The Spectacle : Media and the Making of the O.J. Simpson Story

Rating:
Summary: An Interesting Look At The Media Through A Specific Event
Review: In the introduction to this book, author Paul Thaler proposes that "The media themselves may have been the single most decisive factor contributing to the legal strategies and decisions coming from the presiding judge and trial attorneys" in the O.J. Simpson murder trial.
The journey to his proving this statement is well-researched and entertaining, and is a good primer on some fundamental issues about the media's ability to shape the news rather than just report it.
Since it deals with a news story that almost everyone is familiar with at least the basic framework of, this is a good vehicle whereby to think about said issues, and Thaler introduces them to us with an engaging and friendly, concise-yet-thorough writing style.
Highly reccomended to those looking for a relatively quick, thought-provoking read.