Take a photo of a barcode or cover
Before I get started here, let me say this: the authors were preaching to the choir. I'm a person who had his political awakening listening to a Jello Biafra album in a grocery store parking lot. I had no idea who Jello Biafra was; I just wanted to impress the girl I came to the punk show with.
Anyway, I've been listening to Citizen Radio for a few years now, and the draw of the show is Allison and Jamie's (and Desi and Penny's) unique voices. I picked up #Newsfail hoping that would translate to the page.
I was pleased to have my expectations met.
Probably the greatest praise I can offer with regard to this book is that it is a political book that will age WELL. Even two years after they're written, most books in the politics section are obsolete: their targets have left office, their issues are resolved, their authors resigned in disgrace in a sex scandal. While #Newsfail does deal with some stories currently in the media, its overarching theme of mainstream media incompetence is one that will (sadly) probably be relevant for years.
Written with a sense of humor and an incisive eye for what needs to happen, #Newsfail is worth reading for any progressive who isn't offended by dick jokes. The authors are unlikely to convince anyone who doesn't agree with them, but really, all of those people are probably hanging out with Sad Bane and Jan Brewer anyway.
Anyway, I've been listening to Citizen Radio for a few years now, and the draw of the show is Allison and Jamie's (and Desi and Penny's) unique voices. I picked up #Newsfail hoping that would translate to the page.
I was pleased to have my expectations met.
Probably the greatest praise I can offer with regard to this book is that it is a political book that will age WELL. Even two years after they're written, most books in the politics section are obsolete: their targets have left office, their issues are resolved, their authors resigned in disgrace in a sex scandal. While #Newsfail does deal with some stories currently in the media, its overarching theme of mainstream media incompetence is one that will (sadly) probably be relevant for years.
Written with a sense of humor and an incisive eye for what needs to happen, #Newsfail is worth reading for any progressive who isn't offended by dick jokes. The authors are unlikely to convince anyone who doesn't agree with them, but really, all of those people are probably hanging out with Sad Bane and Jan Brewer anyway.
very quick enjoyable read. It was funny, but not as funny as I hoped it would be, but still informative. It's a hair preachy, but that's what I expected when I picked it up, knowing the authors. It was also a bit of an advertisements for their podcast, but in the context of really promoting alternative media, so I'm okay with them using the space to promote that. If you're a progressive and follow the issues, there won't be too many surprises in here. If you're new to politics or media critiques, this is a really great place to start.
I probably would have found this pretty mind-blowing if I had read it when it came out, before I really got into politics. As it is, this is a pretty good introduction to basic Leftist policies in America, though already a little dated (same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015, a year after this was published.)
This book is a thorough factual overview of the prevailing political issues of our time, interspersed with funny anecdotes right alongside cited support for their points. It feels more like a conversation with remarkably smart, funny friends than a political book. You leave better informed, yes, but also brilliantly entertained, and inspired to change the world. Irreverent and brutally honest, in the best ways. A must-read.
There’s an awesome podcast out there called Citizen Radio, and it is amazing. The hosts are a comic and journalist, respectively, who record at their home and talk about news that either doesn’t get covered or that gets covered in ridiculous ways. There is a ton of swearing, a lot of joking, some bizarre recurring characters (“Republican Baby,” for example), and a crap ton of actual, honest, news. Citizen Radio is independent media that seeks the truth without being worried about what sponsors are going to think. It’s funding wholly by members like me, but is available to everyone for free.
What does that have to do with this book? Well, this book is written by the hosts of Citizen Radio. It’s a progressive look at the ways in which the news fails: fails to tell us the truth, fails to cover the stories that matter, and fails to do what journalism should do. It’s an easy read (as in, it’s written conversationally; the topics themselves are not in any way light), and organized into general topics that are illustrated with examples of the ways the news has failed to cover the topics properly. The authors address class war, sexism, LGBT rights, gun control (or “massacre prevention,” as they wisely call it), drug policy and foreign policy. The chapters have fantastic titles like “We Know You Smoked Weed in College, Asshole: How the War on Drugs Is Destroying This Country.”
