3.5
Survivor and the Endless Gaze
By Sallie TisdalePublisher Description
The author of the acclaimed Advice for Future Corpses (and Those Who Love Them) brings “her singular sensibility, her genius for language, her love of our deeply imperfect world” (Karen Karbo, author of In Praise of Difficult Women) to this insightful exploration of reality TV and the shifting definitions of truth in America.
What is the truth?
In a world of fake news and rampant conspiracy theories, the nature of truth has increasingly blurry borders. In this clever and timely cultural commentary, award-winning author Sallie Tisdale tackles this issue by framing it in a familiar way—reality TV, particularly the long-running CBS show Survivor.
With humor and in-depth superfan analysis, Tisdale explores the distinction between suspended disbelief and true authenticity both in how we watch shows like Survivor, and in how we perceive the world around us. With her “bold and wise, galvanizing and grounding” (Chloe Caldwell, author of I’ll Tell You in Person) writing, Tisdale has created an unputdownable, thoroughly entertaining, and groundbreaking book that we will be talking about for years to come.
What is the truth?
In a world of fake news and rampant conspiracy theories, the nature of truth has increasingly blurry borders. In this clever and timely cultural commentary, award-winning author Sallie Tisdale tackles this issue by framing it in a familiar way—reality TV, particularly the long-running CBS show Survivor.
With humor and in-depth superfan analysis, Tisdale explores the distinction between suspended disbelief and true authenticity both in how we watch shows like Survivor, and in how we perceive the world around us. With her “bold and wise, galvanizing and grounding” (Chloe Caldwell, author of I’ll Tell You in Person) writing, Tisdale has created an unputdownable, thoroughly entertaining, and groundbreaking book that we will be talking about for years to come.
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communities8 Reviews
3.5
Laura
Created about 1 year agoShare
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KCWLSW
Created over 1 year agoShare
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“"The Lie About the Truck: Survivor, Reality TV, and the Endless Gaze" by Sallie Tisdale is an exhilarating and thought-provoking exploration of the captivating realm of reality television. With a keen eye for detail and a sense of adventure, Tisdale takes readers on an unforgettable journey behind the scenes of one of the most iconic reality shows of all time: Survivor.
From the very first page, Tisdale immerses readers in the fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled world of reality TV production. With insider knowledge and a razor-sharp wit, she uncovers the hidden truths and exposes the carefully constructed illusions that shape the narratives we see on our screens. The author's ability to peel back the layers and reveal the intricacies of this complex industry is both captivating and eye-opening.
Tisdale's prose crackles with energy as she delves into the behind-the-scenes drama and machinations of Survivor. From the auditions to the challenges, from the emotional manipulation to the relentless pursuit of ratings, every aspect of the reality TV phenomenon is dissected with meticulous detail. The author's knack for storytelling and her unflinching honesty make for a thrilling and immersive reading experience.
What sets this book apart is Tisdale's ability to go beyond the surface spectacle and delve into the broader cultural and societal implications of reality television. She raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of voyeurism, the impact of media on our perception of reality, and the ethical dilemmas faced by both the participants and the creators of these shows. Her insightful observations shed light on the darker aspects of this phenomenon, challenging readers to examine their own complicity in the voyeuristic culture that surrounds us.
"The Lie About the Truck" is not just a thrilling exposé; it is also a deeply personal journey for Tisdale herself. As she grapples with her own experiences as a Survivor contestant, she delves into the psychological toll that reality TV can take on those involved. Her introspection and self-reflection add a layer of vulnerability to the narrative, making it even more compelling and relatable.
While the book provides an engrossing exploration of reality TV, there are moments when the pacing feels slightly uneven, with some sections delving into tangential topics. However, Tisdale's sharp insights and engaging storytelling make up for these occasional lulls, ensuring that readers remain captivated by the overall narrative.”
Amy Maddess
Created about 2 years agoShare
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hotdog
Created about 2 years agoShare
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“fun analysis of survivor (this review brought to you by someone who has seen less than three seasons of survivor)”
Monica Terreros
Created over 2 years agoShare
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“Pretty fun read ONLY if you're a fan of Survivor. This is 95% about Survivor.”
About Sallie Tisdale
Sallie Tisdale is the author of several books, including Advice for Future Corpses (and Those Who Love them), Violation, Talk Dirty to Me, Stepping Westward, and Women of the Way. She has received a Pushcart Prize, an NEA Fellowship, the James D. Phelan Literary Award, and was selected for the Shoenfeldt Distinguished Visiting Writer Series. Her work has appeared in Harper’s, The New Yorker, The Threepenny Review, The Antioch Review, Conjunctions, and Tricycle. In addition to her award-winning writing career, Tisdale has been a nurse for many years, including a decade in palliative care. She lives in Portland, Oregon. Visit her online at SallieTisdale.com.
Other books by Sallie Tisdale
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