Five-star review for Unfit to Print: A Modern Media Satire
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite
Unfit to Print: A Modern Media Satire by G. Wayne
Miller delivers a visceral critique of modern journalism. Nick Nolan, a former
Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist, fights to redeem his career when
SuperGoodMedia buys the venerable Boston Daily Tribune. He has a few months
left on the paper. But everything changes when he writes a column about an
8-year-old called Amber Abbott. Her mother and Nolan’s former lover claim the
Virgin Mother speaks to her. His column becomes a viral sensation, and he's
thrust into the spotlight. As he becomes increasingly obsessed with the clicks
and attention his story generates, he's aided by an unexpected guest — none
other than Benjamin Franklin — who offers his guidance and wisdom. However, as
Nick's fortunes rise, so do the stakes, and he must confront the darker side of
journalism and the corporate interests that are destroying the industry.
With its sharp critique, this novel is a timely and urgent warning about the future of truth-telling in the media. G. Wayne Miller's Unfit to Print is a powerful commentary on the decline of local journalism and its impact on democracy. There is a struggle to maintain the integrity and quality of local journalism in the face of declining readership and increasing competition from online media sources. There is a conflict between the old guard of journalism, represented by Nick and his colleagues, and the latest wave of online media entrepreneurs who are more interested in clicks and profits than serious reporting. Characterization is impeccable, and Nolan is a nuanced, genuinely flawed protagonist who catches readers' attention the moment they encounter him in the story. Destiny Carter, the African American business reporter at the Tribune, is another sophisticated character whose sharp wit and insight provide a much-needed perspective on the industry's challenges. The author explores themes such as the importance of local journalism, the impact of social media on democracy, and the need for quality reporting in a world where "fake news" and "alternative facts" are increasingly prevalent. This is an ingeniously plotted and cleverly written novel.