The book is great; when it ended I wished there were more for me to read. I wish they could have taken on even more topics – I feel like there’s enough failure of the media out there on such a wide range of topics that they could write at least one more book, if not two. They point out the problem with presenting “both sides” when there aren’t actually two reasonable sides. A good example of this is climate change. When the vast, vast majority of scientists find truth in something, it doesn’t make sense to have one climate change denier on to debate one scientist. That’s irresponsible. Of course, as Kilkenny and Kilstein point out, scientists (or experts on the issues) are rarely even invited to contribute to the discussions. Instead of the experts on an issue, or those directly impacted by an issue – say, reproductive health – being invited on, you get a panel of older white men. No white women, no women of color, just old white politicians talking about putting an Aspirin between a woman’s knees as effective birth control.
The book is filled with rough language, and includes a smattering of anecdotes from the authors’ lives. Much like their podcast, the book makes me laugh, makes me angry, and motivates me to take action. I read a more diverse array of topics now than I did before I found their podcast. I’ve always been what I’d describe as liberal; now I know that a better term to describe my beliefs is progressive. While some might pass this book off as preaching to the choir, the reality is that while much of what they say might be more radical than the average liberal’s thinking, they back it all up. They provide support for those beliefs that you might have been thinking, but haven’t seen supported when you watch CNN (or MSNBC, because really that station isn’t nearly as liberal as people think).
If you care about politics, journalism, the media, or any of the topics covered in this boo, I strongly urge you to pick it up. And next time you’re on iTunes, or Stitcher, please check out Citizen Radio.
What does that have to do with this book? Well, this book is written by the hosts of Citizen Radio. It’s a progressive look at the ways in which the news fails: fails to tell us the truth, fails to cover the stories that matter, and fails to do what journalism should do. It’s an easy read (as in, it’s written conversationally; the topics themselves are not in any way light), and organized into general topics that are illustrated with examples of the ways the news has failed to cover the topics properly. The authors address class war, sexism, LGBT rights, gun control (or “massacre prevention,” as they wisely call it), drug policy and foreign policy. The chapters have fantastic titles like “We Know You Smoked Weed in College, Asshole: How the War on Drugs Is Destroying This Country.”
The book is great; when it ended I wished there were more for me to read. I wish they could have taken on even more topics – I feel like there’s enough failure of the media out there on such a wide range of topics that they could write at least one more book, if not two. They point out the problem with presenting “both sides” when there aren’t actually two reasonable sides. A good example of this is climate change. When the vast, vast majority of scientists find truth in something, it doesn’t make sense to have one climate change denier on to debate one scientist. That’s irresponsible. Of course, as Kilkenny and Kilstein point out, scientists (or experts on the issues) are rarely even invited to contribute to the discussions. Instead of the experts on an issue, or those directly impacted by an issue – say, reproductive health – being invited on, you get a panel of older white men. No white women, no women of color, just old white politicians talking about putting an Aspirin between a woman’s knees as effective birth control.
The book is filled with rough language, and includes a smattering of anecdotes from the authors’ lives. Much like their podcast, the book makes me laugh, makes me angry, and motivates me to take action. I read a more diverse array of topics now than I did before I found their podcast. I’ve always been what I’d describe as liberal; now I know that a better term to describe my beliefs is progressive. While some might pass this book off as preaching to the choir, the reality is that while much of what they say might be more radical than the average liberal’s thinking, they back it all up. They provide support for those beliefs that you might have been thinking, but haven’t seen supported when you watch CNN (or MSNBC, because really that station isn’t nearly as liberal as people think).
If you care about politics, journalism, the media, or any of the topics covered in this boo, I strongly urge you to pick it up. And next time you’re on iTunes, or Stitcher, please check out Citizen Radio.
