In a world where shopping carts fill up just as quickly as our homes, Emily Mester’s American Bulk: Essays on Excess pulls back the curtain on our collective obsession with consumption. With her sharp wit and engaging storytelling, Mester offers an intimate look at how the things we buy can overtly influence our relationships and self-perceptions.
Raised amidst a culture of hoarding and compulsive shopping, Mester found herself wrestling with a question that resonates with many: When does consumption consume you? Her essays illustrate the paradoxes of modern life, from the thrill of receiving numerous Amazon boxes to the subsequent remorse that creeps in as we clear our cluttered porches. These reflections are amplified by her poignant accounts of trips to beloved stores like Costco and Ulta, where she navigates the insidious nature of sale tactics and the fleeting highs of retail therapy.
Amidst her explorations lies a deeper narrative of self-acceptance and understanding. Mester’s examination of diet culture and her experiences at fat camp unveil a surprising journey toward liberation, allowing her to confront societal values and expectations head-on. Her candid writing urges us to rethink our standards and embrace our experiences with empathy.
One of the most moving sections of the book takes readers to Storm Lake, Iowa, where Mester reflects on her grandmother’s abandoned hoard. Through this exploration, she uncovers the emotional dysfunction woven into her family’s relationship with stuff, offering readers both a mirror and a lesson on legacy and connection.
American Bulk is an invitation to navigate our feelings about consumption thoughtfully and compassionately. Mester’s compelling voice represents a refreshing new talent from the American heartland, and her essays challenge us to look beyond guilt at our behaviors with grace. This collection will resonate with anyone grappling with their relationship to consumption, urging a reconciliation with what we buy, what we cherish, and why it matters.
