Brandwashed: Tricks Companies Use to Manipulate Our Minds and Persuade Us to Buy

Definitely buy the book. The author will even explain WHY you are reading through these recommendations right now and why it will make you more likely to buy his book. The author ignores the ancient plea to "PAY NO ATTENTION TO MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN." If you are craving to hear the details of genius-level strategies aimed at YOU....then here it is on a silver platter.

Although the author will literally spellbind you with 10 hours of addictive, yes addictive, facts about you and me as consumers...I believe you'll be surprised by your own reaction to this expose. I found myself feeling fascinated and delighted when the marketers got it right, even when I understood the invasive efforts they employed.

On accident, I believe this book behaves more as a journey to the center of the HUMAN PSYCHE. You ARE being studied. You will make trillions of decisions during your lifetime...only now, with the awesome powers of the 21st Century at hand, geniuses have planted a flag at each cross-road. To buy, or not to buy....THAT is truly the question.

To be honest, I found little in this book to be truly surprising. Nevertheless, the author clearly hs the expertise and background to share concrete examples of marketing tactics. I found myself especially in awe of tactics used by Whole Foods, and smiled when reading about how clothing manufacturers continue to "grow" sizes to match our countries growing wasteline (most people are more likely to buy Brand X jeans that "fit them" then acknowledge that they're actually 4" bigger around the waste than they were in college). My only real complaint about the book is that- until the final paragraphs of the last chapter- it completely ignores any of the advantages and positive effects of targeted marketing (ie. the fact that I may discover, purchase, and improve my life by using a product that I might never had know existed).

Great book that explores the various tools and tricks marketers use to sell to us. Some of them actually scared me - marketing to unborn children?... WOW.

This is a true tour-de-force written in a brilliant maner. Simple to understand and easy to follow, without boring you to tears. Full of real life examples of how we are bering brainwashed by brands...

Great reader - keeps you wanting to listen more.

This is an amazing read about the way consumer branding works. it's like a roller-coaster - I found it wonderful but also very frightening: any idea you might had about "big brother" is used, and more.
I recommend this book to everybody, certainly if you are a part of this industry but maybe mainly as a consumer - know how you are being brain washed, brandwashed...

I kept thinking to myself, when was the last time I bought something because of a commercial or ad? Not often. Maybe I'm not that easily persuaded, and so all the scary language in the book about being manipulated seemed over the top. Lots of interesting real life examples of ad campaigns and brain research though.

Brandwashed by Martin Lindstrom is a delightful, though disturbing, read. In this volume Lindstrom follows up on his Buyology to reveal how marketers are targeting US! (Surprise, surprise.) Apparently, Lindstrom leaves no stone unturned and there are surprises on every page. For example, what are the tricks that Whole Foods uses to make customers think items are fresh or organic. (Hint, apples over 12 months old may be sprayed with water.) Data mining allows retailers to alter music playing to agree with customer profiles in the store. Lindstrom supports his statements with fMRI evidence and other research that will enlighten. The most interesting chapters to me involved the use of data mining … there is a no place to run and no place to hide. Brandwashed is an intelligent, entertaining, informative read. The reading of Dan Woren is a plus.

Choice of narrator was excellent for this type of book. "Classical" High energy, marketing talk type, fits perfectly. The only better choice would be a celebrity reader, which would have fit very well with this book, but I doubt many A list celebrities would have agreed to...

I learned quite a bit of detailed information listening to this book, even some additional information on the parts I thought I knew about. The author really sounds like a marketing industry veteran in his field which helps give credibility to his book, along with references on how and where his information comes from. The information presented here also ties in well very to general Social Psychology.

This should be taught to children to help prepare them for the onslaught of aggressive marketing they will be subject to as they are growing up, and help them make more informed choices.

I highly recommend listening to this book.

( Guess the author's marketing worked on me! And for once I'm glad it did. )

This book helps a person to understand what parts of the brain and psyche are being influenced in particular marketing and sales situations and why. It also helps a person to understand that some natural brain processes are vulnerable to manipulation at times, and large marketing firms and corporate marketing departments have put a lot of time into learning and understanding how to best utilize this for the benefit of growing sales for the corporation.
As well, it can also help a person to become better at presenting and communicating their ideas to other individuals based upon some of the principles covered in the book.

If you walk into a book store, you will probably find this book in the "Business" Section. The title of the book somehow also appeals to people looking for a 'Business-Type' Book - both actually being a shame, because Brandwashed should be mandatory reading/listening for any modern consumer.

Matrin Lindstrom takes you through an almost endless number of scenarios, all written with authority and a good sence of humour, where you as consumer (or your spouce or children) is left to the mercy of modern marketing.

It is also very facinating to learn about the huge efforts Brands and marketers takes, to get you "hooked" on their brand.

The only Topic I can come up with, that Martin Lindstrom leaves unmentioned is Religion - but that might also be a bit too controversial for the US Market.

If nothing else, Martin demonstrates exactly why he is in the Champions League among marketers - Well Done!

After reading or listening to this book, shopping will never be the same again (at least as long as you can remember the 1000+ subtle ways you are manipulated every minute you are in the world of consumation).