I picked up this book years ago based off liking the cover. It was a fanastic read and a great social commentary on consumerism and marketing. ( )

I picked up this book years ago based off liking the cover. It was a fanastic read and a great social commentary on consumerism and marketing. ( )

I picked up this book years ago based off liking the cover. It was a fanastic read and a great social commentary on consumerism and marketing. ( )

"In the Soviet Union advertising was every bit as prevalent as it was in America. The only difference was that the Soviets' advertising campaigns were run by the government and were called propaganda, whereas ours were called marketing and were run by private business. The purpose of propaganda was to manipulate people into believing that all was as it should be; that the citizens had everything they could want; that they lived in a great country founded upon a great ideal; that their work was important; that their lives were meaningful. In short, propaganda strove to create contentment. The purpose of American-style marketing, in contrast, was precisely the opposite. It existed to create discontent, to ensure that citizens were never happy with their lot, inciting them to crave more money, more property, newer cars, better clothing, better bodies, younger and more beautiful spouses. Thanks to marketing, American citizens were perpetually unsatisfied, goaded ever onward, ever forward, generating the American advantage, the drive that ensured progress, technological innovation, and a fully stimulated economy."

In a future reality (decades... maybe just years ahead), the perfect generation of consumers is being molded: schizophrenics. So many identities to maintain! Each with their separate wardrobe. Must sacrifice the children to the ultimate god of consumerism. Sweet, terrifying, realistic idea - execution was a bit lacking.

"What happens to her now?"
"If she's on drugs, they'll get her off. If she's not on drugs, they'll put her on." ( )

This book looked so promising! I was bored to tears by it, I laboured through several chapters before finally giving up. ( )