Books matching: media impact on culture
16 result(s)
"The Influencing Machine: Brooke Gladstone On The Media" by Brooke Gladstone delves into the history and impact of media on human culture. It explores how media shapes society and how society, in turn, shapes the media. Through well-written and easy-to-read narratives, readers are taken on a journey through the evolution of media, from the development of mass communication technologies to the present day debates on government suppression and freedom of information. presents a deep and insightful analysis of the media landscape, shedding light on biases, complexities, and the role of media in holding governments accountable.
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'White' by Bret Easton Ellis is a non-fiction work that delves into the author's life, cultural critiques, and observations on contemporary society. Ellis discusses a wide range of topics, from his experiences in Hollywood and New York City to his thoughts on pop culture, aesthetics, social media, and identity politics. The book intertwines memoir elements with reflections on Hollywood, the impact of social media, and the changing cultural landscape, offering a blend of personal anecdotes and cultural commentary. Through his writing, Ellis explores themes of transition from analog to digital, the influence of art forms, and the challenges of navigating the modern world as a public figure.
The book also addresses Ellis' views on societal trends, generational differences, and political correctness. He critiques the younger generation's sensitivity to social media, discusses his interactions with celebrities like Kanye West, and reflects on the impact of Donald Trump's presidency on American society. With a mix of personal insights, cultural analysis, and reflections on his own works, Ellis presents a multifaceted exploration of contemporary culture, challenging readers to reconsider their perspectives on art, identity, and societal norms.
The idea of beginning a new novel started whispering to me sometime in the first weeks of 2013, while I was stuck on the I-10 in traffic merging into Hollywood after I had just spent a week in Palm Sp... Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man by Marshall McLuhan is a dense and inspiring work that explores how changes in media reshape culture. McLuhan's unique literary style, filled with dichotomies, analogies, and metaphors, challenges readers to think about communication in a novel way. He introduces concepts like hot and cool media, media as extensions of sensory organs, and the idea that the medium itself is the message.
Jack Paar mentioned that he once had said to a young friend, “Why do you kids use ‘cool’ to mean ‘hot’?” The friend replied, “Because you folks used up the word ‘hot’ before we came along.” It is true...'When Women Invented Television' by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong is a compelling narrative that delves into the lives of four remarkable women who played pivotal roles in shaping the television industry. The book highlights the struggles and triumphs of pioneers like Betty White, Irna Phillips, Hazel Scott, and Gertrude Berg, shedding light on their groundbreaking contributions to television during a time when female creativity and enterprise were overshadowed by societal constraints and McCarthyism. Armstrong's writing weaves together the stories of these women in an engaging manner, offering readers a glimpse into the untold history of women's influence on early television programming.
Gertrude Berg entered a room like the prow of a ship, commanding attention to match her ambition. She wasn’t arrogant; she just carried her accomplishments with her. She dressed her matronly figure in...'The Attention Merchants: The Epic Scramble to Get Inside Our Heads' by Tim Wu delves into the history of attention fragmentation and media manipulation, revealing the tactics used by attention merchants throughout the years. Wu explores the evolution of advertising from posters to digital platforms, highlighting the continuous battle for our attention. provides a detailed overview of how attention has been commercialized and sold, shaping our lives and choices without us even realizing it. Wu's writing style is engaging and informative, offering a chronological progression of the advertising industry and its impact on society.
In our times, the idea of a government-run mass recruiting campaign does not sound especially controversial. Recently, the Affordable Care Act was made workable by just such an effort. But in 1914 it ...- #6
'Idoru' by William Gibson is set in a post-quake technologized Japan and follows characters like Laney, Chia, and Rez in a complex plot involving virtual reality, AI, and celebrity culture. Gibson's writing style is described as cyberpunk at its finest, with a focus on immersive VR landscapes, meditations on fashion and celebrity, and a fast-paced, exciting story about the intersections of realities and identity. is praised for its thematic sequel to 'Virtual Light,' its prescient portrayal of future technology and society, and its telegraphic writing style that evokes a version of the future we will soon inhabit.
After Slitscan, Laney heard about another job from Rydell, the night security man at the Chateau. Rydell was a big quiet Tennessean with a sad shy grin, cheap sunglasses, and a walkie-talkie screwed p...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bridge ) - #7
'The Age of American Unreason' by Susan Jacoby is a thought-provoking and impassioned defense of liberalism, secularism, and the joy of books. The author explores the cultural and intellectual decay in contemporary America, tracing the roots of anti-intellectualism and the celebration of ignorance in popular culture. Through a series of essays, Jacoby covers topics such as the decline of public education, the impact of media on society, and the rise of anti-rationalism in American discourse. The book challenges readers to stand up for reason and emphasizes the importance of education in a participatory democracy.
Jacoby's writing style is described as erudite, accessible, and occasionally challenging. She presents a balanced and clear argument, highlighting the dangers of willful ignorance and emotionalism in American society. By analyzing historical trends and contemporary events, Jacoby sheds light on the consequences of anti-intellectualism and the need for a more informed and rational public discourse.
THE WORD IS EVERYWHERE, a plague spread by the President of the United States, television anchors, radio talk show hosts, preachers in megachurches, self-help gurus, and anyone else attempting to demo... - #8
'Quichotte' by Salman Rushdie is a complex and ambitious novel that delves into themes of impossible love, family relationships, racism, and the intertwining of reality and fantasy. The story follows a character named Quichotte Quixote and his imaginary son Sancho on a quest to woo a movie star, all while exploring issues such as immigration, drug addiction, forgiveness, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Rushdie's writing style is described as thought-provoking, challenging, and rewarding, blending satire, humor, and poignant moments seamlessly.
Miss Salma R, the exceptional woman (and total stranger) to whom Quichotte had declared his undying devotion, came from a dynasty of adored ladies. Think of her family this way: Granny R was Greta Gar... - #9
'Big Summer' by Jennifer Weiner follows the story of Daphne, a plus-size social media influencer, as she navigates complicated friendships, familial relationships, and a surprising murder mystery. The plot unfolds as Daphne is asked by her former high school frenemy, Drue, to be her maid of honor at an extravagant Cape Cod wedding. However, the joyous occasion takes a dark turn when Drue is found dead on her wedding day, leading Daphne to uncover the truth behind the murder. seamlessly combines elements of chick lit, mystery, and social commentary, offering a mix of humor, romance, and intrigue that keeps readers engaged throughout.
“OhmyGod, I am so sorry. Am I late?” Leela Thakoon hurried into the coffee shop with a cross-body bag hanging high on one hip, a zippered garment bag draped over her right arm, and an apologetic look ... "Popular Crime: Reflections on the Celebration of Violence" by Bill James is an examination of how popular culture is influenced by major crimes throughout history, particularly focusing on US crimes from 1880 onwards. The author delves into the reasons behind the popularity of certain crimes in the media, the impact of over-reporting on investigations and the justice system, as well as discussing broader issues such as the flaws in the American justice system and the evolution of crime coverage over the years. Readers found the book to be a mix of historical accounts of famous crimes, book reviews of true crime literature, and general reflections on crime and punishment, all presented in a somewhat meandering and at times disorganized writing style.
In Rome in the year 24 AD, the praetor Plautius Silvanus pushed his wife Apronia out of the window in the middle of the night. They hadn’t been married very long, or, we might guess, very happily. It ...