Book Reviews
Selling the Dream: The Billion-Dollar Industry Bankrupting Americans Book Review
At this point, I think most people are at least familiar with multi-level marketing companies (AKA MLMs). Even if they don’t know the term itself, surely anyone who’s ever been on Facebook is familiar with the feeling of being DM’d by an old friend or acquaintance trying to sell them something. What’s more, despite big lawsuits and high-profile documentaries on certain MLMs, Americans continue to flock to these companies — and new businesses utilizing this model pop up all the time. So why do we keep falling for it? That’s what author Jane Marie explores in her recently-released book Selling the Dream: The Billion-Dollar Industry Bankrupting Americans.
Selling the Dream could really be divided into two main sections: the psychology behind MLM’s success and the history of MLMs. I found that these two halves not only worked to create a cohesive book but also found each part to be equally as interesting. In particular, hearing how businesses like Amway came to be was fascinating and explained a lot about these types of organizations.
Speaking of history, beyond learning about where the multi-level marketing scheme itself came from, this isn’t the only legally grey area the book explores. With supplements being a favorite item of many an MLM, Marie also explains the regulatory rules around this industry. Furthermore, the author looks at a few of the times when the FTC has intervened to tell these companies what they can and cannot claim for their products.
Another aspect of MLMs I hadn’t realized until reading Selling the Dream is the connection between several of these businesses and religion. As Marie recalls, numerous multi-level businesses are overtly Christian (although some have also seemingly pivoted to de-emphasize this connection). This revelation is accompanied by several intriguing anecdotes as well — including one seller who nabbed a church directory to start making calls. Wild.
If there’s any critique I have of Selling the Dream, it’s that it can feel a bit repetitive on occasion. To some degree, though, that’s necessary as Marie works to drive her points home. In all, these small instances didn’t really bother me all that much but did lead to some brief moments of deja vu.
With multi-level marketing businesses proving as popular now as they’ve ever been despite all the negative press surrounding them, it’s unlikely that Selling the Dream will change many minds. Nevertheless, the book is a fascinating deep dive into a world that I thought I already knew a decent amount about. What’s more, Marie’s writing style keeps things light even when exploring serious and occasionally depressing topics. As a result, I devoured the book during my library lending period.
Ultimately, if you’ve ever been curious about how multi-level marketing companies work, why people still flock to them, or perhaps why they’re not illegal, you’ll definitely want to read Selling the Dream: The Billion-Dollar Industry Bankrupting Americans. And while you may have an uphill battle trying to talk a friend or loved one out of joining an MLM, Selling the Dream could still provide you with some compelling talking points — or help you gain more perspective on why someone might be attracted to these businesses in the first place. Basically, whatever your reasons for wanting to learn more about MLMs are, you’re sure to gain something from this book.
Selling the Dream: The Billion-Dollar Industry Bankrupting Americans
Selling the Dream: The Billion-Dollar Industry Bankrupting Americans Offers a Fascinating Look into the World of MLMs
5
Available formats
Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audiobook
Page count
320 pages (hardcover)
In Selling the Dream: The Billion-Dollar Industry Bankrupting Americans, author Jane Marie looks at the history, popularity, and psychology behind multi-level marketing companies — better known simply as MLMs. Throughout the book, readers will learn how this business model came to be, how it’s managed to escape legal scrutiny, and more. Overall, it’s a fascinating read that, unfortunately, may also be quite relatable for many Americans.
Pros
- Offers an in-depth look at multi-level marketing companies
- Explore the history of MLMs as well as related industries
- Also looks at the psychology used by these business to recruit sellers
Cons
- Slightly repetitive in some areas
