teach what the 1920s was about. This book has it all.
I had no idea that so many of the products that we take for granted today were created in the 1920s. The list presented in the first chapter (cars, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.) is amazing. But beyond that: radio stations, home mortgages, news magazines, even suburbs. The modern person literally can't imagine those things ever NOT existing. And to think that all of these things hit the market in the same decade!
It was also eye-opening to realize that at some point someone had to figure out how to make money with these new things called radio stations. Of course they did, but it simply had never occurred to me.
The subtitle of the book mentions innovators, and the look into the innovators of the decade was fascinating. If this book did nothing but discuss those 1920s innovators and their inventions, that would have been interesting enough.
This book, however, succeeds because it puts everything that was happening in the 1920s into the context of the Americans lucky (?) enough to be alive at a fascinating time in American history. It must have been simply OVERWHELMING for the members of our mostly agrarian society to deal with these dramatic changes, especially since they had to learn how to be good consumers when they had no previous models to follow! Learning how to be a consumer was another amazing innovation of the 1920s.
This book deserves to be college textbook for a semester-long course designed to teach what the 1920s was about. This book has it all.
May 19, 2023
“Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress” transports readers back to the vibrant 1920s, a period that left an indelible mark on history and ushered in the consumer revolution. Through fascinating and captivating stories, the author immerses us in the lives of colorful characters that populated those years and offers us a revealing look at the origin of consumer culture.
The author takes us on a journey through a period that was a time of radical change and cultural effervescence, using agile and enveloping prose. As we continue reading, we encounter a variety of personalities whose lives are intertwined with the history of the consumer revolution. Each story shows us how a new way of life was created based on the desire for and acquisition of material goods.
It is a captivating work that masterfully combines historical rigor with an entertaining narrative. Through these pages, we discover the ins and outs of a decade that left an indelible mark on history and laid the foundations for the consumer society in which we live today. A must-read for those interested in understanding the roots of our materialistic culture and discovering the vibrant characters who brought this fascinating era to life.
The author takes us on a journey through a period that was a time of radical change and cultural effervescence, using agile and enveloping prose. As we continue reading, we encounter a variety of personalities whose lives are intertwined with the history of the consumer revolution. Each story shows us how a new way of life was created based on the desire for and acquisition of material goods.
It is a captivating work that masterfully combines historical rigor with an entertaining narrative. Through these pages, we discover the ins and outs of a decade that left an indelible mark on history and laid the foundations for the consumer society in which we live today. A must-read for those interested in understanding the roots of our materialistic culture and discovering the vibrant characters who brought this fascinating era to life.
June 5, 2023
Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress is an interesting look into the consumer culture of the 1920s. While this is a historical book the writing style makes for quite an easy read. I enjoyed the relatable aspects such as the references to Voiovich’s Mother and comparisons to modern consumerism. I believe these attributes littered throughout the text help readers better place themselves within the mindset of a 1920s consumer.
While I do appreciate the thoroughness and extent to which Voiovich went to describe each historical figure I felt that it could get a tad too lengthy. At times, some of the added commentary was a bit distracting, and took longer to reach the main point of the chapter than expected.
That is not to say that it was not an interesting or engaging read. I was fully immersed in the history of Clarence Birdseye and the original creators of the Little Blue Books but less so with the likes of Henry Ford or BJ Palmer. This reflects on their characters rather than the actual writing though.
Overall, I enjoyed learning new tidbits about both famous and infamous characters of the 1920s and how they impacted American consumerism.
While I do appreciate the thoroughness and extent to which Voiovich went to describe each historical figure I felt that it could get a tad too lengthy. At times, some of the added commentary was a bit distracting, and took longer to reach the main point of the chapter than expected.
That is not to say that it was not an interesting or engaging read. I was fully immersed in the history of Clarence Birdseye and the original creators of the Little Blue Books but less so with the likes of Henry Ford or BJ Palmer. This reflects on their characters rather than the actual writing though.
