I often post about several recent non-fiction books at the
same time so here are three which would have specialized appeal, particularly
for Junior Theme research. In its own way, each reflects the continuing impact
of technology – on how we make and decide on purchases, on privacy and autonomy,
and on the science of what we eat.
THE SHOPPING REVOLUTION by Barbara Kahn
was recently published by Wharton Digital Press and is subtitled “How
Successful Retailers Win Customers in an Era of Endless Disruption.” Reflecting
on individual changes in shopping habits (e.g., mall visits were down by 50%
between 2010 and 2013) and frequent store closure announcements, one can
readily see the huge disruption in retail. Kahn ably provides details and
stresses the classic need to understand what customers want whether it is
primarily convenience (Amazon) or low prices (Walmart). Building on her extensive
industry background, she provides numerous examples including strategies
involving vertically integrated brands, luxury goods, and the marketing of
customer experience. Kahn is the Patty and Jay H. Baker Professor of Marketing
at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the school provides
an
excellent online overview of this text where one can view charts and hear
the author speak about her book.
THE SHOPPING REVOLUTION is a relatively short overview (174
pages) worth a look by anyone interested in this sector.
EXPLODING DATA by Michael Chertoff was recently
published by Grove Atlantic and is subtitled “Reclaiming our Cybersecurity in
the Digital Age.” Chertoff, of course, was Secretary of Homeland Security from
2005–2009 and so has a unique outlook to bring to this topic. He begins by stressing
in his introduction that “big data is watching you.” Most readers are all too
familiar with the loss of privacy as business and government collect increasing
amounts of data, but Chertoff argues that we may not fully understand the
extent to which that data allows for our manipulation.
A co-author of the Patriot Act, Chertoff
calls for more legislation and robust regulation. Providing a readable overview
of a complex topic which impacts everyone, Chertoff’s
EXPLODING DATA
discusses technological, legal and international challenges; this title
received a starred review from
Library Journal.
As many have said: if there is no charge, you are the product.
Be wary. In fact, a related story in today’s
Wall Street Journal
explained that “
Facebook Grants Researchers Data Access for Election Study” whereby through a group
called Social Science One academics will be able to access data on 2.2 billion
Facebook users to learn more about the effects of social media on elections and
democracy.
Finally,
SEEDS OF
SCIENCE by award-winning author Mark Lynas (
Six Degrees) was recently
published by Bloomsbury and is subtitled “Why we got it so wrong on GMOs.” Lynas,
a science writer and protester against genetically modified crops in the mid-1990s,
has dramatically and publicly changed his mind. In
SEEDS OF SCIENCE
he uses scientific evidence to explain why he is now a GMO supporter; roughly
ten percent of the book is devoted to notes and a helpful index. This is a somewhat
dense, though thoughtful – and thought provoking – work which traces the
politics, the business decisions, and the science involved with GMOs, providing
details from both sides of the argument.
