Book description
The rollicking saga of reality television--an ambitious cultural history of America's most influential, most divisive artistic phenomenon, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning New Yorker writer "Written with a storyteller's verve, a journalist's skepticism, a critic's astuteness, and a fan's loving eye."--Michael Chabon, author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay Who invented reality television, the world's most dangerous pop-culture genre? And why can't we look away? In this revelatory, deeply reported account of the rise of "dirty documentary"--from its contentious roots in radio to the ascent of Donald Trump--Emily Nussbaum unearths the origin story of the genre that ate the world, as told through the lively voices of the people who built it. At once gimlet-eyed and empathetic, Cue the Sun! explores the morally charged, funny, and sometimes tragic consequences of the hunt for something real inside something fake. In sharp, absorbing prose, Nussbaum traces the jagged fuses of experimentation that exploded with Survivor at the turn of the millennium. She introduces the genre's trickster pioneers, from the icy Allen Funt to the shambolic Chuck Barris; Cops auteur John Langley; cynical Bachelor ringmaster Mike Fleiss; and Jon Murray and Mary-Ellis Bunim, the visionaries behind The Real World--along with dozens of stars from An American Family, The Real World, Big Brother, Survivor, and The Bachelor. We learn about the tools of the trade--like the Frankenbite, a deceptive editor's best friend--and ugly tales of exploitation. But Cue the Sun! also celebrates reality's peculiar power: a jolt of emotion that could never have come from a script. What happened to the first reality stars, the Louds--and why won't they speak to the couple who filmed them? Which serial killer won on The Dating Game? Nussbaum explores reality TV as a strike-breaker, the queer roots of Bravo, the dark truth behind The Apprentice, and more. A shrewd observer who adores television, Nussbaum is the ideal voice for the first substantive history of the genre that, for better or worse, made America what it is today.
About the Author
Emily Nussbaum is a staff writer at The New Yorker, where she's worked since 2011, originally as the magazine's television critic. In 2016, she won the Pulitzer Prize for criticism. Previously, she was the culture editor for New York, where she created the Approval Matrix. She is the author of I Like to Watch: Arguing My Way Through the TV Revolution, which was a finalist for the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, Clive Thompson, and their two children.
Unleashed
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Free Ham
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. ๐งโโ๏ธ Finding zen in the art of listening โ this app takes mindfulness to a new level! ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ง Efficient audiobook enjoyment โ this app's functionality is a revelation. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use.
Athena Star
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now โ all thanks to this app. CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app!
Nessie
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design โ it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions.
Heavenly Connection
๐ฑ My secret to staying well-read โ this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ๐๐ฑ ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! The appโs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Mechani-Man
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver โ no more losing my place in the story! The app is worth every penny. Itโs packed with features and works flawlessly.
King Panther
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
Raggedy Ann
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising โ thanks to this app! The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. ๐ฑ Carrying stories wherever I go โ this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. ๐๐๏ธ Navigating audiobooks effortlessly โ this app's functionality is commendable. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Freeway
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. The app's performance is remarkable โ it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use.
Winter Underdog
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. Audiobooks have never been this engaging โ this app takes them to the next level. This app has made multitasking a breeze โ I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise.
Psycho Thinker
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Whistler
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content โ it's my new favorite app. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ
VenusXX
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls โ it's a joy to navigate. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine.
Mud Finger
With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. ๐๐ Turn traffic into a literary escape โ this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. ๐๐ง
Nibbler
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
Bug Fire
I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Little Granger
๐ช Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features โ audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! ๐ผ๐ง ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide.
CyberScribe
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. ๐ก Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks โ this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. ๐ฑ๐
Shadow Gal
This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. ๐๏ธ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level โ audiobooks make it an adventure! ๐๐ Navigating audiobooks with ease โ this app's functionality is a standout.
MysticMingle
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with itโthe narration was fine, and the story was okayโbut nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience