Empire of Illusion

Overall a really concise breakdown of the issues surrounding the modern, corporatized America. Despite being released almost 12 years ago, everything in this book is still so, so potent. I do wish Hedges would've deconstructed some things a little further for those who are not necessarily already questioning the foundation of America, but I understand that these people are not who the book is written for. Also, the ending surrounding the power of love feels a bit forced, but also it is also very much needed after trudging through some of the shittiest parts of corporatism, celebrity culture, pornography, imperialism, etc. While this ending does not provide some kind of solution to solve all of these problems discussed (which isn't something that should be expected from just one person anyways), it does provide a future outlook that, despite these deeply rooted issues, these elite will eventually fall, and I do find that is a fairly powerful way to leave off.

Overall, I really liked this book and would definitely recommend it.

You can always count on Chris Hedges for a sweeping, stinging jeremiad about America. I like his writing and I think he distills the essence of some pretty dark corners of American society. The basic thrust of this book is that Americans are increasingly unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy. He looks at professional wrestling, the adult film industry, higher education, positive psychology, and concludes with examining the hold of corporations on government. This book was written in 2010 and it doesn't take much to see how Hedges may have been onto something. I think the first chapters on professional wrestling and the adult film industry are especially pointed. I would rate the book higher but I thought the chapters were a bit uneven (especially the last one). Even if you disagree with all of Hedge's positions or dislike his tone, his trenchant critiques (combining in depth reporting with a deep, unflinching sense of morality) will challenge you and make you think (and perhaps worry) about the state of the nation.