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Jason Voiovich
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Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress: How Innovators of the Roaring 20s Created the Consumer Revolution Kindle Edition

by Jason Voiovich (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 60 ratings
See all formats and editions

The birth of America's shopping addiction.

Why do you have to have the latest iPhone? Is it really that much better than the last model? How did we end up with 57 kinds of peanut butter? Who buys reduced-fat, super-chunk, peanut butter balls? What makes celebrities irresistible? Even when we want to look away, we just can't. How come "just say no" never works? Not with booze, not with drugs, and not with sex. How did we end up with so many subscriptions? Do you even know how many you have? When was the first "girl's night out"? And why can't guys dream up anything better than a sports bar? And worst of all: Why is there so much click-bait?!

What if I told you that the answer isn't greedy corporations or deceitful advertisers? It's not big tech, artificial intelligence, social media, or hidden algorithms either. The answers have been hiding in plain site for over 100 years.

The desire to make our own choices is hardwired into our brains, but it was not until the Roaring 20s that the combination of mass production, mass finance, and mass marketing made choice-making the American drug of choice.

Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress retells the epic stories of the decade that addicted all of us to the shopping experience.

Is that a good thing? A bad thing? Or something in between?

Read on...and choose for yourself.

What you can expect in this book:
  • Fun, fast-paced, and fascinating stories about colorful characters of the 1920s.
  • Learn the origins of everything from frozen food to diaphragms.
  • Empower yourself to make better consumer choices...starting today.

This book will help you rediscover your power to change the world!


What others are saying...

The book’s strength lies in its engaging, accessible style that captures the titillating, over-the-top cultural milieu of the decade. And while it’s generally optimistic in tone, the book doesn’t ignore the dark side of consumer culture, noting the environmental impacts of mass consumption and how modern shopping has become “a drug that’s addicted the American public.
– Kirkus Reviews

In “Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress,” Jason Voiovich glibly reveals the bones and origins of consumer culture. The colorful characters and funny anecdotes he uses to explain the tectonic plates of modern America isn’t merely fascinating—it’s also strangely empowering. The more you read, the less you feel like a sheep in the thrall of Madison Avenue, and more like a tiny, private tycoon bending the market to your whims.
– Andrew Heaton, comedian and podcaster
"He's like if Will Rogers and Mr. Spock had a baby."
www.mightyheaton.com

Previous page
  1. Print length
    477 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    April 4, 2023
  5. File size
    2357 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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From the Publisher

Jason Voiovich

About the Author: Jason Voiovich

My arrival in marketing started early. I was born into a family of artists, immigrants, and entrepreneurs. Frankly, it’s lucky I didn’t end up as a circus performer. I’m sure I would have fallen off the tightrope by now. My father was an advertising creative director. One grandfather manufactured the first disposable coffee filters in pre-Castro Cuba. Another grandfather invented the bazooka. A great-grandfather invented Neapolitan ice cream. I was destined to invent the first disposable soft-serve grenade launcher, but the ice cream just kept melting!

I’ve launched hundreds of new products over a career that’s spanned more than 25 years – as an entrepreneur, product designer, advertising strategist, and executive – everything from medical devices, to virtual healthcare, to non-dairy consumer cheese, to next-generation alternatives to the dreaded “cone of shame” for pets, to reproductive aides for cows (really!).

Awards and Recognition...

NFA book award

Nonfiction Authors Association Gold Award Winner, 2023

From the association:

As an extension of the Nonfiction Authors Association, we are committed to honoring excellence in nonfiction books and welcome submissions by self-published and traditionally published authors alike, in both print and ebook formats.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BS73MNXV
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Jaywalker Publishing LLC (April 4, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 4, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2357 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 477 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 60 ratings

About the author

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Jason Voiovich

Jason Voiovich

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In a career that spans more than 25 years, Jason Voiovich has launched hundreds of new products – everything from medical devices, to virtual healthcare systems, to non-dairy consumer cheese, to next-generation alternatives to the dreaded “cone of shame” for pets, to sex aides for cows (really!). He’s a graduate of both the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota, and he has completed post-graduate studies at the MIT Sloan School of Management. His formal training has been invaluable, but he credits his true success to growing up in a family of artists, immigrants, and entrepreneurs. They taught him how to carefully observe the world, see patterns before others notice them, and use those insights to create new innovations. History is Jason’s favorite way to observe the world. He believes the people from the past have plenty to teach us about the challenges and opportunities we face today.