Overall, I enjoyed learning new tidbits about both famous and infamous characters of the 1920s and how they impacted American consumerism.
July 21, 2023
The greatest piece of advice I got was to read everything (I've amended that to “START reading everything. Stop as needed.”)
Let’s talk about _Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress: How Innovators of the Roaring 20s Created the Consumer Revolution._
This is not a book I'd ordinarily pick up and read, but getting this book as a #goodreads giveaway made it easy to start, and the writing and subject matter made it impossible to stop.
Author Voiovich invites us into the Roaring Twenties, sharing riveting case studies that draw a direct line between that vibrant era and our current consumer culture. He unveils how the seeds of today's shopping habits were planted in that time using names and trends both well known to us and also perhaps once trapped in the dusty annals of history now polished off and presented
The author's voice is like your favorite professor who taught a class outside your subject matter so well and so compellingly that you briefly considered changing majors.
Great stuff. Read everything. Stop reading this one when you hit The End.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Let’s talk about _Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress: How Innovators of the Roaring 20s Created the Consumer Revolution._
This is not a book I'd ordinarily pick up and read, but getting this book as a #goodreads giveaway made it easy to start, and the writing and subject matter made it impossible to stop.
Author Voiovich invites us into the Roaring Twenties, sharing riveting case studies that draw a direct line between that vibrant era and our current consumer culture. He unveils how the seeds of today's shopping habits were planted in that time using names and trends both well known to us and also perhaps once trapped in the dusty annals of history now polished off and presented
The author's voice is like your favorite professor who taught a class outside your subject matter so well and so compellingly that you briefly considered changing majors.
Great stuff. Read everything. Stop reading this one when you hit The End.
4.5 stars rounded up.
September 21, 2023
A good book, providing a history of consumer marketing and how branding became a science in the 1920s. The author, marketing professional Jason Voiovich, presents a focused history of the 1920s through a series of case studies. The author covers a wide array of subjects, some of whom have significant portions of their story falling outside the 1920s. Nonetheless, his thesis is well articulated, arguing that the combination of skyrocketing consumer demand, plentiful cash, and a vast array of new goods and services meant that innovative marketeers played a dominant role in the post-WWI era. Prominent examples include the Book-of-the-Month clubs, Bootleggers selling illegal alcohol, and a complete reimagining of childhood as the different age groups acquired their own consumer products. The writing was fast-paced and very enjoyable. A great book for understanding the foundations of marketing science and the interaction between market share and brand success.
July 16, 2023
Jason Voiovich offers a thought-provoking exploration of the origins and consequences of America's shopping addiction in "Innovators of the Roaring 20s Created the Consumer Revolution".
Delving into the realm of mass production, mass finance, and mass marketing, the book unravels the complexities of our consumer-driven society. Voiovich expertly crafts engaging stories about the interesting characters of the 1920s, offering a glimpse into their contributions and influences on the shopping experience. Moreover, the book transcends mere historical storytelling, as it encourages readers to make conscious consumer choices and rediscover their power to shape the world. With its blend of entertainment and education, this book serves as an eye-opening read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the forces behind our insatiable desire for choice.
Delving into the realm of mass production, mass finance, and mass marketing, the book unravels the complexities of our consumer-driven society. Voiovich expertly crafts engaging stories about the interesting characters of the 1920s, offering a glimpse into their contributions and influences on the shopping experience. Moreover, the book transcends mere historical storytelling, as it encourages readers to make conscious consumer choices and rediscover their power to shape the world. With its blend of entertainment and education, this book serves as an eye-opening read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the forces behind our insatiable desire for choice.
