Customer Reviews

Spin This! All the Ways We Don't Tell the Truth

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This book is not worth reading if you're looking for a sophisticated political discussion. Press applies this broad notion of "spin" to a wide range of topics, including advertising, dating, sex, as well as politics. Although his description of spin in nonpolitical contexts is interesting, it is not novel and I would have preferred it if he'd stuck to politics.

I'll give Press some credit for generally writing from a nonpartisan perspective. Although he's a liberal, Press describes the spin of both Republicans and Democrats. Often, however, the discussion is more humorous than intellectually stimulating...

OK, so Bill Press lost his dayjob, as co-host of CNN's Crossfire (he is now a "contributor"). But not only will we likely still see him on the tube...but he has a great back-up day-job: as an author.

Spin This! has to be one of the funniest, yet most painstakingly researched, books I have ever read. From "spins" dating back to Bibical times, to politics, to show biz, to male-female relationships, SPIN THIS laughingly explores (and exposes) it ALL. Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, Liberal, Conservative...or WHATEVER...you're going to find stuff that you'll LOVE in this book. Even if you don't know anything about politics it is not ALL about political spin.

And there's this bonus: Bill Press is actually a screamingly funny and highly talented writer. And that ain't spin.

If you think you're going to get a diatribe from him, think again. You really don't. And if you love Bill Press' views and expect him to let Democrats or liberals off the hook, think again, too. In reality, he sits back and explores SPECIFIC "spins" in all walks of life -- and comments on them with laugh-out-loud wisecracks.

Still not convinced that this one-of-a-kind book (it is funny but it also can serve as a GREAT reference book due to the truly solid research reflected on each page)can appeal to EVERYONE?

Then consider his Spin Hall of Fame where he lets famous commentators of all persuasions profile THEIR idea of the most outrageous spins. To name a few: Robert Novak (on Al Gore), Kate O'Beirne (Hillary Clinton), Cal Thomas (Satan), Al Franken (Karl Rove), and one of his CNN replacements, Paul Begala on GWB. Clearly his colleagues on the right and left had a lot of fun with this project, too. Painstakingly researched -- and painstakingly hilarious. Gift it to those who agree and disagree with you!

I've been following Mr. Press work ever since he joined Crossfire and I think he's one of the most poised, erudite and objective journalists on the left (with the exception of Christopher Hitchens). Moreover he is extremely funny. So when I saw that he wrote a book about spin I immediatly ordered it. Spin isn't a big thing (yet) in Europe, at least not on the continent, and since I work in politics I hoped to pick up one or two usefull suggestions on the subject. Alas that was not the case. Although undoubtedly funny and occasionally insightful this book was written mostly to amuse (and it did). Only I expected something else.

I found the book fun to read and its breezy and short style made for a quick, but informative read as well. It's witty and a great book. Bill Press has a liberal slant, but as he points out, that view is becoming rarer. His views don't mean he's not going to point out liberal foibles either. All in all, an entertaining book on politics and life. You'll never watch a political show without wincing again!

Bill Press's latest spin on spin will not only open your eyes but give you a good idea about the nature of politics, as well as other fields such as media, law, and advertising. Press calls it something between the truth and a lie. It all depends on when and how you use it. Press is slightly left of center but gives a fairly even handed jab to all sides. Giving Clinton his due as the master of spin, followed closely by Bush (in politics).
A quote from the book about what makes news;

"In his masterful biography of Hearst, David Nasaw explains the famous publisher's guiding principal: "News is not a phenomenon that exists in the real world, waiting to be discovered...An event becomes news only when journalists and the editors decide to record it. More often than not, what determines whether an occurrence is noteworthy or not is the ease with which it can be plotted and narrated so that readers will want to read about it." Thus spin feeds the beast of corporate-driven journalists."

I'll leave you with one example of spin from the book:

Spin: "I'm just an average American who found herself in a situation not of her own making."
--Linda Tripp

Translation: I'm going to get a book deal and I'll rat on my friend to do it.

Recommended

A delicious romp through the world of spin!!!As Bill Press's self-appointed "#1 Fan", I awaited release of this book with great anticipation; and, characteristic of his television personna, the book is intelligent, enlightening, and entertaining throughout. His sense of humor enables him to write without offending, even as one recognizes one's self in certain of his examples of spin.I hastily read the book as soon as I received it and enjoyed every page; however, just as one gobbles down a favorite food of which one has long been deprived, without really adequately tasting it, a subsequent reading, savoring every delicious morsel, provides even greater delight.Press's ability to totally enjoy himself, while providing truths, gift-wrapped in his wonderful sense of humor, provides the reader a delicious romp through the world of spin.

I love watching Bill Press fight the right on Crossfire every night and his book gave more of his sharp sense of humor and brought back of some of what I loved about The Spin Room. This fast read would make a great Christmas gift for anyone who loves politics and is looking for a pro to cut through the spin for you.

Reading Spin This is like having a conversation with Bill Press. His humor flows page after page. I found myself laughing out loud while reading Spin This. This book is just a lot of fun.

'Spin' is the deliberate manipulation of the truth across society, and can mean anything from accenting the pros and cons in a situation to disregarding the facts entirely. Examples from recent history and social events probe politics and social issues as journalism and advertising effect their own special 'spin' on reporting.

Bill Press has written a funny, insightful definition of 'spin.' When you read this, you will have an instant glimpse into the world of written and oral communications, along with what they really mean. For anyone who is tired of the media trying to interpret our thoughts, it's a real weapon.