6+ Favorite Books on Media and Communication (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on media and communication (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Future Crimes by Marc Goodman
$15.80

In Future Crimes, Marc Goodman shines a light on the risky side of our tech-driven lives, revealing the unexpected consequences of our highly connected world. He breaks the book into three parts, discussing major online hacks, future security challenges, and steps we can take to enhance our online safety. I appreciated Goodman’s clear explanations and his point that digital crimes have no physical limits, which makes them increasingly bizarre and complex. However, I was a bit let down that the book doesn’t offer a straightforward list of security actions, emphasizing instead the need for an ongoing, adaptable mindset.
Pros:
The author provides a clear explanation of the current digital landscape.
The book offers a thought-provoking perspective on the limitless nature of digital crimes.
It emphasizes the importance of education regarding online threats and security.
Cons:
The book does not provide a specific list of actionable steps for security.
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03/20/2026 04:04 pm GMT
Say Everything by Scott Rosenberg
$25.58

In Say Everything, Scott Rosenberg explores the fascinating journey of blogging, detailing how it unexpectedly grew into a significant force in politics, business, and our daily lives. I found the book engaging and packed with insights, especially with its insider anecdotes and reflections from blogging pioneers. It’s a nostalgic trip for those who experienced the early web days, highlighting how the discussions around relevance and expertise in blogging remain surprisingly consistent over time. I absolutely loved this read, as it captures a Golden Age of the internet while acknowledging the challenges that came with it.
Pros:
Comprehensive history of blogging
Insider's view of the blogging community
Conversational and compelling writing style
Includes insights from pioneers
Relevant takeaways for online publishers
Cons:
Nothing - great read.
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03/20/2026 04:06 pm GMT
True Enough: Living In a Post-Fact Society by Farhad Manjoo
$16.14

In True Enough: Living In a Post-Fact Society, Farhad Manjoo tackles how Americans have formed echo chambers that clash with mainstream facts. He dives into how our biases shape our reality and how media manipulates our perceptions, highlighting the influence of PR firms and conspiracy theorists. The book covers hot-button issues across politics, science, and more, urging readers to question everything and seek diverse viewpoints. I found it incredibly insightful, especially reflecting on how relevant it still is after all these years. Honestly, I can't find anything to criticize—it's a brilliant read worth picking up!
Pros:
Explores the concept of echo chambers in society
Highlights media manipulation and consumer biases
Offers useful takeaways on seeking diverse perspectives
Cons:
Nothing - brilliant book.
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03/20/2026 07:04 pm GMT
In The Plex by Steven Levy
$20.44

In In The Plex, Steven Levy takes us behind the scenes at Google, giving us a close look at its history, founders, and the unique culture that has propelled it to success. I found the book engaging and well-written, highlighting Google's innovative spirit and its impact on the world. Levy does a great job covering everything from the early days to the company’s expansion. However, I wished he had taken a more critical stance on Google, especially considering its current controversies. Overall, it’s a fascinating read for anyone interested in tech and business.
Pros:
Well-written corporate biography
Fascinating insight into a world-changing company
Comprehensive account of Google's history and culture
Cons:
The book could have been more critical of Google.
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03/20/2026 02:01 am GMT
Writing on the Wall by Tom Standage
$22.96

In Writing on the Wall, Tom Standage explores the history of social media, arguing that it’s not a modern invention but rather a continuation of human communication that dates back to the Romans. I found his take refreshing and engaging, filled with interesting anecdotes that make history feel relevant today. While the book does have some slow patches and could benefit from a deeper comparison with broadcast media, it ultimately highlights how social media has always been a vital part of human interaction. Overall, it’s a fascinating read that reshapes how I think about my daily online interactions.
Pros:
Fascinating non-fiction narrative that is engaging and readable.
Lots of cool anecdotes and interesting historical factoids.
Applicable and relevant to everyday life, especially for social media users.
Cons:
Extended boring sections that may cause skimming or skipping.
Lack of more context and contrast with broadcast media.
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03/20/2026 03:04 am GMT
Tubes: A Journey to the Center of the Internet with a New Introduction by the Author
$14.39

In Tubes, Andrew Blum breaks down the often-overlooked infrastructure of the Internet, starting from the simple cable that connects his home to the vast web beyond. Before reading, I had only a vague understanding of how data travels, but Blum's exploration reveals just how unassuming and yet crucial these connections are. He highlights the surprising resilience of the Internet and how its physical components—like garden hose-sized cables—are both mundane and essential. While the narrative can feel a bit repetitive at times, the overall story is engaging and enlightening, making it a worthwhile read for anyone curious about the Internet’s inner workings.
Pros:
The book explains the Internet infrastructure clearly.
It offers surprising insights into the physical aspects of the Internet.
The storytelling is engaging and well-researched.
Cons:
The author gets a bit rambling and repetitive in parts.
The book has a lengthy windup.
There are no significant cons.
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03/20/2026 09:04 am GMT
Antimemetics: Why Some Ideas Resist Spreading
$9.99

Antimemetics by Nadia Asparouhova asks a question worth sitting with: why do some high-impact ideas simply refuse to spread? Using a four-quadrant framework, Asparouhova maps the idea landscape and zeroes in on antimemes — ideas that affect your life as much as major world events but never surface in public discourse. It's a short, dense read that reframes how you think about attention, information, and what you're probably missing.
Pros:
The four-quadrant framework is immediately useful and genuinely original
The "whisper network" insight — that antimemes do spread, just quietly — is one of those ideas you can't unsee
Short enough to finish in a sitting, substantive enough to stick around much longer
Cons:
Gets dense in the second half; rewards patience over speed
Some concepts need more room to land than the book gives them
Niche enough that readers without an existing interest in information theory may bounce early
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03/20/2026 03:04 am GMT