39 pages • 1 hour read
Brooke Gladstone, Josh NeufeldThe Influencing Machine: Brooke Gladstone on the Media
Nonfiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Adult | Published in 2011A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Influencing Machine by Brooke Gladstone and Josh Neufeld is a nonfiction graphic novel that challenges the notion of media manipulation by presenting the media as a funhouse mirror reflecting societal biases. Through historical analysis and examining modern media's evolution, it underscores consumers' role in shaping media narratives. The book highlights the complexities of war reporting, media objectivity's fluctuations, and how technology has impacted cognitive processes, advocating for ethical media consumption.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Influencing Machine by Brooke Gladstone and Josh Neufeld receives acclaim for its insightful, engaging examination of media influence, using a graphic novel format that simplifies complex ideas. Critics praise its accessibility and relevance. However, some note a lack of depth in certain areas, wishing for more comprehensive coverage on nuanced subjects.
Who Should Read The Influencing Machine?
Readers enthusiastic about media analysis, graphic nonfiction, and cultural critique will relish The Influencing Machine by Brooke Gladstone and Josh Neufeld. Fans of Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics and Neil Gaiman's The Sandman who enjoy immersive, illustrative storytelling paired with insightful commentary will be captivated.