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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
This book is 17 years old or something now, but it stands up well. In fact, reading it through the lens of 2019, you almost feel like Ronson was predicting the future, if you actually believe in that sort of thing. Basically, the 'wacky' people he meets and investigates throughout this book are quite influential in American politics today. But of course, contrary to their beliefs that 'others' (usually Jewish people, as there is a shockingly large number of anti-Semitic figures in the book that pretend not to be anti-Semitic) are pulling the strings, it seems that the figures in this book are in fact more aligned with world leaders than any powerful, elite group in this era of populism. I listened to this as an audio book, and I think that contributed to the enjoyment, as I like Ronson's distinctive voice. If you like his voice, I recommend you do the same.
One of the striking things about this book is also how compassionate Ronson is. He really does give people the benefit of the doubt, and does not seek to demean or belittle them. He at times verges into dangerous territory, even self-consciously buying into the conspiracies himself; but he is honest about this. I realise many people wouldn't look favourably on this aspect, but I think you need to separate compelling journalism from robust research. Ronson's work is the former. He can spin a narrative, and he can do it with honesty. But he is not a researcher, and his narrative shifts from believer to sceptic -sometimes quickly. So long as you accept the book for what it is, I think it is well worth the read. Entertaining, compelling, and sometimes frightening. As a natural skeptic, this is the sort of book that got me interested in organised skepticism in the first place.
One of the striking things about this book is also how compassionate Ronson is. He really does give people the benefit of the doubt, and does not seek to demean or belittle them. He at times verges into dangerous territory, even self-consciously buying into the conspiracies himself; but he is honest about this. I realise many people wouldn't look favourably on this aspect, but I think you need to separate compelling journalism from robust research. Ronson's work is the former. He can spin a narrative, and he can do it with honesty. But he is not a researcher, and his narrative shifts from believer to sceptic -sometimes quickly. So long as you accept the book for what it is, I think it is well worth the read. Entertaining, compelling, and sometimes frightening. As a natural skeptic, this is the sort of book that got me interested in organised skepticism in the first place.
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
informative
slow-paced
funny
reflective
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
dark
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
A very interesting topic for a book. A look into those we consider on the fringe of normal society and reality.
Thoroughly entertaining.
Thoroughly entertaining.
lighthearted
medium-paced
A fun look at various extremists, as the author notes in the epilogue, it was written in a more innocent time, so they are mostly painted as humourously absurd, not sure they'd be reported that way now, but a good read.
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
And a lot of them have read David Icke and thought, ‘Hey! He’s on our side. I’m looking for answers and he seems to have them.’ And we’ve made them feel stupid, like they’ve done something bad by getting sucked in.” Ali paused. “And now they’re saying to us, ‘Don’t tell me I’m stupid!’ What we should have said to them was, ‘You’re not stupid. We understand why you thought he was OK.’ But we didn’t. And now they think we think they’re stupid.”