SELF-HELP

Dedicated: The Case for Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing

by Pete Davis

Avid Reader. May 2021. 272p. ISBN 9781982140908. $27. SELF-HELP

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To Davis, a civic advocate from Falls Church, VA, living in a culture of open options—choosing novelty over depth, individuality over community, and flexibility over purpose—leads to an ethos of indifference and meaninglessness in society. A remedy for infinite browsing, he says, is to enter into voluntary commitments, dedicating oneself to particular causes and crafts, places and communities, professions and people. In this book based on his Harvard Law School graduation speech that went viral, Davis calls for readers to choose to devote themselves to a project or a relationship, and develop loyalty to particulars: particular neighborhoods, people, and missions, in order to live a life of value and make the world a better place.

VERDICT This title is an excellent purchase for all public libraries.

Reviewed by Deborah Bigelow, Director Emerita, Leonia P.L., NJ , May 14, 2021

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