pick⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.
pick“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.
pickA 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.
pickI 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.
Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind | 
