Adam Klein

Advantages: an enjoyable read
Disadvantages: took a little time to get into

.... At the event Alex finds himself sitting next to Joseph Klein a small timid boy whose passion in life is to collect autographs. Throughout this early passage the focus of attention switches between Alex and his father Li Jin and when focusing on the father the reader becomes aware that Tandem senior is a troubled man hiding some illness from his family and as\ the fight draws to an end and all the young boys rush to try and get Bid Daddy’s autograph that tragedy strikes and Li Jin collapses. Jump forward 15 years and Alex Li Tandem is just coming down from a three-day ecstasy and acid fuelled trip. The grown up Alex has become a fully-fledged Autograph collector and seller. His still has the same set of friends although Rubenfine is now a rabbi, while Joseph has opted for a safe job in insurance while Adam runs his own business and spends much... Read review

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Advantages: Eye Opening, informative, unforgettable
Disadvantages: information overload at times - short chapters help!

...We all know that we live live in an era where brand-name culture is King, but this book stunningly outlines just how bad it is. Naomi Klein's tour de force is wonderfuly written, exhaustingly detailed and thought provoking. Klein's book, published in 2000 is described as the 'bible for the 'anti corporate militancy'. So basically if you are beginning, or all ready do hate the control that massive corporations seem to have over our lives, the influence that the big brand names have over our culture then this is the book for you. Even if you are not interested in reading about corporate business, please give this book a try as it is awe inspiring and eye opening. The book is organised into 21 short chapters (avg of 20 pages long). Klein demonstrates, step by step, how brands have become ubiquitous, not just in media... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: an enjoyable read
Disadvantages: took a little time to get into

.... At the event Alex finds himself sitting next to Joseph Klein a small timid boy whose passion in life is to collect autographs. Throughout this early passage the focus of attention switches between Alex and his father Li Jin and when focusing on the father the reader becomes aware that Tandem senior is a troubled man hiding some illness from his family and as\ the fight draws to an end and all the young boys rush to try and get Bid Daddy’s autograph that tragedy strikes and Li Jin collapses. Jump forward 15 years and Alex Li Tandem is just coming down from a three-day ecstasy and acid fuelled trip. The grown up Alex has become a fully-fledged Autograph collector and seller. His still has the same set of friends although Rubenfine is now a rabbi, while Joseph has opted for a safe job in insurance while Adam runs his own business and spends much... Read review

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Advantages: clear and elegant argument
Disadvantages: none really

...Naomi Klein's main purpose in this book is to illustrate a fundamental change in the outlook of major global corporations away from the production of goods towards the branding of commodities which are made elsewhere. This process was aided by the liberal competition policies of Thatcher and Reagan and has resulted in a world that is increasingly 'branded'. The actual product produced becomes subserviant to the brand the label or the logo. The author devastatingly deconstructs the reality that lies behind the glossy facades of major corporations such as McDonalds and Nike. Some of the issues tackled are sweatshop labour, low wages, the destruction of traditional businesses by large chain stores and the incroachment of private companies into previously public spaces (through the sponsorship of public buildings etc.). Most worryingly... Read review

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