Books matching: the impact of media on culture
12 result(s)
- #1
Save:'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 99 recommendations for the series Bridge ) - #2
Save:'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... 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...'We Believe the Children: The Story of a Moral Panic' by Richard Beck delves into the phenomenon of the Satanic Panic that swept through the United States in the 1980s. It explores how societal changes, quack psychology, and sensationalism led to a widespread belief in Satanic cults conducting ritual abuse, particularly in daycare centers. Beck meticulously recounts prominent court cases, highlighting the devastating impact on all involved. provides a historical overview intertwined with sociological context, showcasing how the panic emerged from a complex interplay of factors, ultimately serving as a substitute for societal issues that were overlooked.
In the years following the end of World War II, American doctors, psychiatrists, and social workers discovered that young children were sometimes beaten by the people who cared for them. For decades t...- #5
Save:'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... - #6
Save:'No One Is Talking About This' by Patricia Lockwood delves into the life of an unnamed protagonist who becomes a viral sensation due to her witty and humorous social media posts. The novel is written in a fragmented style, resembling blog entries and text messages, reflecting the way we communicate in today's hyperconnected yet interpersonally detached world. As the protagonist gets entangled in the online world referred to as 'the portal,' she undergoes a transformation when faced with real-life tragedies that pull her out of the virtual realm and into deeper emotional connections.
Lockwood's novel explores themes of social media culture, human connections, and the impact of internet obsession on individuals' lives. is divided into two halves, with the first portraying the protagonist's online persona and the second delving into real-life events that bring about emotional turmoil and introspection.
Close-ups of nail art, a pebble from outer space, a tarantula’s compound eyes, a storm like canned peaches on the surface of Jupiter, Van Gogh’s The Potato Eaters, a chihuahua perched on a man’s erect... "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.
'The Vanishing Hitchhiker: American Urban Legends and Their Meanings' by Jan Harold Brunvand explores various urban legends categorized into different groups such as Automobile, Teenage Horrors, Contaminations, the dead, Dalliance, Nudity, and Nightmares, and media legends. delves into the study of urban legends, their origins, evolution, and interpretations. It also discusses how urban legends are created and spread within society, providing insights into the significance of studying these stories. Despite the informative content, some readers found the writing style to be lacking in accessibility and interest, impacting the overall presentation of the book.
The first chapter of the book establishes foundational information about urban legends, focusing on interpreting these legends with the help of examples like The Boyfriend's Death legend. This chapter sets the tone for the rest of the book, offering crucial insights that readers can apply throughout their exploration of urban legends across different chapters. However, some readers felt that the analysis of folktales and urban legends was not as in-depth or scholarly as expected, with criticisms about the amateurish nature of the content and the lack of thorough analysis on certain topics.
We are not aware of our own folklore any more than we are of the grammatical rules of our language. When we follow the ancient practice of informally transmitting “lore”—wisdom, knowledge, or accepted...- #9
Save:'Idol' by Louise O'Neill delves into the world of social media influencers, exploring the themes of online celebrity, authenticity, memory, and trust. The story follows Samantha Miller, a successful lifestyle guru with a massive online following, whose life is turned upside down when she is accused of sexual assault by her childhood best friend. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey through Samantha's past struggles with addiction, her carefully curated online persona, and the blurred lines between truth and perception. The novel skillfully navigates complex contemporary issues such as consent, abortion, and feminism, while keeping the reader hooked with its fast-paced and addictive storytelling.
- #10
Save:'The Right Stuff' by Tom Wolfe is a non-fiction account that delves into the origin of the United States space program and the space race against the Soviet Union, starting from the 1940s and culminating with the Mercury project. The book offers detailed information about airplanes, spacecraft, and the lives of the early astronauts, portraying the gritty heroics and swaggering confidence embodied in the space program of that era. Wolfe's writing style captures the essence of the time, providing a mix of history, anecdotes, and personal stories that bring the early days of space travel to life.
Wolfe's narrative skillfully weaves together the stories of test pilots, astronauts, and the broader context of the Cold War space race, creating an engaging and informative account that immerses readers in the challenges and triumphs of the pioneers of space exploration. Through a combination of detailed research and vivid storytelling, 'The Right Stuff' offers a glimpse into the motivations, risks, and indomitable spirit of the men who dared to venture beyond the confines of Earth's atmosphere, making it a compelling read for history buffs and space enthusiasts alike.
"Jane, this is Alice. Listen, I just got a call from Betty, and she said she heard something's happened out there. Have you heard anything?" That was the way they phrased it, call after call. She pick...