Author Website: https://jasontvoiovich.com/

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
60 global ratings
Amazing read!
5 Stars
Amazing read!
Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress! I haven’t read anything in a good while and this book was really great! Highly recommend.
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Top reviews from the United States

Piaras
5.0 out of 5 stars Brace yourself for a journey filled with excitement, speed, and sheer fascination!
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2023
Verified Purchase
Throughout a remarkable career spanning over 25 years, Jason Voiovich has been at the forefront of launching numerous ground-breaking products. From revolutionary medical devices and virtual healthcare systems to innovative non-dairy consumer cheese and even inventive alternatives to the notorious "cone of shame" for pets, the author’s diverse portfolio showcases his fearless pursuit of innovation. But perhaps one of his most unexpected accomplishments lies in the realm of bovine assistance, where he has even developed specialized tools to aid cows in their intimate needs. Yes, you read that right!

Formally educated at prestigious institutions such as the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Minnesota, and with post-graduate studies at the esteemed MIT Sloan School of Management, Voiovich recognizes the immense value of his training. However, he attributes his true triumphs to his upbringing in a family of artists, immigrants, and entrepreneurs. From them, he learned the art of keen observation, the ability to discern patterns before they become apparent to others and the skill of transforming these insights into innovative creations. An ardent student of history, Voiovich finds solace in observing the past as a lens through which to understand and navigate the present. He firmly believes that the experiences of those who came before us hold invaluable lessons, offering guidance in tackling the challenges and embracing the opportunities of our time.

With Jason Voiovich as our guide, we embark on a journey of discovery, where the extraordinary convergence of his diverse expertise and deep appreciation for history converge. Prepare to be inspired, informed, and amazed as he unravels the tapestry of human ingenuity, reminding us that the past holds the key to unlocking a brighter future.

"Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress" will take the reader on an exhilarating journey through the transformative era of the 1920s, where American society underwent a revolution driven by consumer culture. Jason Voiovich expertly intertwines captivating stories of colorful characters, unveiling the pioneers who shaped our daily lives during this enigmatic decade.
In this engaging and fast-paced book, Voiovich showcases how visionaries like Al Capone, Babe Ruth, and Coco Chanel understood the desires of their customers, igniting a wave of societal change. From the simple pleasure of enjoying a beer after a hard day's work to the liberation from confining corsets and extravagant hairstyles, these innovators recognized the evolving needs of the people and provided them with what they craved.

With meticulous research and a flair for storytelling, Voiovich invites the reader to witness the birth of frozen food, diaphragms, and countless other advancements that continue to impact our lives today. Beyond the fascinating anecdotes, this book empowers the reader to make informed consumer choices, encouraging us to rediscover our influence in shaping the world around us.

Voiovich's mastery of both U.S. history and marketing shines through by delivering a fresh perspective that underscores the profound impact of the "Choice Era" on American culture. With each turn of the page, readers are captivated by the intersection of history and marketing, making this an enriching and enjoyable read.

In "Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress," Voiovich reveals the hidden roots of consumer culture, demonstrating how understanding the past can empower us in the present. The author's skillful storytelling transports the reader back in time, allowing us to partake in the fascinating stories of the 1920s.

Prepare to be captivated by this unique blend of history, marketing insights, and engaging narratives. Jason Voiovich's book is a testament to the enduring influence of the Roaring 20s, reminding us that we possess the power to shape our world through our choices. Very highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
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Robin Surface
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and entertaining read
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
The '20s is one of my favorite periods in recent American history, so this book was a good fit for me. Exuberance and innovation ran high then, so it was an exciting time. The author does a great job of illustrating this history through stories about the interesting characters that were the driving force behind this colorful period in our history.

So many things we take for granted now were birthed during this time, including frozen food, no more corsets for women, birth control, wrist watches that didn't have to be wound, refrigerators, etc. This is also the time when advertising/marketing started to shape people's everyday lives. It was interesting to see how the things that started then have continued to morph and shape our experiences today.

It was fascinating to read about the way these innovators "read" the public and fed them what they wanted to hear to drive consumerism. I wasn't a huge fan of all the footnotes, though. I'd rather have the information incorporated into the main text (I find footnotes disrupt the flow of my reading experience, but that's just me). The same goes for the "see this chapter" and "later in this book" wording. I would rather a short explanation be included and then let me (the reader) find out the full information later as I progress through the book. (Just one of my pet peeves, because I'm not going to interrupt my reading to flip to the other section just because it's mentioned.)

