validated the individual experiences of millions of Americans by
means of a social and economic analysis.

The response to the book has not been uniformly positive. Right-
wing politicians have denounced me, and some economists have
attacked my statistical findings. I can only wonder at the hostility
with which some of these experts have greeted my book, and hope
that the publication of the paperback can be the occasion for a
more professional and reasoned debate.

Two months before the book was published I gave birth to my son,
S. K. Dasaratha. The combination of new book and new baby did
turn my life upside down for a while, as newspaper profiles of me
gleefully reported. I am pleased to announce, however, that life has
returned to normal. Now I find myself experiencing firsthand much
of what I wrote about: the everyday strains of raising a child and
having a paying job.

The critical and media attention to The Overworked American
was very gratifying. Even more gratifying has been the response of
readers. I have received scores of letters and calls from people
around the country (and the world). They have told me about their
workplaces, their life stories, and their personal solutions to the
problem of overwork. I have been especially moved by the many
people who have told me the book has changed their life.

In the last chapter of the book, I maintain that change will not
come about unless Americans organize themselves to demand it. In
view of the large numbers of people who have contacted me about
their interest in this issue, I have decided to begin to create that
organization. I plan to start a network of people who would like to
get involved. If, after you read The Overwoked American, you find
yourself so inclined, write to me at Harvard University.

March 1993
Cambridge, Massachusetts

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