Welcome to Litsy!

I enjoyed this book, but the author definitely had some biases that came out strong.
This book covers the history of propaganda and lols at how and why Americans in particular are more susceptible to propaganda. I do appreciate that the author ends books on the positive note about libraries and their possible role in giving people the space they need to escape propaganda.
3/5 read but remember to check the sources yourself

⭐️⭐️⭐️ The role of stories in everyday life and how they can negatively affects us. Psychological warfare, propaganda, misinformation. We tend to treat fiction as politics. So many slippery slopes. Nothing much positive here, but a quick, interesting read.

“In the United States, we treat fiction as politics—and vice versa.“

A fascinating short history of psychological warfare, which is intensely relevant today. The Native American histories of being disappeared, sometimes over and over, was particularly interesting.

I was disappointed in the final chapter though, which offered several idealistic solutions with no ideas on how to implement them.

Absolutely beautiful walk with my boy this morning! ☀️🍃

#audiowalk #dogsoflitsy

#NationalBookFestival

A heavy read with a lot to unpack. We are so incredibly steeped in propaganda that reality can genuinely feel questionable, it's no wonder we are witnessing an ever increasing surge in conspiracy theories. Newitz research is always impressive and the work here is deeply important but proceed with caution if you are prone to existential dread - it can all feel so overwhelming.

I don't know what I expected of this book but wow, what a wild ride through history, science fiction, psychological warfare and even alternative libraries. Fascinating, thorough, and one of Newitz's more compelling nonfiction adventures. Recommended for anyone who's lived through recent events and wondered whether they or the world had gone mad.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In this hefty tome, 21 respected historians provide heavily-researched, evidence-based, fully-cited chapters debunking commonly-held misconceptions about the United States. One must wonder how much it matters. The people who need to read this book will not read it, and even if they did they would ignore the historical record and choose to believe the narrative that makes them feel comforted and victimized and justifies their continual rancor.