Reddit reviews America

I would pick up a copy of America: https://www.amazon.com/America-Jean-Baudrillard/dp/184467682X


It's an easy read (more of a travel log than a formal text).

For one of my literary theory classes in undergrad, we used this book. The author analyzes 'The Great Gatsby' through the lens of 10 or 12 critical frameworks. It was really illuminating, clear, and enjoyable to read. Lit theory is the focus, but it also provided a lot of insight into the fundamental ideas of the various critical perspectives that were highlighted. Definitely recommended.

Critical theory does tend to be cryptic, deliberately so in a lot of cases. You might enjoy Baudrillard's America. It's fairly accessible as far as his stuff goes, if you have a rudimentary understanding of his Hyperreal idea.

I would reccomend that you start with "America". It is accessible (it does require work to understand his prose, terminology, etc.) and it does touch on some of big concepts. If you want something in terms of secondary literature, the Introducing series has a book on Baudrillard and Purdue has a few accessible modules on Baudrillard.

I would definitely recommend Baudrillard's book America for more about the idea of the "Anytown." Specifically, he considers the illusion of travel on the interstate highway system--you're never really traveling anywhere when every town has basically the same strip malls, McDonald's, Exxon, Arby's, Motel 6, etc. right off the exit. All you've done is trick yourself into thinking you've gone somewhere else.