For those who are unaware, The Gruen Transfer is an Australian TV show about advertising – particularly ironic, as it’s shown on a non-commercial station. The show tells us about all the tips and tricks advertisers use to get the unsuspecting public to buy things they don’t really need. It also consists of trying to advertise difficult things (eg. Australian invasion of New Zealand) and weird ads from around the world.

As my family enjoyed the TV show, I bought this book for my dad for Christmas. When he still hadn’t read it halfway through 2011, I decided to borrow it. (He would like it if he opened it. He’s more likely to use this book as something to lean on at present). This book is just as interesting as the TV show – although I think they may overlap on ideas in some places, I think I recall some discussion on some topics. Set in the course of a normal working day, this book takes the reader through the types of advertising you’re likely to see when getting up, eating, working and relaxing. The average person will see thousands of brand names in any given day. (Look around you now if you don’t believe me – look at your monitor’s brand, phone brand, tablet brand – and the list grows). The book explains how advertisers try to sell you things – from banks (yes, they know they’re a boring necessity) to food (glue is a common substitute for milk in cereal ads) to weight loss (the before and after pictures contain several extra differences). It also contains a section on anti-advertising as well as interviews with various ‘ad people’.

I found this book very interesting and I did try not to be sucked in by advertising, but I think it’s very, very difficult in this day and age. (Although, I will never be taken in by a delicious looking ice cream – it’s probably mashed potato). While I read this book cover to cover, it could also be read in any order as each time period of the day contains an unrelated topic. A good read for those interested in advertising and how it’s sold to the consumer. ( )