July 18, 2023
"Innovators of the Roaring 20s Created the Consumer Revolution" by Jason Voiovich takes readers on a captivating journey through the birth of America's shopping addiction. This book sheds light on the underlying reasons behind our insatiable desire for the latest trends and endless choices. Voiovich skillfully weaves together fascinating stories of the colorful characters who shaped the consumer landscape of the 1920s. From frozen food to diaphragms, the origins of various products are unveiled, leaving readers enlightened and entertained. Beyond historical anecdotes, this book empowers readers to make informed consumer choices and reclaim their power to change the world. With a fast-paced narrative and an abundance of intriguing facts, "Innovators of the Roaring 20s" is a must-read for anyone curious about the forces that drive our consumer-driven society.
April 27, 2023
Smart and funny.
Jason Voiovich is the author of Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress: How Innovators of the Roaring 20s Created the Consumer Revolution, a book that brings together great historical characters and milestones that marked the culture of consumption and marketing in an entertaining story to read.
At the beginning, this book seemed strange to me but the author has a good writing style and the story engaged me. I think it is entertaining and funny to read, because it is really smart how Voiovich was able to mix history with humor and to create a unique book.
What I liked the most is that it is harmonious although there are very different characters that I thought I would never find in the same story.
Jason Voiovich is the author of Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress: How Innovators of the Roaring 20s Created the Consumer Revolution, a book that brings together great historical characters and milestones that marked the culture of consumption and marketing in an entertaining story to read.
At the beginning, this book seemed strange to me but the author has a good writing style and the story engaged me. I think it is entertaining and funny to read, because it is really smart how Voiovich was able to mix history with humor and to create a unique book.
What I liked the most is that it is harmonious although there are very different characters that I thought I would never find in the same story.
May 19, 2023
Jason Voiovich takes the reader for a tour exploring consumerism from a time he considers everything changed, around the 1920s. The book contains many stories about successful people, like Babe Ruth and Coco Chanel, who understood what people wanted and decided to deliver it, the pillar of consumerism.
Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress is a compilation of stories that made me understand so much about the society we live in nowadays and how it started; when did we lose our criteria about what's important and necessary?
I definitely enjoyed this read and I share similar opinions with the author. Recommended to people who want to understand why we do things the way we do, and how to become smart consumers.
Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress is a compilation of stories that made me understand so much about the society we live in nowadays and how it started; when did we lose our criteria about what's important and necessary?
I definitely enjoyed this read and I share similar opinions with the author. Recommended to people who want to understand why we do things the way we do, and how to become smart consumers.
May 20, 2023
When we talk about Consumerism, we do so to study the effect this phenomenon has in our modern society and economy or to express a critic on this subject. Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress takes a different approach and provides a series of historical accurate stories of real people and facts to explain and illustrate the birth and development of what we call Consumerism. The author, Jason Voiovich, has written an interesting and thought-provoking narrative of how the need to buy and the market as we know it today was created. To do so, he describes individual stories of innovative and clever well-known people that lived and developed their ideas in the USA in the 1920’s. I found this book very entertaining and I strongly recommend it.
June 28, 2023
I never realized how little I knew about the origins of the many consumer products we enjoy today and how they came into consumer awareness way back in the 1920’s. To think I thought Betty Crocker was a real person like Coco Chanel or Colonel Sanders! And have you ever heard of Margaret Sanger? I hadn’t but now I know that what we women know about our bodies today started with Sanger, a very controversial 1920’s nurse. This highly informative and well-researched book is a most enlightening and enjoyable read, thanks to the often humorous, easy-going but always skillful writing style of the author. Don’t hesitate to dive into this one. It is far from my usual choice in reading, but I’m glad I plunged into this one.
May 5, 2023
“Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress: How Innovators of the Roaring 20s Created the Consumer Revolution” by Jason Voiovich is a book with stories and history. The cover is so accurate for the content that I was captured at first sight.
The book is a bit lengthy but it has a lot to tell, so I recommend reading it with time.
In these stories we find different colorful characters and interesting anecdotes. The book has a lot of topics intertwined; sometimes I felt a bit at a loss but quickly got the track of it. I would recommend this reading because it was totally different from others and I enjoyed it.
