Books matching: media influence
100 result(s)
"Media Control: The Spectacular Achievements of Propaganda" by Noam Chomsky delves into the manipulation and control exerted by the media and government on public perception and opinion. Chomsky highlights instances where the media perpetuates falsehoods and biases, shaping public discourse and swaying opinions towards government agendas. Through examples like the Gulf War and the Vietnam War, Chomsky exposes the insidious tactics employed to mold public sentiment and justify political actions. The writing style is concise and informative, offering a critical analysis of how propaganda influences societal norms and beliefs.
Another group that was impressed by these successes was liberal democratic theorists and leading media figures, like, for example, Walter Lippmann, who was the dean of American journalists, a major fo...- #2
Save:The Simulacra by Philip K. Dick is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the illusory nature of societal structures and the manipulation of reality by those in power. Through a complex plot involving a matriarchal government, time travel, and political intrigue, Dick weaves a narrative that explores the crumbling of the reality we depend on and the consequences of power dynamics. The book features a wide array of quirky characters and subplots that eventually come together to form a coherent whole, showcasing Dick's unique writing style that blends chaos, creativity, humor, and frenzied paranoia.
The interoffice memo at Electronic Musical Enterprise frightened Nat Flieger and he did not know why. It dealt, after all, with a great opportunity; the famed Soviet pianist Richard Kongrosian, a psyc... - #3
Save:'Soulless' by Christopher Golden follows the story of Phoenix Cormier, who accompanies her father, a medium, to a TV appearance that goes awry, leading to a zombie apocalypse where the dead rise and hunger for their loved ones. As the epidemic spreads rapidly in New York City, a group of diverse characters including college students, a teen pop star, and a gangbanger must come together to survive and stop the undead. The novel presents a unique twist on the zombie genre by introducing intelligent zombies who evolve mentally and use memories to lure their prey, creating a terrifying and gory narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
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Save:'To Die For' by Joyce Maynard is a darkly humorous and engaging tale that delves into the narcissistic ambitions of Suzanne Moretto, a woman obsessed with achieving television fame at any cost. The story is narrated through multiple perspectives, offering a unique and intriguing insight into Suzanne's manipulative ways and the tragic events that unfold as a result. The plot revolves around Suzanne's ruthless pursuit of her goals, leading to a murder orchestrated by her through seduction and manipulation of a naive teenage boy.
The writing style of 'To Die For' is noted for its multiple narrator format, with each chapter presenting the story from a different character's viewpoint. This technique gradually unveils the layers of deceit, ambition, and tragedy that drive the narrative forward, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the full extent of Suzanne's manipulations and their consequences.
JUST TO GIVE YOU an idea of Susie. What a go-getter she was, right from the start. I can remember back when we lived on Sunrise Lane, her standing in front of the mirror, giving weather reports. She c... - #5
Save:Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard delves into the concept of hyperreality, where images become more real than reality itself. Baudrillard explores the idea that modern media inundates us with a hyperreal nothingness, where symbols reference other symbols in a pattern that may not necessarily represent reality. The book discusses how humans live in their own simulations, subject to chaotic shifts in meaning, akin to a race to a symbolic nowhere.
Baudrillard's writing style in Simulacra and Simulation is described as alternating between the poetic and the incomprehensible, challenging readers to contemplate and digest complex ideas. The book presents profound insights on the loss of referentials in the world, existing primarily as simulacra or copies without a true original. Despite being a challenging read, the book is praised for its revolutionary views on space, time, and perception, making readers ponder deeply about philosophy and psychology.
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Save:Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman presents a chaotic and intense narrative filled with body horror and political commentary. The book explores themes of possession and media influence, creating a mirror of today's societal issues. However, many readers found the story disjointed, with a repetitive writing style that detracted from character development and plot progression. The transition between different perspectives and tenses felt clumsy, alienating some readers despite the intriguing premise.
The writing style has a mix of frantic prose and comic book elements, which some found distracting. While it aims to provoke discomfort and reflect real-life horror, the execution led to frustration for many, making it feel uneven. Despite its disturbing themes and potential for a strong story, several critiques mentioned that better character focus and resolution could have vastly improved the experience. Overall, while some appreciated the horror elements and fast pace, others felt let down by the lack of coherent storytelling.
Understanding Power by Noam Chomsky is a compilation of his talks and interviews on various topics such as foreign policy, imperialism, social services, and political activism. The book is presented in a question and answer format, allowing readers to choose the topics they want to delve into. Chomsky reinterprets events of the past three decades, connecting America's foreign policy with the decline of domestic social services and offering insights into steps towards social change.
WOMAN: Noam, I think the reason we’ve all come out here to spend the weekend talking with you is to get some of your perspectives on the state of the world, and what we can do to change it. I’m wonder..."Don't Let Me Be Lonely: An American Lyric" by Claudia Rankine delves into themes of loneliness, life, death, and the human experience. Through a mix of prose poetry and unique formatting, Rankine explores the impact of racism, violence, and medication on the soul of a black woman. The book challenges readers to contemplate the blurred lines between life and death, the resilience of humanity, and the need to filter out the toxic elements of the world.
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Save:'When the Tripods Came' is a prequel to the Tripods Trilogy by John Christopher. The book delves into the invasion of Earth by the Tripods, portraying the beginnings of resistance against these alien conquerors. It follows the story of Laurie and his family as they navigate a world rapidly falling under Tripod control, utilizing themes of suspense, adventure, and the impact of mind control on humanity. The writing style is described as fast-paced, gripping, and engaging, providing a detailed account of the events leading up to the invasion.
An explosion of noise woke me. It sounded as if a dozen express trains were about to hit the shed. I rolled over in my blanket, trying to get out of the way, and was aware of a blaze of orange, lighti...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Tripods ) - #10Kalkiby:
Save:Gore Vidal's 'Kalki' is a satirical novel that follows the story of an American Hindu cult figure who predicts the end of the world. The plot revolves around an unlikely reporter who gets entangled in a web of deceit, political intrigue, and playful yet provocative scenarios. Vidal's writing style combines biting political satire, wry intelligence, and a focus on major issues such as feminism, bisexuality, American politics, and religion, all while maintaining a romp in the sand fun element that makes it a standout novel of the 20th century.
The book delves into themes of feminism, bisexuality, American politics, media, religion, and the impending apocalypse, all tackled with Vidal's signature playfulness and intelligence. The story unfolds as a thought-provoking and impactful narrative that keeps readers engaged with its fascinating characters and relevant social commentary.
I am sitting at the big table in the Cabinet Room of the White House. I have been asked to give my version of what happened. I have also been requested to avoid the historian’s best and closest friend...
