THE WORLD ACCORDING TO STAR WARS By Cass R. Sunstein

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Cass Sunstein wrote this love letter to Star Wars after watching the Star Wars series with his young son. Sunstein reminisces about seeing Star Wars (aka, A New Hope) for the first time. He actually rates the movies in the series:
1. The Empire Strikes Back (A+)
2. Star Wars (aka, A New Hope) (A)
3. Return of the Jedi (A-)
4. Revenge of the Sith (A-)
5. The Force Awakens (A-)
6. Attack of the Clones (B-)
7. The Phantom Menace (C+)

Sunstein’s enthusiasm for all things Star WArs infuses every page of this slim book. If you’re a fan of Luke, and Leia and Han Solo and Yoda you’ll enjoy Sunstein’s insights and cheerleading for these iconic movies. What’s your favorite Star Wars movie? GRADE: B+

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Preface
Introduction: Learning from Star Wars

EPISODE I: I AM YOUR FATHER
The Heroic Journey of George Lucas

EPISODE II: THE MOVIE NO ONE LIKED
An Expected flop Becomes the Defining World of Out Time

EPISODE III: SECRETS OF SUCCESS
Was Star Wars Awesome, Well-Timed, Or Just Very Lucky?

EPISODE IV: THIRTEEN WAYS OF LOOKING AT STAR WARS
Of Christianity, Oedipus, Politics, Economics, and Darth Jar Jar

EPISODE V: FATHERS AND SONS
You Can Be Redeemed, Especially If Your Kid Really Likes You

EPISODE VI: FREEDOM OF CHOICE
It’s Not About Destiny or Prophecy

EPISODE VII: REBELS
Why Empires Fall, Why Resistance Fighters (and Terrorists) Rise

EPISODE VIII: CONSTITUTIONAL EPISODES
Free Speech, Sex Equality, and Same-Sex Marriage as Episodes

EPISODE IX: THE FORCE AND SOME MONOMYTH
Of Magic, God, and Humanity’s Very Favorite Tale

EPISODE X: OUT MYTH, OURSELVES
Why Star Wars Gets to Us

Bibliographical Note
Acknowledgements
Notes
Index

18 thoughts on “THE WORLD ACCORDING TO STAR WARS By Cass R. Sunstein

    1. george Post author

      Sergio, THE WORLD ACCORDING TO STAR WARS is a breezy read. I’m with you on the parallels between A NEW HOPE and THE FORCE AWAKENS.

      Reply
  1. Prashant C. Trikannad

    George, having grown up watching and enjoying “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Star Wars,” and “Return of the Jedi,” I am tempted to buy this book. But I think I will wait till I have seen all the prequels and sequels.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      Prashant, you’re right. You need to watch the entire series before you tackle THE WORLD ACCORDING TO STAR WARS. Spoilers are on every page!

      Reply
  2. Jeff Meyerson

    After watching THE PHANTOM MENACE., I swore never to watch another of George Lucas’s abominations. Before seeing the new one we rewatched the first three and I guess either STAR WARS (A NEW HOPE) or RETURN OF THE JEDI would rank #1.

    Reply
  3. maggie

    I’m probably the only person in the world that has enjoyed all of the movies, though I did find it hard to watch too much of jar jar binks

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      Maggie, some fan “edited out” Jar Jar Binks and posted the movies online. Disney sued him to take his versions down.

      Reply
  4. Richard R.

    Though I like The Star Wars films a lot, (episode 4 is my most watched film), this isn’t a book I’d bother with. The chapter titles contained too many turn-offs.

    Reply
  5. Jeff Meyerson

    Rick, it is only THE PHANTOM MENACE that earned the “abomination” designation. I liked the others I’ve seen.

    Reply
  6. steve oerkfitz

    The Empire Strikes Back is the best one followed by Star Wars(New Hope). Return of the Jedi started out okay then the Ewoks showed up.
    I was disappointed with the new one. A week later I couldn’t remember hardly anything about it.

    Reply
  7. Cap'n Bob

    I liked the first one best! It had all the innovations and senseawonda that marked the series! And Leia was really hot!

    Reply

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