The mind of a journalist comes forth as an extremely heavy title and I was apprehensive about choosing it for the book review. The first page discusses the irony of a young college graduate choosing a profession, journalism, which pays him meagerly, compared to his other options. Having made the same decision for myself, I was engrossed. It goes on to highlight the various reasons which bring a person to this profession and I could identify with each.
The book refrains from painting a rosy picture and provides an insight into the problems and challenges that a journalist is faced with. What makes it a gripping read is the fact that the author’s observations and theories have been substantiated by his own personal experiences and also that of other journalists. These real life instances add more weight to the issue being discussed and make it easier to relate to and understand what exactly the author is trying to convey.
Another plus point of the book is the fact that it is not just about the ideals, values and ethics that one should uphold, because the truth is that it is not practically possible to do that all the time. The dilemma that journalists are faced with everyday has been given prime importance and examples of journalists who have sometimes been forced to go against what they “should” be doing and been troubled by their conscience for the same, have been provided.
The reality of everyday journalism has been effectively brought out. For a person who is completely new to journalism, this book is an eye opener, because it introduces them to the harsh reality and takes away from the protected picture which dwells in their minds.
Sanhita Sinha Chowdhury
A very structured review and a very good book.All the best !
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