Plot Summary

War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning

Chris Hedges
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War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002

Book Brief

Chris Hedges

War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Global • Contemporary

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning, Chris Hedges, drawing on his extensive experience as a journalist, analyzes the addictive nature of warfare and the myths that societies create to justify it. He explores how nationalism, propaganda, and misinformation fuel conflicts, while examining the psychological impact on soldiers and journalists. Hedges argues that art can humanize and counter these destructive tendencies. The book discusses sensitive topics such as warfare, death, and addiction.

Dark

Informative

Contemplative

Unnerving

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

7,090 ratings

78%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Chris Hedges' War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning delivers a harrowing critique of warfare, examining its intoxicating allure and societal impacts. Reviewers praise its eloquence and raw honesty but some note its bleakness and occasional preachiness. Overall, it’s lauded for its unflinching exploration of the dark, seductive nature of human conflict.

Who should read this

Who Should Read War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning?

A reader who would enjoy War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning by Chris Hedges appreciates incisive analyses of conflict, its societal impacts, and human nature. Similar audiences are drawn to works like The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien and A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn.

4.3

7,090 ratings

78%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Global • Contemporary

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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