chrys_marin's review against another edition

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3.0

I thought it was an interesting theory of media and society, very informative, and also fun to read.

evasurlafalaise's review against another edition

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informative

3.5

cnidariar3x's review against another edition

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informative reflective fast-paced

4.5

coleycole's review against another edition

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4.0

This was great! The media-manifesto/history in comic form really works well. If you ever listen to "On the Media" on NPR, you will definitely be able to hear Brooke Gladstone's voice talking to you as you read.

chloekg's review against another edition

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3.0

Good overview of media and media history, it's fun to hear Brooke Gladstone narrating in your head as the playful comics provide insight and comedy. It is very much a conversational read. That said, I'm displeased with a few chapters given more detailed background knowledge.

ellytheskelly's review against another edition

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informative slow-paced

4.0

i really loved the first half, but the second half felt like it started dragging

zappa1776's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this graphic novel and recommend it. It would be an incredibly useful resource for teachers trying to introduce the role of the media in contemporary politics and history and the necessity of critical thinking skills.

balletbookworm's review against another edition

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5.0

Very readable and clear history of journalism and how we as readers/"the public" interact with media. Excellent section on bias and objectivity.

And, yes, it's a work of graphic non-fiction. But a picture tells a thousand words.

(In the acknowledgements she gave a shout-out to Scott McCloud's [b:Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art|102920|Understanding Comics The Invisible Art|Scott McCloud|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328408101s/102920.jpg|2415847] and I could really see how it was a good influence)

tjr_ohio's review against another edition

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4.0

An impressive and dense condensation of a lot of ideas. I'm a huge On The Media fan, so I was predisposed to like this and to recall many of the ideas raised. I think the book is fascinating to contemplate but sacrifices the time or depth needed to be convincing. Each idea comes and goes very quickly.

My favorite portions were the explorations into the long history of media.

I think this would be a stellar book for a college or high school discussion course: a companion (replacement?) to Postman.

nssutton's review against another edition

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3.0

I've developed a really bad habit, now that I work in the main branch of a library. I finish a book and say, well, let's go downstairs and get another. Or sometimes I just go downstairs to get another, even if I have a pile or two at home to read. Great for my calfs, bad for my queue.

I liked this well enough. I mistook it for being a quicker read than it was, for a graphic novel and all. Much of the information was reiteration to this old J-School alum, but I couldn't help wishing I worked in a high school library to foist this upon teenagers. My boyfriend said the corresponding graphics were a Persepolis knock-off, but I rather liked them. They had a Chris Ware vibe to them.