Celebrity: How Entertainers Took Over the World and Why We Need An Exit Strategy, by Marina Hyde

With the new series of X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing we're back in the throes of celebrity sparkle. As if we ever left. We review a book that puts the spotlight on just how celebrity has become the most valuable currency, and why we should be very afraid.

Celebrity consumption has gone off the scales. We devour media personalities in a bulimic frenzy, sapping them into our bloodstream at every given moment; we live and breathe their clothes, words, beauty regimes,  designer accessories. But how deep does the celebrity river flow? How engaged are these magical creatures in our daily lives?

Marina Hyde, incredibly talented Guardian columnist and satirist, unearths in her latest book ( based around her successful Lost in Showbiz column )  just how far the hold of celebrity extends to global issues. It is, frankly, terrifying.
These silver tongued silver screeners are ambassadors for peace, advocates for religion, spokespeople for political agendas and have their fingers in far too many pies for the safety of mankind. Read astounded as Hyde reports on Elmo appearing in court as a credible witness ( yes, a muppet), Jude Law attempting peace talks with the Taliban, Sharon Stone  and Angelie Jolie leading reconstruction efforts in war torn areas and much much more that will delight and repell you in equal measure.

We have created a monster, the modern day Frankenstein of public figures we hold high in our media esteem are taking over, and we need to be aware to escape.

Quite simply, brilliant.
 

Celebrity: How Entertainers Took Over the World and Why We Need An Exit Strategy, by Marina Hyde, Published by  Harvill Secker, £11.99