Slackonomics: Generation X in the Age of Creative Destruction
Lisa Chamberlain

Author Lisa Chamberlain holds little back in pointing out how Generation X has deviated from the norms of previous generations.  Rather than demonizing Gen X as a force of societal degradation, Chamberlain explains how Gen X has floundered to create a sense of stability in a time of transition.  Slackonomics ventures through the formative decades of Gen X eventually arriving at the present where they must now assume leadership roles in a world that had previously written them off.  (More after the jump)

Rife with snippets of pop culture Chamberlain ties in music lyrics, television shows, and the emotions of the era in order to illustrate the mindset of Gen X.  Slackonomics joins a number of books, articles, and TV programs about the unique attitudes of Gen X.  Chamberlains style of writing and use of cultural context manage to set the book apart.

The most interesting (and entertaining) aspect of the book centers around Chamberlain’s examination of the shifts in social norms, family structures, opportunities, and expectations that have occurred with Gen X.   Slackonomics shows that although the style of Generation X is comparatively deviant with respect to past generations, these shifts are not entirely negative.  Chamberlain provides an interesting retrospective for a phenomenon that is continuing to unfold.

Slackonomics presents Gen X in context.  Rather than evaluating the generation in comparison to those that have come before it, Chamberlain shows a more objective and comprehensive picture (almost a view of Gen X cast by Gen X itself).  Aside from being an informative read, Slackonomics has useful insight for anyone in a field that is trying to better understand those within the generation now coming into power.  The narratives Chamberlain provides allows the reader to easily identify with the book and evaluate their own experience with that presented by Slackonomics.  It's a further venture into the creative culture that is taking hold in the world today and provides inspiration through showing that the normal paths to success and happiness aren't so normal any more.