logo

47 pages 1 hour read

How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Jenny Odell

How To Do Nothing

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell is a nonfiction book that critiques the damaging effects of the attention economy and proposes a dual approach of rejecting this economy while redirecting attention to local communities and the environment. Odell emphasizes the value of disengaging from continuous productivity, engaging deeply with one's surroundings, and fostering meaningful connections with nature and other people to reclaim a more fulfilling life. The book also discusses the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of all life forms and finding healthier ways to utilize technology.

Contemplative

Informative

Inspirational

Serene

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

3.9

54,185 ratings

60%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Jenny Odell's How To Do Nothing is praised for its thought-provoking exploration of resisting the attention economy, blending art, history, and personal reflection. Some find its philosophical tone enlightening, though others view it as dense and meandering. The book's call for mindfulness resonates, but its practical applications can feel abstract.

Who should read this

Who Should Read How To Do Nothing?

A reader who values reflective thought, critiques of productivity culture, and environmental awareness would enjoy How To Do Nothing by Jenny Odell. Comparable to Walden by Thoreau and Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism, it's ideal for those seeking mindfulness and intentional disengagement from tech-driven lifestyles.

3.9

54,185 ratings

60%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.