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Books matching: consumerism

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Story of Stuff by Louis Fox, Henk Popken, Ruben DeLuna, Annie Leonard
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    The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard is a thought-provoking and eye-opening exploration of the environmental and social impacts of our obsession with material possessions. Through engaging storytelling and real-life examples, Leonard delves into the interconnected issues of overconsumption, pollution, and global warming, urging readers to consider the consequences of their actions on a personal and global scale. The book covers not only environmental aspects but also delves into social, economic, and political issues, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges we face as a society in creating a more sustainable world.

    As I grew older, I learned that there are more than sentimental reasons to worry about the fate of our trees. Trees create oxygen, which—may I remind us—we need to breathe. That alone would seem suffi...

  2. #2

    Feed by M.T. Anderson
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    'Feed' by M.T. Anderson is a dystopian novel set in a future where people have internet feeds implanted in their brains, constantly bombarding them with information and advertisements. The book follows the main character, Titus, and his friends as they navigate a world dominated by consumerism and technology. The novel explores themes of the impact of technology on society, the loss of individuality, and the consequences of a world driven by consumer culture. Anderson's writing style includes futuristic slang and a unique narrative voice that immerses the reader in this unsettling world.

    We went on a Friday, because there was shit-all to do at home. It was the beginning of spring break. Everything at home was boring. Link Arwaker was like, “I’m so null,” and Marty was all, “I’m null t...

  3. #3

    The Society of the Spectacle by Guy Debord
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    '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...

  4. #4

    American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
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    'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis is a novel that delves into the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and materialistic investment banker living in Manhattan during the late '80s and early '90s. The book follows Bateman's descent into madness as he struggles with his identity, connections, and reality amidst a backdrop of extreme violence and graphic descriptions. The writing style of the book combines dark humor, disturbing scenes of violence, and a sharp critique of American society's obsession with consumerism and superficiality.

    The narrative of 'American Psycho' juxtaposes the horrific with the banal, offering a satirical commentary on the culture of wealthy, self-centered individuals who are detached from the consequences of their actions. Through Bateman's perspective, the novel explores themes of excess, narcissism, and the emptiness of a life driven by material possessions and societal expectations. The book challenges readers to question the values of the era it portrays and leaves them contemplating the blurred lines between reality and delusion.

    ABANDON ALL HOPE YE WHO ENTER HERE is scrawled in blood red lettering on the side of the Chemical Bank near the corner of Eleventh and First and is in print large enough to be seen from the backseat o...

  5. #5

    Kingdom Come by J.G. Ballard
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    'Kingdom Come' by J.G. Ballard is a dystopian novel that delves into the societal implications of consumerism, violence, and fascism. Set in a suburban shopping mall, the story follows Richard Pearson as he investigates his father's death, uncovering a disturbing world where consumer culture has evolved into a form of religion intertwined with atavistic violence. The book explores themes of societal decay, cult-like behavior, and the dark underbelly of commercialism, offering a prophetic allegory of a society on the brink of fascism. Ballard's poetic and haunting prose weaves together a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and dystopia, providing a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary mores and cultural identity.

    The writing style in 'Kingdom Come' is affectless yet impactful, drawing readers into a world where the mundane is juxtaposed with the menacing. Ballard's exploration of societal shifts and the interplay between individual actions and collective consequences creates a chilling atmosphere that resonates with themes of power, manipulation, and the allure of consumerist ideologies.

    WISHFUL THINKING, I told myself as Heathrow airport shrank into the rear-view mirror, and more than a little foolish, an advertising man’s ingrained habit of tasting the wrapper rather than the biscui...

  6. #6

    The Hidden Persuaders by Vance Packard
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    'The Hidden Persuaders' by Vance Packard is a historical document that explores the uses of psychology in selling consumer items and political candidates. Packard raises concerns about the manipulation of public opinion and questions the sustainability of an economy based on excessive production and consumption. delves into how advertising influences our behavior, encouraging us to mindlessly consume products we often do not need, ultimately warning readers to be more conscious consumers.


  7. #7

    No Logo by Naomi Klein
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    "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...

  8. #8

    In Persuasion Nation by George Saunders
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    George Saunders' 'In Persuasion Nation' is a collection of speculative fiction that delves into a futuristic America plagued by consumerism, advertising, and societal absurdities. The stories feature emotionally atrophied characters navigating through a world filled with coercive marketing tactics, while offering a blend of satire, humor, and social commentary. Saunders' writing style is described as fluid, charged, and filled with language that captivates readers, leading them through unexpected twists and turns in each story.

    We were very sorry to receive your letter of 23 Feb., which accompanied the I CAN SPEAK!™ you returned, much to our disappointment. We here at KidLuv believe that the I CAN SPEAK!™ is an innovative an...

  9. #9

    Jennifer Government by Max Barry
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    In "Jennifer Government" by Max Barry, the story is set in an alternate present where corporations wield immense power, influencing every aspect of society. The plot revolves around a world where taxes are illegal, employees take on the surnames of the companies they work for, and the government is reduced to a figurehead, unable to challenge the dominance of corporate entities. The narrative follows a cast of characters as they navigate a dystopian society where capitalism reigns supreme, exploring themes of consumerism, corporate greed, and the consequences of a world driven by profit.

    The writing style of the book is described as satirical and fast-paced, offering a clever and entertaining look at a future where big businesses control the world. The author, Max Barry, creates a believable and thought-provoking world that delves into the darker aspects of human nature, all while maintaining a sense of humor and intrigue throughout the narrative.

    Hack first heard about Jennifer Government at the water-cooler. He was only there because the one on his floor was out; Legal was going to come down on Nature's Springs like a ton of shit, you could b...

  10. #10

    The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store by Cait Flanders
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    The Year of Less is a personal memoir of a young woman's journey through overcoming various addictions and streamlining her life to find happiness. Cait Flanders decided to challenge herself by implementing a shopping ban for one year, decluttering her belongings, and learning to fix things rather than replace them. Throughout the book, she delves deep into her struggles with alcoholism, weight, career dissatisfaction, troubled relationships, and the impact of her parents' divorce. The writing style is conversational and immersive, providing insights into her transformation towards a more minimalist and fulfilled lifestyle.

    I started losing things in the spring of 2014. My green tank top was the first item to go missing. It was the only green tank top I owned, and it had always lived on the right-hand side of the second ...

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