This book was a humorous look at the way mainstream media is failing to inform citizens about what really is happening in the world. Jamie and Allison founded Citizen Radio as a means of getting actual news to the public, and this is their story of how they did that. They also include some information on topics near and dear to their hearts like fighting the rape culture, climate change, the war on drugs, more, all with a comic twist.
I wouldn't say the book is "News", simply because a book by virtue of being a book, can't be up to date on what's happening in the world. There wasn't really any information provided of which any relatively well-informed person with progressive leanings isn't already aware - a handful of facts and names, perhaps. In fact, it was rather reminiscent of sitting around in the evening talking with friends about the state of the world, it's stuff we've been over and over repeatedly. But maybe that's why I liked it so much. It took what I know and what I believe and presented it in a fresher, funnier way. Kind of like a Lewis Black rant, but backed up with facts and statistics. I laughed out loud frequently. What it does well is show all of the ways that mainstream news media in the US has failed to inform the less politically-aware public about some really important topics.
The parts I especially enjoyed were those related to how the authors met and how they started off in the podcast business.
Warning: It's not a book I would give to my parents, because progressive though they are, they would not appreciate the language.
It's also not going to convert any political moderates or conservatives because the tone is very much "we the authors are correct and if you don't agree with us you are stupid." A moderate just might have made it through if they hand't put veganism so early in the book. (Seriously authors, who leads with veganism? You say yourself even vegetarians hate vegans, and frankly there wasn't enough factual information in that section to make it seem like news rather than strongly and proudly held opinions. Although, the facts certainly supported valid reasons for encouraging vegetarianism, at least, but the point is, authors, veganism at the end and not at the beginning.) So, I guess it is a preaching-to-the-choir kind of book, but even the choir loves a well though out, enthusiastic and entertaining sermon.
I just really enjoyed this book because it talked about important things in a funny, accessible (except to people who don't like swearing or vegans) way. If I lived in a place where I could access unlimited internet, which you can't if you live rurally and depend upon satellite internet, I would absolutely become a regular to Allison and Jamie's podcast. I'd certainly buy a second book!
However, I did not buy the first book. It was kindly given to me as a Goodreads First-Reads giveaway.
I wouldn't say the book is "News", simply because a book by virtue of being a book, can't be up to date on what's happening in the world. There wasn't really any information provided of which any relatively well-informed person with progressive leanings isn't already aware - a handful of facts and names, perhaps. In fact, it was rather reminiscent of sitting around in the evening talking with friends about the state of the world, it's stuff we've been over and over repeatedly. But maybe that's why I liked it so much. It took what I know and what I believe and presented it in a fresher, funnier way. Kind of like a Lewis Black rant, but backed up with facts and statistics. I laughed out loud frequently. What it does well is show all of the ways that mainstream news media in the US has failed to inform the less politically-aware public about some really important topics.
The parts I especially enjoyed were those related to how the authors met and how they started off in the podcast business.
Warning: It's not a book I would give to my parents, because progressive though they are, they would not appreciate the language.
It's also not going to convert any political moderates or conservatives because the tone is very much "we the authors are correct and if you don't agree with us you are stupid." A moderate just might have made it through if they hand't put veganism so early in the book. (Seriously authors, who leads with veganism? You say yourself even vegetarians hate vegans, and frankly there wasn't enough factual information in that section to make it seem like news rather than strongly and proudly held opinions. Although, the facts certainly supported valid reasons for encouraging vegetarianism, at least, but the point is, authors, veganism at the end and not at the beginning.) So, I guess it is a preaching-to-the-choir kind of book, but even the choir loves a well though out, enthusiastic and entertaining sermon.
I just really enjoyed this book because it talked about important things in a funny, accessible (except to people who don't like swearing or vegans) way. If I lived in a place where I could access unlimited internet, which you can't if you live rurally and depend upon satellite internet, I would absolutely become a regular to Allison and Jamie's podcast. I'd certainly buy a second book!
However, I did not buy the first book. It was kindly given to me as a Goodreads First-Reads giveaway.
