The Simpsons and Society: An Analysis of Our Favorite Family and Its Influence in Contemporary Society

Rating:
Summary: VERY NICE BOOK - FOR SIMPSONS FANS
Review: A funny book with a serious tone. I read about this Simpsons book in a local paper, and had to give it a shot. (Glad that I read the paper everyday!) (smiling)
If you're a Simpsons fan, acquaint yourself with this book and "The Simpsons and Philosophy". Both are very interesting reads: The philosophy book discusses the ways in which Homer represents Aristotlean characteristics, while The Simpsons and Society discusses whether or not Homer is a good father by invoking philosopher Immanuel Kant. It's amazing that books such as these are written so clearly that they are accessible to the general fan, but also useful in an academic atmosphere (e.g., college courses). One cannot deny the impact of The Simpsons nor deny the culture that has now become synonymous with America. The Simpsons and Society demonstrates why this isn't a bad thing. In fact, we're all a little more like Homer, Bart, Marge, Lisa, or Maggie than we'd like to believe!

Rating:
Summary: Laughable--but not in a good way.
Review: The book is just dreadful. The analysis is amateurish at best; they're the sort of conclusions you inherently draw in your own head just by watching the Simpsons, but the author decided to make a dollar by writing them down. One chapter is, honestly, no more than a listing of all the characters the author could come up with. Another suggests that Maggie teaches the world that: 1) babies can have an influence and 2) when she is compared to Stewie from the Family Guy, we learn that it is better to listen and learn than to show off our superficial knowledge. Even as a collection of quotes, the book fails miserably. Most of the quotes were collected from random private websites (like GeoCities and Angelfire), and some of them are just plain wrong. If there is a positive, it is this: if this goon can be published, we all can!

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Summary: Simpsons Dude: Good Book
Review: I have to say that The Simpsons is by far the greatest television series of all time. Sure, some of the other cartoons are worth watching - Family Guy, South Park,etc.. but nothing comes close to what The Simpsons has to offer. As a college student, I'm pleased that The Simpsons has had such an impact on contemporary culture. It's great that a college student was able to put together an academic book on such a complicated topic -- and he does a great job. I'm glad that I got a chance to read The Simpsons and Society. I read through the book pretty quickly, and had purchased it after reading a positive review in on CNN.com. If you like The Simpsons, this is a good read. Explores the humor and the brilliance of The Simpsons in ways never before addressed. Very interesting and well-written.

Rating:
Summary: so bad.
Review: it is a complete waste of a time to read this book, and I agree, I have no idea how this was published. This book is good for junior high school students, and that is about it.

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Summary: If You're a Simpsons Fan Who Likes To Read
Review: ... then you should check out this book (and other Simpsons books as well). The author had a great idea and went with it. It's great to hear that universities such as Tufts are teaching courses on The Simpsons! And it's cool that texts such as this one and "The Simpsons and Philosophy" (which is a more difficult read, but worth a glance), are being used to teach the course. Every Simpsons fan knows that the show is loaded with academic insight and detail, and these authors (Keslowitz, Irwin, Pinsky, etc..) have delved into the culture in Springfield. While Irwin speaks of Homer as Aristotle, Keslowitz devotes an essay to "Homer as the Industrialized Employee". Now, I always knew that Mr. Burns treated Homer with disrespect, but who knew that scholars had created similar theories about the employer - employee relationship before The Simpsons existed? Now that's why The Simpsons is an awesome teaching and reference tool.
I first heard about this book ("Simpsons and Society") from an article that I had read that had given the book a positive review. If you've liked the other Simpsons books, this one is certainly worth checking out. The author writes from a sociological angle, which is interesting, especially if you're a sociology major like myself. The first half of the book contains the mainstream stuff for all fans - quotes, some character analysis, this is the fun section. The second section has the more academic essays. All in all, it's a good mix of humor, insight, analysis, and, of course THE SIMPSONS. And who doesn't like The Simpsons? Now, lets push for The Simpsons to be taught as a major! I, for one, would love to earn the title of "Doctor of Simpsonology". And books such as this one are a great place to start such studies.
Also check out: The Simpsons DVD collection - can't wait for season 4!

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Summary: People from Westchester like the book. No one else does.
Review: This book is a complete and utter waste; I have no idea how it got published or why any objective reader would praise it. However, I do know why people might have bought it: like me, they were probably suckered by dishonest 'reviews' here and at other online booksellers . . .

Rating:
Summary: WORTH THE READ
Review: Hey there... if you're a Simpsons fan, you'll enjoy this book. Keslowitz relies on numerous academic sources to prove his points in each academic essay included in the book. The author touches upon a lot in the 150 page book: medical malpractice as portrayed on The Simpsons, industrialization (Homer Simpson), politics, news, history, and more. Keslowitz explains the importance of cartoons in an essay that discusses the impact of cartoons in contemporary society (my favorite essay in the book :)
Anyway, I highly recommend this book to Simpsons fans. If you watch the series even semi-regularly, you'll enjoy the reading. And for the die-hards, you'll enjoy the numerous inside jokes that Keslowitz provides. It's nice to read a book written by a true Simpsons fan.

Rating:
Summary: If you like The Simpsons, read this book
Review: The Simpsons in academic form! Funny quotes, insightful analysis, and an intriguing writing style. The book is less challenging than some of the more difficult Simpsons books. The reading is accessible, and the chapters are fun to read. Keslowitz addresses many issues in 160 pages, and leaves the reader with a new sense of knowledge about The Simpsons. If you're a Simpsons fan, grab a bag of popcorn, a TV, and check out this book. (Especially enjoyed the Homer chapter - yeah, Homer's not a great father, but he does try hard!)

Rating:
Summary: It's The Simpsons!
Review: A fun, intriguing look at the popular television series. Keslowitz explores many issues - and with a unique writing style - examines the impact of The Simpsons in society. This is an enjoyable read for fans and scholars alike. The academic essays at the back of the book serve to prove Keslowitz's point: The Simpsons is worthy of academic attention.. What a TV show!

Rating:
Summary: bad
Review: dont waste your money, i wouldnt use this as fire wood. terrible. no one i know liked it, bad reviews.