Recognition In Modern Media is the debut book release of T.J. Johnson. The book is a focus on the publishing industry in the 21st century, and the for-profit focus that we currently face. Johnson argues in the essay that we have lost our creative output and our ability to revitalize culture due to the source of all culture being stifled, book publishing.
The book is different than most, in that it has been produced in pocket size. Therefore it is very easy to travel with and flip through, by design. The book is 80 pages, with the font larger than average, which makes it easier to read than many reproductions of novels today.
Johnson focuses not on convincing the reader that there is a problem with the publishing industry today, but rather takes it for granted that is self-obvious. Further, the essay is divided into several portions, which makes for easier reading while the author fleshes out his thoughts. The publication is a journey not to an end, but an understanding of the point that Johnson is trying to make, which is that the book publishing industry must be completely changed if we are to see a dramatic change in culture.
I would rate this book an eight out of ten, as this is the debut publication of Johnson, and thus there is room for improvement structurally, but philosophically is spot on. T.J. Johnson is a rising author to keep an eye on as he continues to break into the literary world, one essay at a time.
You can purchase Recognition In Modern Media here.