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A review by transportedlfl
The Playbook: How to Deny Science, Sell Lies, and Make a Killing in the Corporate World by Jennifer Jacquet
5.0
Thank you to Pantheon for the finished copy and to PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.
This is satirical nonfiction at its best. Framed as a second person, how-to guide, it details all the steps necessary for corporations to create doubt in science and stop policies and regulations that might hurt their bottom line.
It is extremely well sourced with extensive notes. The book tells the history of industry manipulation. It made me consider some techniques that I had never heard of or noticed before, particularly around how to challenge policies when it's tough to challenge the science. The final chapter suggested some upcoming changes that might make these corporate tactics more difficult.
The case studies were clear and helped further the point that these tactics are regularly employed by a variety of industries. I only wished that they were a bit easier to read, as I didn't like the switch to white text on a black background.
I would recommend everyone read this and then take a really cynical look at their beliefs about policy regulations and where they come from. But I hope that people get that it's satire. Otherwise, it could too easily continue to be the playbook that industries use to promote ignorance.
4.5 stars rounded up
This is satirical nonfiction at its best. Framed as a second person, how-to guide, it details all the steps necessary for corporations to create doubt in science and stop policies and regulations that might hurt their bottom line.
It is extremely well sourced with extensive notes. The book tells the history of industry manipulation. It made me consider some techniques that I had never heard of or noticed before, particularly around how to challenge policies when it's tough to challenge the science. The final chapter suggested some upcoming changes that might make these corporate tactics more difficult.
The case studies were clear and helped further the point that these tactics are regularly employed by a variety of industries. I only wished that they were a bit easier to read, as I didn't like the switch to white text on a black background.
I would recommend everyone read this and then take a really cynical look at their beliefs about policy regulations and where they come from. But I hope that people get that it's satire. Otherwise, it could too easily continue to be the playbook that industries use to promote ignorance.
4.5 stars rounded up