Review: I’m a horrible citizen. I don’t watch the news, I know nothing about politics, and I have a general disdain for the human race. Why you ask? The media. I can’t turn it on without feeling like we should all be wiped out, just like the dinosaurs. Now I realize that I been watching a bunch of lies, all thanks to #Newsfail. One of the best things about this book is that is told me everything I needed to know about major political issues in layman’s’ terms, and it had several pop culture references to boot (Hunger Games!). This book seriously has me rethinking some of my ideals and how I wish to approach them. (After reading the chapter on meat, I’m seriously considering going vegan. Baby steps, though.) I learned a lot from this book, and I plan on actually listening to Citizen Radio to stay informed.
Favorite Essay/Thought Process: “We Know You Smoked Weed in College, Asshole: How the War on Drugs Is Destroying the Country”; the “war” on drugs is totally pointless and a waste of money.
Essay I Learned the Most From: “USA! USA! USA! We’re Here to Help…withDrones Cluster Bombs Freedom!”; USA is a bully, period.
Favorite Quote: Didn’t really have a specific one. The entire book is informative and funny.
Recommend? Absolutely; probably think about giving out a few copies as Christmas gifts.
Re-read? Yes, I need a personal copy.
Favorite Essay/Thought Process: “We Know You Smoked Weed in College, Asshole: How the War on Drugs Is Destroying the Country”; the “war” on drugs is totally pointless and a waste of money.
Essay I Learned the Most From: “USA! USA! USA! We’re Here to Help…with
Favorite Quote: Didn’t really have a specific one. The entire book is informative and funny.
Recommend? Absolutely; probably think about giving out a few copies as Christmas gifts.
Re-read? Yes, I need a personal copy.
informative
I'm going to be totally honest here: I'm probably not the target audience Kilstein and Kilkenny had in mind when they committed pens to paper. This is not because I'm a hard and fast conservative, but because I'm already in tune with how mainstream media has failed us on reporting major issues in recent years. As a journalist, I'm already attuned to looking a stories objectively and finding the truth to report, just like the authors. Their target is clearly someone without this knowledge and experience behind them.
And that's totally fine! While reading #newsfail, I quickly picked up on treating this book like a primer for those who are just getting their feet wet in independent media and questioning what's fed to them from the 24-hour news cycle. This is a great introduction to important issues -- reproductive rights, gun control, drug legislation, racism, etc. -- that often get cast to the wayside, or even made fun of, by the major news outlets.
All within the span of less than 200 pages, Kilkenny and Kilstein do a fantastic job of summing up exactly what the issues are while pointing out where reporting has gone wrong. Their casual and witty style makes this book approachable for the newbies who wouldn't appreciate being condescended to when just starting out. It reads like a conversation between friends who are dedicated to helping educate others. They even make sure to cite their sources, just as good journalists should do.
While I probably knew too much for who the authors were trying to reach, I can definitely see this as a worthwhile tool for people like myself to give to friends who are just starting to question everything. Furthermore, I think Kilkenny and Kilstein have just made a new subscriber to their podcast.
And that's totally fine! While reading #newsfail, I quickly picked up on treating this book like a primer for those who are just getting their feet wet in independent media and questioning what's fed to them from the 24-hour news cycle. This is a great introduction to important issues -- reproductive rights, gun control, drug legislation, racism, etc. -- that often get cast to the wayside, or even made fun of, by the major news outlets.
All within the span of less than 200 pages, Kilkenny and Kilstein do a fantastic job of summing up exactly what the issues are while pointing out where reporting has gone wrong. Their casual and witty style makes this book approachable for the newbies who wouldn't appreciate being condescended to when just starting out. It reads like a conversation between friends who are dedicated to helping educate others. They even make sure to cite their sources, just as good journalists should do.
While I probably knew too much for who the authors were trying to reach, I can definitely see this as a worthwhile tool for people like myself to give to friends who are just starting to question everything. Furthermore, I think Kilkenny and Kilstein have just made a new subscriber to their podcast.