Books matching: consumer culture
77 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
"No Logo" by Naomi Klein delves into the world of branding and corporate power, exposing the exploitative practices of global corporations and the impact of consumerism on society. Klein highlights the rise of brands selling ideas rather than products, exploring themes such as the loss of public space, domination of cultural discourse by global brands, and the detrimental effects of commercialism on communities worldwide.
The astronomical growth in the wealth and cultural influence of multinational corporations over the last fifteen years can arguably be traced back to a single, seemingly innocuous idea developed by ma... - #2
Seventeen-year-old Hunter works as a trend scout, alongside his friend Jennifer, a trend innovator. When their boss Mandy goes missing, they uncover a conspiracy involving counterfeit shoes that are disrupting the market. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they find themselves entangled in a plot to sabotage the consumer culture they are a part of. The book explores the concept of coolness and how trends are created and manipulated, all set in the backdrop of modern-day New York City.
The narrative follows Hunter and Jen as they navigate the world of cool hunting, corporate manipulation, and societal structures. The story unfolds at a fast pace, blending elements of mystery, adventure, and self-discovery. Through their journey, the characters unravel the layers of deception and intrigue surrounding the missing boss and the group seeking to upset the established order of trends and consumerism. The writing style is engaging, offering a unique perspective on the industry of cool and the dynamics of trendsetting.
I nodded. That week skate meant “cool,” like dope or rad once did. And this girl’s laces were cool. Fuzzy and red, they looped through the middle eyelet repeatedly on one side, spreading out in a fan ... "You Too Can Have a Body Like Mine" by Alexandra Kleeman is a surreal and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of personal identity, consumerism, food issues, and cult-like behaviors. The story follows a woman who becomes entangled in a cult run by a company selling snack cakes with no caloric value, leading to a journey of self-discovery and existential questioning. The writing style is described as weird, arty, and humorous, with vivid and grotesque imagery that transforms the mundane into the nightmarish.
IS IT TRUE THAT WE are more or less the same on the inside? I don’t mean psychologically. I’m thinking of the vital organs, the stomach, heart, lungs, liver: of their placement and function, and the w...- #4
'White Noise' by Don DeLillo is a postmodern novel that delves into the fear of death and the absurdities of modern American society. The book follows Jack Gladney, a professor of Hitler Studies, as he navigates a world filled with toxic chemicals, media saturation, and the constant background noise of technology. Through bizarre non sequiturs, dark humor, and layered metaphors, the novel explores themes of mortality, consumerism, and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic world. DeLillo's unique writing style blends sharp social commentary with surreal elements, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and satirical.
The plot of 'White Noise' is fragmented and nonlinear, reflecting the disjointed nature of contemporary life. DeLillo's prose is characterized by witty one-liners, profound observations, and dark humor, drawing readers into a world where mundane events are tinged with existential dread. As the characters grapple with their fears and anxieties, the novel challenges traditional notions of narrative structure and character development, offering a complex and multifaceted exploration of the human experience in a modern, technologically driven society.
White Noise has often been dubbed Don DeLillo's "breakout book." This term is usually meant in one of two ways: either that the work has achieved greater commercial success than an author's previous w... - #5
'The Society of the Spectacle' by Guy Debord delves into the concept of the spectacle, which encompasses our entire way of engaging with reality in modern society. It discusses how our interaction with others is always mediated by the social structures of consumerism, leading to alienation from reality. The text explores the transformation of the utility of consumption into a spectacle of consumption, where our worth is measured by superficial standards reinforced by capitalist forces like advertising and marketing. Debord also critiques the impact of technology on our lives, highlighting how it controls virtually everything and alienates individuals from each other and from their communities.
