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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
A deep dive into reality tv and how we got to where we are today (for better or for worse). I loved the author's writing style and voice, which made it that more interesting to me. This was a topic I did not know I needed more on, but am so glad I read this. While I don't watch much reality television, I know many people who do so now I have fun facts to share with them when they mention shows. Nussbaum peeked into every corner and aspect of reality tv - down to the assistants and camera people.
Highly recommend to anyone who watches TV! I gained a new appreciation for those on and off camera.
Highly recommend to anyone who watches TV! I gained a new appreciation for those on and off camera.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
fast-paced
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
A sordid peak behind the scenes of reality TV.
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Absolutely loved this book. It was recommended to me by a friend who knows that reality TV and the economy behind it is one of my particular fascinations. And this tale of its history did not disappoint. I was totally enthralled learning about An American Family and The Real World. The book is incredibly well researched and well written. Nussbaum has interviewed not only the stars and creators, but the producers, editors, writers, camera operators, and more. At times hilarious and at others chilling, this story shows a nuanced view of the genre everyone thought would be a short lived fad. If you’ve ever watched a show like Survivor, The Bachelor, or anything else that’s gripped the modern American consciousness and wondered “How did we get here?”, this book is for you. Reality TV - love it or hate it, you won’t be able to look away, and you’ll certainly learn something new.
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Incredibly well-researched to say the least. It begins with hidden mic radio shows in the 1940s before moving onto An American Family, Real World, Survivor, and The Bachelor among many others. This book is a very thorough history of how reality tv became the genre it is today. While I thought it was very interesting (though pretty dense), it was more of a history book when I had expected it to be a commentary on reality tv as a cultural phenomenon. Still definitely worth the read but keep your expectations in perspective!
informative
medium-paced