Title: Stuff White People Like: A Definitive Guide to the Unique Taste of Millions
Author: Christian Lander
First published July 1, 2008
211 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780812979916 (ISBN10: 0812979915)
Rating: 3.75
Overview
The Payne family seemed like any other, but they had a secret that they kept hidden from the world. As the newest member of the family business, psychic witch Charlie Payne is tasked with investigating a mysterious disappearance in a small town.
But what she uncovers is far more sinister than she could have ever imagined. The case seems to be a simple demon abduction, but Charlie knows that demons are never that straightforward.
How did this seemingly normal family become a target of the demonic realm? Charlie must navigate the complexities of her new job, including a new partner that she’s not sure she can trust, a teenage son eager to join the family business, and old partners who aren’t ready to let her go.
As she delves deeper into the case, Charlie realizes that the hardest part of her day won’t be dealing with demons, but rather with the secrets that her own family has been keeping from her.
About the Author
Meet Christian Lander, the brains behind the popular website Stuff White People Like. Though he didn’t finish his Ph.D., Christian has earned accolades for his public speaking skills, winning the 2006 Instructor of the Year award while at Indiana University.
He’s lived in various cities including Toronto, Montreal, Copenhagen, Tucson, and now Los Angeles, where he resides with his wife Jess, a talented photographer who provided many of the images for his book.
Editoral Review
Stuff White People Like: A Definitive Guide to the Unique Taste of Millions by Christian Lander is a humorous and satirical exploration of the habits, preferences, and cultural markers that define the white middle-class experience in America. First published in 2008, the book quickly became a bestseller and a cultural phenomenon, sparking debates, controversies, and parodies on social media and beyond.
Lander, a Canadian-born writer and comedian, created the Stuff White People Like blog in 2008 as a parody of self-congratulatory and ironic white hipsterism. The blog, which featured tongue-in-cheek lists of white people’s obsessions, such as organic food, indie music, and ironic tattoos, quickly gained a following and led to the publication of the book.
Structured as a series of entries, each dedicated to a specific topic, such as coffee, yoga, or Wes Anderson movies, Stuff White People Like offers a wry and sometimes biting commentary on the cultural markers of whiteness. Lander uses humor, sarcasm, and irony to skewer the pretensions, clichs, and contradictions of white culture, while acknowledging his own complicity as a white person.
Despite its humorous tone, the book also touches on serious issues such as race, class, and identity. Lander is aware of the potential criticism that his project might attract and addresses it head-on in the introduction, explaining his intentions and acknowledging the limitations of his perspective.
Critics have praised Lander’s wit, insight, and cultural savvy, as well as his ability to tap into the zeitgeist of the Internet age. However, some have also questioned his approach and accused him of perpetuating stereotypes and trivializing serious issues.
Others have pointed out that the book’s humor might not translate well outside of the privileged, college-educated, urban demographic that Lander describes. Overall, Stuff White People Like is a clever and entertaining read that captures the quirks and contradictions of contemporary white culture.
It is not a comprehensive or serious analysis of race, class, or identity, but rather a playful and provocative commentary that can spark conversations and reflections. Readers who appreciate humor, satire, and cultural commentary will enjoy this book and might recognize themselves in its pages.
However, those who are sensitive to cultural appropriation, stereotypes, or social justice issues might find it offensive or shallow. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Criteria: Humor, cultural commentary, relevance
