New five-star review for "Unfit to Print: A Modern Media Satire"

Five-star review for Unfit to Print: A Modern MediaSatire

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite

 

 Unfit to Print: A Modern Media Satire by G. WayneMiller delivers a visceral critique of modern journalism. Nick Nolan, a formerPulitzer Prize-nominated journalist, fights to redeem his career whenSuperGoodMedia buys the venerable Boston Daily Tribune. He has a few monthsleft on the paper. But everything changes when he writes a column about an8-year-old called Amber Abbott. Her mother and Nolan’s former lover claim theVirgin Mother speaks to her. His column becomes a viral sensation, and he'sthrust into the spotlight. As he becomes increasingly obsessed with the clicksand attention his story generates, he's aided by an unexpected guest — noneother than Benjamin Franklin — who offers his guidance and wisdom. However, asNick's fortunes rise, so do the stakes, and he must confront the darker side ofjournalism and the corporate interests that are destroying the industry.

With its sharp critique, this novel is a timely and urgentwarning about the future of truth-telling in the media. G. Wayne Miller's Unfitto Print is a powerful commentary on the decline of local journalism and itsimpact on democracy. There is a struggle to maintain the integrity and qualityof local journalism in the face of declining readership and increasingcompetition from online media sources. There is a conflict between the oldguard of journalism, represented by Nick and his colleagues, and the latestwave of online media entrepreneurs who are more interested in clicks andprofits than serious reporting. Characterization is impeccable, and Nolan is anuanced, genuinely flawed protagonist who catches readers' attention the momentthey encounter him in the story. Destiny Carter, the African American businessreporter at the Tribune, is another sophisticated character whose sharp wit andinsight provide a much-needed perspective on the industry's challenges. Theauthor explores themes such as the importance of local journalism, the impactof social media on democracy, and the need for quality reporting in a worldwhere "fake news" and "alternative facts" are increasinglyprevalent. This is an ingeniously plotted and cleverly written novel.