Political Frugality - Book Review

     It is hard to specify exactly what genre Larry Roth's new book can fall into. Political, frugal living, gay rights, taking care of the body and more are covered in Political Frugality − Guerrilla Economics for the Demonized, Devalued and Disenfranchised.

Larry was a high income-earner who gave it up to be a relaxed gardener; he exercises, eats right and lives frugally. This retired professional walks-the-walk, and raises several interesting points of view on society and communities.

Discussions on how we dictate each other's belief system to one another without even realizing what we are doing were definitely thought provoking. Larry also brings to light the unrealistic discrimination that still slides in and out of our daily lives - and we find this normal.

I found the author's ideas on social security just fantastic. When you think about it, where does our money go if we die early and are not married? For that matter, why should the spouse left behind be penalized by receiving only a portion of the mate's coverage?
The true cost of climbing the social ladder is certainly a point well made by Larry and his thoughts on how consumerism is a vote with the wallet is enlightening. He talks about corporations that build items without replaceable parts or limited availability in order to force more consumer spending. According to Larry, it does not have to be like this.
Although Political Frugality begins a little heavy and political for my tastes, just past these first few pages the real life stories will entertain and shock the reader. Larry's nightmare situation with the credit bureau is pretty shocking. This is not another "victim of fraud" story folks, but rather a bureaucratic goof taken to an extreme!

Larry also makes some excellent arguments for the benefits of walking. It can be so much more than frugal and responsible transportation, exercise and meditation − it can actually bond communities. How? I can't tell you here, you'll have to read the book to find out!
So many beliefs and views on issues were similar to my own that I found myself thinking "Exactly!" repeatedly. Larry certainly brings attention to some very ironic and illogical social issues. Folks that read Political Frugality will learn new ideas on how to live in a more socially and fiscally responsible way.

ISBN#: 0962522848
Author: Larry Roth
Illustrated by: Andy Dandino
Publisher: Living Cheap Press

Date Added: Thursday, 11-27-2025 11:04:28 AM

Author:

Larry Roth

"Larry Roth is an author known for his book "Political Frugality: Guerilla Economics for the Demonized, Devalued, And Disenfranchised And Money Saving Tips for Everyone Else". The book is a blend of political commentary, frugal living advice, advocacy for gay rights, and a guide to personal well-being. Roth, a former high-income earner who traded it all for the life of a relaxed gardener, brings a unique perspective to societal norms and community values. He challenges readers to examine the often-unconscious ways we impose belief systems on each other and highlights the subtle, yet pervasive, discrimination that continues to exist in our daily lives. Roth's insights into social security are particularly compelling, questioning the fate of contributions from those who die early and unmarried, and advocating for fairer spousal benefits. He argues that the pursuit of social status comes at a high price, and he views consumerism as a form of voting with our wallets. He criticizes corporations that deliberately manufacture products with limited lifespans or non-replaceable parts, forcing consumers into a cycle of endless spending. Roth believes there's a better way. While "Political Frugality" begins with a somewhat dense political overview, it quickly transitions into a series of engaging and often shocking real-life stories. Roth recounts a harrowing experience with a credit bureau that transcends the typical "victim of fraud" narrative, exposing a Kafkaesque bureaucratic nightmare. Roth champions the benefits of walking, presenting it as more than just a cost-effective and eco-friendly mode of transportation. He sees it as a form of exercise, meditation, and a catalyst for community bonding."

Author website:

https://www.amazon.com/Political-Frugality-Economics-Demonized-Disenfranchised/dp/0962522848