My only surprise: since I live in NE Florida, I know many MAGA folk, many retired, as I am. I have been in their houses, over the years. I have never seen a book in most of these homes. It is remarkable the first time you notice it. I mean, how do you not have books?
Years ago my wife and I were talking to another couple. He had expressed admiration for the movie Unbroken. I mentioned we had the book which was much better than the movie, if he wanted to borrow it. His wife said, a bit proudly, that this 70 year-old retired bank executive had not read a book since high school.
What do they do with all these bulk purchases? Build seawalls against the rising water they refuse to address?
I have bought a copy of your book but will buy two more to send to a couple of friends who read.
While I am totally sympathetic to the importance of your need to “play the game” as it currently exists, I am appalled that the New York Times - and other best seller lists - do not disclose the fact and impact of these bulk sales on the rankings. The industry must be able to identify bulk sales. Why can’t that be publicized too?
I have already ordered a book and it wasn’t the promise of a signed copy that lured me. I did know a little bit about the importance of preorders but the real reason is both my husband and I read “Yes We (Still) Can” and “Un-Trumping America” loved them. I can’t wait for the new book!”
So much of this just comes down to money. The Republican machine is well-funded because many rich people want to keep what they have, and Republican leaders are happy to oblige. Honesty and integrity don't seem to matter anymore.
It would be interesting, if such metrics existed, to know how many terminal sales are to individuals, how many of those actually get read, how many of those were purchased from a bookseller and how many from political fundraising appeals, how effective the books (or even just the title) are in motivating MAGA voters, and where the money goes - the pockets of the authors/publisher? campaign chests? the pockets of political advisors and intermediaries?
With the Republicans, there's always the likelihood that the co-equal, if not priority, objectives are grifting off the base and self-dealing.
I read your posts regularly and have purchased your book, knowing that it will be a somewhat excruciating process reading it - because these truths are discouraging and frightening. I agree with you that the so-called best seller list is becoming disreputable, but another reason these books become popular is they act as a form of “soma” - reinforcing the lies that give the far-right its purpose and unfortunately, its power.
Isn't there another source of right-wing propaganda, namely books & articles from the religious right, especially evangelicals who conflate religion with their politics?
Another thought: the younger voters who communicate on social media may not be reached through books as much as through other means.
My only surprise: since I live in NE Florida, I know many MAGA folk, many retired, as I am. I have been in their houses, over the years. I have never seen a book in most of these homes. It is remarkable the first time you notice it. I mean, how do you not have books?
Years ago my wife and I were talking to another couple. He had expressed admiration for the movie Unbroken. I mentioned we had the book which was much better than the movie, if he wanted to borrow it. His wife said, a bit proudly, that this 70 year-old retired bank executive had not read a book since high school.
What do they do with all these bulk purchases? Build seawalls against the rising water they refuse to address?
I have bought a copy of your book but will buy two more to send to a couple of friends who read.
While I am totally sympathetic to the importance of your need to “play the game” as it currently exists, I am appalled that the New York Times - and other best seller lists - do not disclose the fact and impact of these bulk sales on the rankings. The industry must be able to identify bulk sales. Why can’t that be publicized too?
I have already ordered a book and it wasn’t the promise of a signed copy that lured me. I did know a little bit about the importance of preorders but the real reason is both my husband and I read “Yes We (Still) Can” and “Un-Trumping America” loved them. I can’t wait for the new book!”
Just ordered my second book today, Dan. Thanks for all you do.
Maybe progressive nonprofits could offer your book as a premium during fundraising drives (instead of a tote bag).
Looking forward to my pre-ordered copy.
So, Ted Cruz is a literary wanker as well. Not surprised.
So much of this just comes down to money. The Republican machine is well-funded because many rich people want to keep what they have, and Republican leaders are happy to oblige. Honesty and integrity don't seem to matter anymore.
It would be interesting, if such metrics existed, to know how many terminal sales are to individuals, how many of those actually get read, how many of those were purchased from a bookseller and how many from political fundraising appeals, how effective the books (or even just the title) are in motivating MAGA voters, and where the money goes - the pockets of the authors/publisher? campaign chests? the pockets of political advisors and intermediaries?
With the Republicans, there's always the likelihood that the co-equal, if not priority, objectives are grifting off the base and self-dealing.
I read your posts regularly and have purchased your book, knowing that it will be a somewhat excruciating process reading it - because these truths are discouraging and frightening. I agree with you that the so-called best seller list is becoming disreputable, but another reason these books become popular is they act as a form of “soma” - reinforcing the lies that give the far-right its purpose and unfortunately, its power.
Isn't there another source of right-wing propaganda, namely books & articles from the religious right, especially evangelicals who conflate religion with their politics?
Another thought: the younger voters who communicate on social media may not be reached through books as much as through other means.