Mallcity 14 is an understated, thoughtful examination of a possible future for consumer-focused societies that should give any freedom-minded individual pause. Because Saunders refrains from polemics and hyperbole in crafting and spinning his story, it's also an excellent book for educating others. Tapping into topics including consumerism, privacy, and groupthink, Mallcity 14 is a short but deep exploration into a future that is quickly approaching--unless those of us who wish to avert it take action. Reading and sharing Mallcity 14 is an excellent first step to take."
Sunni Maravillosa holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology.
A former college professor, Sunni is a co-founder of the "http://www.libertyroundtable.org/", publisher of "http://www.doingfreedom.com/", and former Director of Operations for Free-Market.Net.
Her personal web site and blog is at "http://www.sunnimaravillosa.com/"
***
"Saunders amplifies some of the dominant trends of contemporary
hyper-capitalist society and makes them the defining features of
Mallcity, where consumption and economic 'progress' are paramount. The
novel not only demonstrates some of the problems of living within such a
society, but also of trying to live outside of it."
Tim Kasser, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology at Knox College,
Galesburg, IL, USA and author of "The High Price of Materialism."
***
Mallcity 14 is set in a world where unbridled consumerism and perpetual debt is the only way of life, and nothing can escape the eyes and ears of the BCC - the Bureau of Consumer Confidence - and its affiliate, Eternitybank.
"I read it and I loved it.
You've hit on the nub of the contemporary problem by extrapolating Morris Berman's "commercial kitsch" to its logical next stage. Mallcity 14 exposes the
mendacity of our consumer culture, which is the
principal obstacle to our progress into a new
paradigm. It exposes our imprisonment in a culture
hooked on economic growth--well done, mate!
I'm looking forward to a sequel."
Dr Brian O'Leary
Author, Scientist, Former Astronaut, International Speaker
***
"I get lots of fiction sent to me (or should I say facts disguised as
fiction in many cases) most of which I get no time to read, and thus
cannot make comments.
But...
I started reading Mallcity 14, and found myself reading it all. I think it is great...I hope it goes well, and I hope lots of people read it."
Duncan Roads
Editor, Nexus Magazine
"Australia's George Orwell"
Oliver James,
Author of 'Britain on the Couch'
"I read Mallcity 14 cover to cover on a recent trip, and as soon as I put
it down, a friend picked it up and devoured it, too. We both thought it
was a great romp with a compelling story line and some keen insights
into today's consumer culture and Federal Reserve-driven debt cycle.
Highly recommended as a light reading treatment of a very serious
subject."
Katherine Albrecht,
Director, CASPIAN
"A chilling wake-up call for the unwary. A literary paradox that demands to be consumed but which forces us to call our way of life - as consumers - into question... Real questions about real problems. A story of a way of life, told with energy and compassion. Mallcity 14 does not put a spin on reality; it takes the spin away."
Dr. A. Rolls, School of Language & Media, U. of Newcastle