Canongate snaps up Ziya Tong’s book on the 'reality bubble'

Canongate will publish Canadian science broadcaster Ziya Tong’s book on “10 of humanity’s biggest blind spots”.

Editorial director Simon Thorogood acquired UK and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada as well as translation rights to The Reality Bubble from Rick Broadhead at Rick Broadhead & Associates. The Reality Bubble was published by Allen Lane in Canada earlier this year.

In The Reality Bubble, Tong "illuminates a hidden world, taking us on a journey to examine 10 of humanity’s biggest blind spots – whether that is where our food comes from, where our waste goes, or where money comes from,” according to the synopsis. “Fast-paced, utterly fascinating and deeply humane, this vitally important new book gives voice to the sense we have all had: that there is more to the world than meets the eye.”

Tong said: “Living in a bubble means, by definition, that we have a warped perception of reality. And we often can’t see what’s coming at us until it’s too late. The hope with this book is to give a clear picture of the ‘system’ that human beings have built for ourselves to survive. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the team at Canongate precisely because they are known for championing fiercely independent voices. It’s an honour to be among their roster of cage-rattling authors.”

Thorogood added: “Ziya’s book is one that speaks to our time. Cumulatively these blind spots add up to a societal misunderstanding of how the world really works, which results in greater problems such as climate crisis and income inequality. I can’t think of a more important subject."

Tong is the Vice Chair of WWF Canada and a science broadcaster. She anchored "Daily Planet", Discovery Channel’s flagship science programme until its final season in 2018, hosted CBC's series "ZeD" presented PBS’ national prime-time series, "Wired Science" and worked as a correspondent for show "NOVA scienceNOW".