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Excellent write-up as to how civilization has corrupted what it means for us to be truly human. The only thing I can knock is the lack of Ryan to construct any sort of solution apart from a very brief two to three pages at the end.

Definitely dated perspective of the entertainment landscape, but many tropes and themes that are still relevant today. I will admit, that sometimes Parenti comes off a little like old man yells at clouds (I didn't quite agree with him about Star Trek being a vehicle for American exceptionalism in space, even the original series, for all it's flaws, I feel is a bit more progressive than that). I do agree with most of the points that Parenti makes regarding the media's subtle, covert use of Western Imperialist themes in a seemingly apolitical way in entertainment (when it is anything but, of course).

Writing imagined as a puzzle to solve. I love the concept and largely agree with Turchi so far. I love that there are actual solvable puzzles interspersed throughout the entirety of the book.

Pratchett books have become my go-to comfort reads. This book feels incredibly timely for the current media epoch we're all living through. I look forward to Mr. Pratchett's keen satirical eye on this subject.

Due to my frustration with being forced to attend the AA program, and my annoyance at the lack of books examining alcohol/drug not solely about addiction, I've begun to seek out books about the cultural relevance and impact of intoxication. This book, above all the others I've found in my search, seems to be the closest to what I have been looking for. The preface is quite intriguing, positing the idea that what if intoxication was a foundational activity for human culture, rather than some version of aberrant behavior.

I'd heard good things about this book and have been meaning to read it for awhile. It gives a fairly good overview of Marxist views and history, but is fairly broad and lacks in-depth analysis. I did enjoy it, but I was expecting something a little more dense in it's information. I wouldn't dissuade anyone from reading it, it is an excellent overview. However, I was honestly expecting more after the acclaim I'd heard. With that said, I intend to read more from Perenti as I do enjoy his conversational tone and wit.