Highly recommend this book for anyone involved, interested or intrigued by the housing industry.  House Lust: America's Obsession with our Homes by Daniel McGinn is an entertaining and easy read (those aspects of any book being important to me).  The premise of McGinn's study is the evolution of the American mindset wherein those things previously considered luxuries are becoming necessities - particularly regarding real estate and housing.

The book covers the growth of the average new American home - in square footage as well as features.  Case studies from across the country range to the outrageous, but will have most of us shaking our heads in the familiarity of some McMansion-dwelling family or group of people driving this "bigger is better" phenomenon.  We recognize this when dinner-party conversation regularly turns to attendees' favorite interior designers, remodelers and architects.

There are sections on the popularity of home improvement television, second homes, and the inner workings of real estate business.  Remodeling mania is well-documented.  As the publication date is quite recent, there is commentary regarding the recent housing industry downturn, and what that means to those of us with any degree of House Lust.

The subject matter and stories are always fascinating, often funny (do you know what a "lookie-loo" or a "house humper" is?), and sometimes quite disturbing.

Whether or not you have already decided to keep up with the Joneses, and start designing a lavish addition, check it out!  I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

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