It sounds conspiratorial, but I've noticed in a few books I've read, particularly ones from more prolific authors, that they contain inexplicably superfluous details that only seem to function as advertising for a product. A recent-ish example is in the James Patterson/Michael Crichton novel "Eruption", where a CEO character notably drives "A Rivian R1T, an electric pickup truck that handles like a sports car." Charitably, it could be dismissed as a character choice, but the amount of attention the vehicle was specifically given, when it could otherwise have been plainly described, felt like an advertisement- and completely un-immersive and world breaking. Is this just a more common thing now, or has it been for a while and I'm just noticing? Either way I wouldn't be surprised.
by partiallycylon
1 Comment
It’s absolutely true. I remember one book where a character specifically calls out Tates Cookies as their favorite type of cookie.
But absolutely James Patterson is collecting product placement fees. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see products updated in E-books moving forward, assuming it’s not already happening.