The News

A User's Manual

De: Alain de Botton

Narrado por: Nicholas Bell

The news is everywhere. We can’t stop constantly checking it on our computer screens, but what is this doing to our minds? We are never really taught how to make sense of the torrent of news we face every day, writes Alain de Botton (author of the best-selling The Architecture of Happiness), but this has a huge impact on our sense of what matters and of how we should lead our lives. In his dazzling new book, de Botton takes 25 archetypal news stories - including an airplane crash, a murder, a celebrity interview and a political scandal - and submits them to unusually intense analysis with a view to helping us navigate our news-soaked age.

©2014 Alain de Botton (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Quit the news

This stoical view of the news is refreshing to be as I quit the news one year ago. The author gives a philosophical argument of why the news falls short whenever it could actually help us. He not only gives specifics as to each type of news' failings he also gives us what the news could be to answer our deep needs as a society and individuals.

Great Advice

Highly recommended for anyone who grapples with how to consume the news. Very relevant in today's political landscape.

An informative and contemplative journey

This book helps become aware of how we consume and produce information that reflects the world around us. The author’s unmistakable eloquence guides through contemplation and appreciation of how complex our perception is of the world.

The News and a Treatise on Life

What did you love best about The News?

De Botton presents truths and insights not only about the news which greatly affects our modern culture, but he examines aspects of society as a whole that I found enjoyable and thought-provoking.

What other book might you compare The News to and why?

I don't know that I've ever read a book quite like "The News", to be honest.

What about Nicholas Bell’s performance did you like?

He has a lovely English accent that is pleasant, but not distracting from the content. The attention is drawn to De Botton's words, not Bell's performance of them.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

At times it did make me laugh out loud, recognizing the amusing truth behind many of De Botton's thoughts. But more often than not, it had me pondering issues of life in ways I never have before. I found myself jotting down notes on numerous occasions.

Any additional comments?

This copy of "The News" was provided for review purposes only.

These were new and worthy ideas.

I enjoyed this book primarily because of the introduction of what I found to be new ideas. I also found Bell's narration soothing, mainly due I believe due to the fact that he has a steady meter in his reading and a calm tone to his voice. I will certainly be listening to this time and time again. I will also be purchasing more of De Bottoms audio books.

Very thought provoking

Classic de Botton, full of great advice and interesting references to art and literature. Could have enjoyed a few more chapters

Not newsworthy

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

There are some interesting concepts, but they are poorly integrated into the text. I was hoping for much more.

Would you ever listen to anything by Alain de Botton again?

No

Would you be willing to try another one of Nicholas Bell’s performances?

No

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The News?

The book isn't laid out in scenes.

Misleading title.

Mostly about how the author thinks news should be presented. Does not give any valuable insights for a reader and watcher of news.