One final comment, which may only be because I'm a graphic artist and might not bother anyone else. The cover is beautiful and the title is intriguing - those were the first things that drew me to the book - but they're not really appropriate for this type of book, in my opinion. If I just looked at the cover and didn't read the description, I would assume this book was a novel, probably a roaring '20s noir. The subtitle is too small to read without enlarging the image, and that's where you'd find out what the book is actually about. Most people browsing for a book wouldn't bother enlarging it and would be surprised to find it wasn't what they thought when they clicked on it and finally read the description.

Those nit-picky things aside, this was an interesting read.
2 people found this helpful
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krfstar2485
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reading for students of history and consumer culture
Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book was a really good read and contains lots of easy-to-understand but well-developed references to the major influences of the 1920s that shaped consumer culture even today. It’s amazing how the references still seem so relevant. The author has clearly done his research to make these connections quite credible. These major influences include Charles Lindbergh, Alfred Sloan vs. Henry Ford, Clarence Birdseye, Ponzi, baseball (The “Babe”), rise/election of Calvin Coolidge (my favorite), etc. The author writes with some subtle humor that makes reading seem somewhat effortless and exciting. However, the cross-references between chapters was pointless and confusing at times, making me feel like a high-school student needing repetition to understand the fairly basic points made. Nevertheless, in my opinion, this is essential reading for any student of history who loves the 1920s like I do. This book makes apparent how instrumental and ever-lasting the 1920s were to economic standing of the United States today.
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Top reviews from other countries

Viga Boland, author No Tears for my Father
5.0 out of 5 stars SUPERB!
Reviewed in Canada on June 28, 2023
Verified Purchase
I never realized how little I knew about the origins of the many consumer products we enjoy today and how they came into consumer awareness way back in the 1920’s. To think I thought Betty Crocker was a real person like Coco Chanel or Colonel Sanders! And have you ever heard of Margaret Sanger? I hadn’t but now I know that what we women know about our bodies today started with Sanger, a very controversial 1920’s nurse. This highly informative and well-researched book is a most enlightening and enjoyable read, thanks to the often humorous, easy-going but always skillful writing style of the author. Don’t hesitate to dive into this one. It is far from my usual choice in reading, but I’m glad I plunged into this one.
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Tima
5.0 out of 5 stars Transformative 1920s consumer culture explored
Reviewed in India on June 29, 2023
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Booze, Babe, & the Little Black Dress takes readers on a fascinating journey into the heart of consumer culture in the 1920s. But don't let the title fool you; this book is not just about fashion and parties. It's a well-researched and engrossing survey that delves into the origins of our modern shopping experience.

Author Voiovich presents a compelling argument that the roots of our contemporary consumer culture can be traced back to transformations that took place a century ago. From the moment you step into the pages of this book, you'll find yourself transported from contemporary Target and Costco stores to the vibrant world of the Roaring Twenties.

The author skillfully highlights key aspects of consumer culture that originated in the 1920s and continue to shape our shopping habits today. Customized options, informational advertising, and in-store retail credit are just a few of the innovations that were born during this era. Voiovich explores the lives and achievements of influential figures such as Coco Chanel, Betty Crocker, Babe Ruth, and Charlie Chaplin, who played pivotal roles in shaping the way we consume.

One of the book's standout features is its ability to contextualize the cultural transformations of the decade within a larger historical framework. Voiovich demonstrates a firm grasp of the subject matter, incorporating extensive references to historians, scholars, and primary-source research. His background as the son of an advertising director and a product designer and adman himself shines through, infusing the text with enthusiasm and passion.

What sets this book apart from more academic historical texts is its engaging and accessible style. The author skillfully captures the titillating and over-the-top cultural milieu of the 1920s, drawing readers into a world of glamour, excess, and innovation. The narrative flows smoothly, making it a pleasure to read and absorb the wealth of information presented.

While the overall tone of the book is optimistic, Voiovich does not shy away from addressing the dark side of consumer culture. He acknowledges the environmental impacts of mass consumption and underscores how modern shopping has become an addiction for the American public.

Booze, Babe, & the Little Black Dress is a captivating exploration of consumer culture that will appeal to history buffs, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the origins of our shopping habits. With its meticulous research, engaging style, and thought-provoking insights, this book leaves a lasting impression. It is a testament to the author's expertise and passion, offering readers a comprehensive and enjoyable journey through the transformative decade of the 1920s.
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