“But for the present age, which prefers the sign to the thing signified, the copy to the original, representation to reality, appearance to essence… truth is considered profane, and only illusion is s... - #6
All She Was Worth by Miyuki Miyabe is a Japanese mystery novel that follows police inspector Shunsuke Honma as he investigates a missing person case tied to issues of consumer debt, personal bankruptcy, and identity theft in late 20th century Japan. The story delves into the complexities of Japanese society, including family registers and cultural norms, while exploring themes of materialism, credit systems, and the impact of the economic bubble on the middle class. Through a methodical unraveling of clues, Honma uncovers a web of lies and deception that leads to a shocking revelation about the missing woman and a murder.
The book is praised for its insightful portrayal of day-to-day life in Tokyo, the multi-layered characters, and the slow unraveling of a police procedural that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by independent young women in Japan. With a focus on the detective's personal struggles, family dynamics, and societal pressures, All She Was Worth offers a compelling narrative that combines elements of suspense, social commentary, and cultural immersion.
The rain started just as the train pulled out of Ayase Station. An icy rain. No wonder his knee had been aching all day. Shunsuke Honma stood by the train door, looking out, one hand on the handrail, ... "The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less" by Barry Schwartz explores the concept that having too many choices can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Schwartz delves into the psychological effects of an abundance of choices in various aspects of life, such as decision-making, consumer behavior, and overall well-being. Through examples and studies, the author emphasizes how the quest for the perfect choice can be overwhelming and counterproductive, ultimately impacting our satisfaction with the decisions we make. discusses the contrast between maximizers, who seek the absolute best in every choice, and satisficers, who are content with good enough, shedding light on the consequences of unlimited options in today's society.
Schwartz presents a thought-provoking analysis of how the freedom of choice, while perceived as a positive aspect of modern life, can actually lead to negative outcomes. By exploring the impact of choice overload on individuals' mental health and happiness, the book offers insights into the complexities of decision-making processes and the psychological burden of excessive options. Through engaging examples and relatable anecdotes, Schwartz navigates the reader through the paradoxical nature of choice, highlighting the challenges of balancing freedom with contentment in a world filled with endless possibilities.
FILTERING OUT EXTRANEOUS INFORMATION IS ONE OF THE BASIC functions of consciousness. If everything available to our senses demanded our attention at all times, we wouldn’t be able to get through the d...Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture by Douglas Coupland is a novel that captures the essence of a disenfranchised generation who cannot see the value in the 'Great American Dream' anymore. The story focuses on three friends, Dag, Andy, and Claire, who have dropped out and live on the margins, escaping to the desert, working minimum wage jobs, and entertaining each other by telling stories that highlight the emptiness of their lives. The book popularized the term 'Generation X' and explores themes such as information overload, declining standards of living, and the struggles of finding meaning in a world of materialism and commercialism.
One and a half decades later my feelings are just as ambivalent and I sit on the front lanai of my rented bungalow in Palm Springs, California, grooming my two dogs, smelling the cinnamon nighttime po...- #9
'Collected Stories' by Peter Carey is a collection of surreal and imaginative short stories that explore a variety of themes such as class struggles, political commentary, and twisted realities. The stories range from elements of fantasy and science fiction to dark and pessimistic narratives, all tightly constructed with surprise endings and thought-provoking themes. Carey's writing style is described as a cross between Hemingway's descriptive prose and Flann O'Brien's surreal storytelling, creating a unique blend that captivates readers.
To begin with one must understand the nature of the yearly census, a manifestation of our desire to know, always, exactly where we stand. The census, originally a count of the population, has graduall... - #10
'Future Shock' by Alvin Toffler explores the concept that the accelerating rate of social change is outpacing man's ability to cope, urging readers to adapt or face dire consequences. Toffler's writing is well-researched and fast-paced, making the book an essential read for those fascinated by culture and the rapid compression of modern life. The book delves into various aspects such as sociology, anthropology, technology, psychology, economics, education, and politics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by the ever-evolving world.
In the three short decades between now and the twenty-first century, millions of ordinary, psychologically normal people will face an abrupt collision with the future. Citizens of the world's richest ...