The book is a bit lengthy but it has a lot to tell, so I recommend reading it with time.
In these stories we find different colorful characters and interesting anecdotes. The book has a lot of topics intertwined; sometimes I felt a bit at a loss but quickly got the track of it. I would recommend this reading because it was totally different from others and I enjoyed it.
May 19, 2023
Inspired by people from the past who also inspired new developments and a different type of future, author Voiovich put pen to paper and crafted this amazing collection of stories.
While unfolding premises from those in vogue during the so-called Roaring 20s, this book is informative and takes us back to those days in a subtle way.
We may all agree that communism has come to stay, so the author helps us understand why this happens now and why it started to work in that way in the past, and he does so in an entertaining, and sometimes fun, way. The stories he interviewed are well-presented with a meticulously written style.
While unfolding premises from those in vogue during the so-called Roaring 20s, this book is informative and takes us back to those days in a subtle way.
We may all agree that communism has come to stay, so the author helps us understand why this happens now and why it started to work in that way in the past, and he does so in an entertaining, and sometimes fun, way. The stories he interviewed are well-presented with a meticulously written style.
May 21, 2023
First non fiction read as im attempting to dip my toes into the genre.
This was incredibly informative and well organised, as I found myself highlighting the important parts I didn't wanna forget. Voiovich dives into a profound subject and he does so in a quite masterful way.
I sadly *did* have to rate this three stars due to my own complete inexperience with non fiction which led to me having some difficulty when it came to being motivated to pick this up. While it wasn't exactly the book *for* me I would definitely recommend to avid non fiction readers
This was incredibly informative and well organised, as I found myself highlighting the important parts I didn't wanna forget. Voiovich dives into a profound subject and he does so in a quite masterful way.
I sadly *did* have to rate this three stars due to my own complete inexperience with non fiction which led to me having some difficulty when it came to being motivated to pick this up. While it wasn't exactly the book *for* me I would definitely recommend to avid non fiction readers
November 26, 2025
First and foremost thank you for the Goodreads giveaway! I really tried to enjoy reading this and I think I expected something different and finally had to give up. The information is interesting showing how things came to be, (home mortgages, alcohol usage and such) but it reads more like a textbook. I think my expectations were more along the lines of a good story. The writer gives you great background on the beginning of assembly lines and the beginning of how logistical planning came to be but it reminded me of a marketing class I took and I was wanting something more!
September 1, 2023
The consumer age of the 20s is a fascinating subject and Voiovich does an excellent job to show just how much of our modern day consumer consumption is a result of the 20s.
He breaks down how fashion, finance and culture are highly indebted to the 20s (for better or worse). I especially liked how he called private equity firms (the bane of our current existence especially as one just purchased Simon and Schuster) "capitalism's cockroaches." A definite recommendation.
He breaks down how fashion, finance and culture are highly indebted to the 20s (for better or worse). I especially liked how he called private equity firms (the bane of our current existence especially as one just purchased Simon and Schuster) "capitalism's cockroaches." A definite recommendation.
December 30, 2023
One of THE BEST and most enjoyable history books I have read!
The author’s clever wit and progression of information in this book, makes learning about the Roaring 20’s contribution to our culture today a fun ride!
It is rare to read a book at this detail level that is so entertaining. The fun title caught my attention, and book did not disappoint.
The author’s clever wit and progression of information in this book, makes learning about the Roaring 20’s contribution to our culture today a fun ride!
It is rare to read a book at this detail level that is so entertaining. The fun title caught my attention, and book did not disappoint.
August 26, 2025
I found this book to be very interesting and one that I may not have read if I hadn’t received it through a Goodreads Giveaway. As a consumer and in my opinion, well informed on marketing and product development there were some aspects of this book that I had previously known about but there is plenty of insight into things that were not on my radar. Easy to read.
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