"The authors focus on examples that illustrate how everything in life - from driving our cars to shopping for food - is crafted to provide an entertaining experience. They demonstrate how dramatic tension has been introduced into all of our experiences for both learning and enjoyment. The book confirms that modern Americans define themselves not by what they own but what they do. Also appropriate for general education programs, this text is directed at undergraduate courses involving media, culture, psychology, sociology, American studies, and entertainment."--Jacket.