Al Gini's book is not about the nature and characteristics of Play, but rather, it is a `working' diatribe against work; with only scant attention given to `Play, Leisure and Vacation'. Paradoxically, Al Gini failed to grasp his own message. He needs to lighten up his message and play more, either that, or change the title (a much easier solution).
His book starts with the chapter "The Problem," and the problem is, of course, that we work too much; we work ourselves out of both health and holiday. I believe the problem started with Walt Disney and his seven dwarfs, those midget miners who plagued America with that addictive workaholic song - "Whistle while you . . . "
In other chapters Gini covers various social attitudes, such as "The Overspent America." This is an interesting chapter on how TV and shopping are the chief cultural activities in America. In another chapter he discuses our national addiction to sports, "the spectacle of sports anesthetizes us to that which we are either unable or unwilling to deal with, in our own lives." Other chapters include: Retirement, The Sabbath, Weekends and Traveling. All interesting and serious stuff, but . . .
In "The Importance of Being Lazy," we have a commendable sermon, with serious stats, against work; but, there is little new insight on "how" to play, neither does Gini bring any new ideas regarding leisure that challenge the reader to chill out and vacate their busy lives.
So, fellow workaholics, if you are going to be speaking at Toastmasters, the week before Labor Day, then this is the material you will want to quote: "The workaholic lacks boundaries," "We made a fetish out of work," "Work preoccupies our life" and "Workaholics no longer show up for life," etc., etc., etc. On the lighter side consider Dale Anderson's playful book "Never Act Your Age." Conditionally Recommended.
