I Am America (And So Can You!)
by Stephen Colbert
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Book Reviews of I Am America (And So Can You!)
Book Review: Best in Bits
Summary: 3 Stars
My wife and I having a running debate over which show is better: The Daily Show or The Colbert Report. We both like both shows; however, she's a bigger fan of Colbert whereas I think he was funnier on The Daily Show. (How I miss him on "This Week in God.")
That's not to say Colbert isn't still funny. He is. Very funny. But the conceit of his new show leaves him less space to maneuver and that is reflected in his book.
Essentially, I Am America (and So Can You!) reads like a combination of a book-length "Word" segment from his show (complete with margin comments) and the kind of narcissistic, pseudo-biography/position statement produced ad naseum by politician and TV pundits. The key words here being "book-length."
Reading long passages from this book in one sitting becomes quite tedious, as if the entire half-hour of The Colbert Report had been taken up with one long "Word" segment. However, if you take the book a chapter at a time, it's much easier to be caught up in the funny moments. And there are plenty of them here, including a reprint of Colbert's speech at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Don't feel you're doing Stephen disrespect if you take him in chunks. It would be more disrespectful if you gave up on what's here because you got sucked into the vortex of the conceit through which it's written. Stick with it. It's worth the journey.
Book Review: I bought this book (and so can you!)
Summary: 4 Stars
This is an instance where I picked up a book in a store and could not leave without it (don't make the mistake I did! Buy this book on Amazon and save yourself some $$$). And that isn't just because Stephen Colbert implored me to do so on the inside cover.
When I bought this book, I was very new to the Colbert Nation, so this was like an initiation of sorts. I'd seen it recommended on Amazon and the title, coupled with Colbert's facial expression on the cover was enough to peak my interest.
A few facial expressions later and I could not put the book down. Personally though, to say that this book was top heavy would be a gross understatement. A funny book overall, the ideas seem to become less organised as you progress through the book, almost as if Colbert lost interest or struggled for ideas/workable takes on the issues as he neared the end. That said, the images and side-attractions in this book are extremely well compiled, and you'll tend to notice new gags that you hadn't noticed previously every time you re-open the book.
It's probably best read a chapter at a time, and the first few chapters are priceless, especially 'The Family' and 'Old People'. And of course, the transcript of Colbert's speech at the White House Correspondents' Dinner is not to be missed.
Please buy this book before you leave this site!
Book Review: Book is flat-out insulting... I returned mine!
Summary: 1 Stars
Before you say I'm an oversensitive/paranoid conservative let me first say I watch the Daily Show and the Colbert Report quite regularly and enjoy them both for the most part. Usually Stewart and Colbert are hilarious and I'm able to enjoy the shows because neither of them take their politically-biased jokes too far and/or they at least make an effort to make fun of *all* politicians and ways of life (not just conservative/Republican bashing).
However, I was given this book for Christmas by a friend and after reading the first 5 or 6 chapters I simply couldn't read anymore and was so offended/annoyed with it I *HAD* to return it to the bookstore not for the $20 of store credit... but because I couldn't stand having it in my house anymore! He makes fun of pretty much everything I believe in so viciously that the humorous wording/delivrery is impossible to enjoy. I realize his humor/TV show is supposed to be over the top and taken with large grains of salt but this book simply goes too far and is impossible to enjoy.
Honestly after reading what little I could of this book - I'm not sure I can watch his TV show anymore either. Whether he is playing a character or really believes what he says (read: believes in nothing) he just really annoys me now. It's too bad because I liked his TV show usually.
Just my opinion...
Book Review: Behold! The power of Colbert!
Summary: 5 Stars
Over the three day weekend I happened to find myself in an old-growth national forest looking for tree-huggers to punch in the gullet when I found myself face to face with a towering, black (or so I was told later - I don't see color) Godless Killing Machine.
Of course I would have fought it, had I not injured one of my wrists in a thrilling arm wrestling match with speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi, but as it was, I was left defenseless - except for my copy of "I Am America (And So Can You!)"
Thinking quickly I took the book from my pack and threw it at the charging bear. The throw was strong, my aim was true, and the book hit the beast right on the bean, giving him pause long enough to get distracted from his pursuit by the glowing image of Colbert's face on the cover.
It was in that moment that Stephen and the Bear locked eyes that the full power of truthiness rose from the book and covered the entire forest with a warm tingly sensation, similar to that felt while using "Herbal Essences."
The bear, under the hypnotic spell of Colbert's book, decided then to give up his life as a godless killing machine, to shed his fur, and follow the path of righteousness. From that day forward, this creature would no longer be known as "bear," but now... as "Sean Hannity."
And that's the word.
Book Review: Horrible Book
Summary: 1 Stars
This book is neither funny nor intelligent. It is a sad, failed attempt at satire from an overrated comedian. I don't know who actually wrote this book, but if it's Colbert then his writing kills are even worse than his stage skills. Basically Colbert tries to parlay his idiotic television show into a book hoping his ultra-liberal extremist fan base will buy up anything with his face on it. It looks like he didn't underestimate the low intelligence of his fans because this book is on the best seller list.
Colbert is interesting to watch or read for about two minutes then he becomes dull and tiresome. Real cable talk show hosts such as Bill O'Reilly and Hannity provoke interesting discussion and stimulate thought. Also O'Reilly and Hannity's books are both works of art and great to read. Colbert on the other hand has no staying power. He will be off the air shortly. He is an ultra-liberal who exposes his own ignorance by trying to stereotype conservatives. Even his own audience is getting tired of the same old boring tripe.
If you're thinking about getting this book as a gift for CHRISTMAS (yes liberals, I used the "C" word. Are you offended?) then think again. If someone gave me this book for Christmas I would probably never speak with them again. One star for a horribly written book by an unfunny so-called comedian.