I launched my editing business over 15 years ago, creating content along the way to get my name out there. Even though I edit novels (and memoirs) somehow the best essays and videos I ever made were about movies or tv, and the lessons I took from them.
I never intended to write a book—I was just trying to make sense of a world that seemed determined to lie to itself. But after countless emails from readers asking "When are you putting all this together?" and watching these essays predict human behavior with disturbing accuracy, I realized I'd accidentally written a survival guide disguised as pop culture criticism. So here it is: Pop Culture Heretic, a collection of my essays that will ruin your ability to watch anything innocently ever again.
Your entertainment isn't real. But it's the only thing telling the truth.
Pop culture has replaced the pulpit. While churches preach feel-good sermons, Netflix delivers the brutal moral lessons no one wants to hear. Daredevil, The Punisher, Midnight Mass—all reveal the uncomfortable truths you're too scared to talk to your kids about.
The stories are training you for what's ahead:
How to spot a manipulator who uses your decency against you.
Why your unresolved trauma makes you easy prey for predators.
When violence becomes a moral necessity.
Why most people willingly choose slavery over freedom.
Each lesson emerges from stories that refuse to coddle your feelings or protect your worldview.
Kristin McTiernan lays bare what others miss, refusing to treat fiction as harmless fun. Every narrative shapes how we think about good and evil, faith and doubt, justice and mercy. These essays reveal the hidden sermons preached through your screens.
Whether you're questioning your beliefs, searching for meaning, or suspect your favorite shows know more than they're letting on, this book will change how you watch everything.
Often people have browsed my backlist and been chomping at the bit to read my best articles (and the sometimes incendiary comments that come along with them, but don’t want yet another monthly subscription. I think we can all relate to that.
Having the book in hand gives you access to all those amazing articles without having a recurring expense. It also gives you some book shelf bling (seriously, look at this gorgeous cover my artist whipped up! Thank you, Juan).
If you are an ebook reader, you have the option of buying a DRM-free copy directly from me, or you can buy from your favorite retailer. But I have to tell you, the paperback is truly beautiful and I can’t wait to get my own copy.
Regardless of which format you prefer, it would also mean the world to me if, after you get yours, you could LEAVE A REVIEW on Amazon to help new readers find me.
I hope you enjoy your book and I’d love to hear how you like the idea of a compilation in general. If it’s popular, I have also organized two more collections: the gender wars and on living a writer’s life.
Thank you again for everything 💖
Get Pop Culture Heretic: The book that ten years of readers have been demanding ⬇️
Super excited to get my paperback. I look forward to your columns, and to get them all in one book - awesomeness!! Thanks.
Well done, Kristin.