Review: America (The Audiobook)
I generally don’t include the publisher’s synopsis of a book, but this book defies description, so I’m including it this time:
Jon Stewart, host of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning “The Daily Show”, and his coterie of patriots deliver a hilarious look at American government . . . Termed a “political king-maker” by Newsweek, and “the Dan Rather of infotainment” by Vanity Fair, Jon Stewart, along with the writers of “The Daily Show”, combines his riotous wit and razor-sharp insight in this hilarious book. American-style democracy is the world’s most beloved form of government, which explains why so many other nations are eager for us to impose it on them.
Written to mimic a government class textbook, America targets everyone involved in the government – no one is spared. This book is not for the easily offended – much of its content is politically incorrect, but that didn’t stop me from laughing out loud. I think part of why this book was so funny to me is that there is a kernel of truth behind most of the humor. For example, “discussion questions” are included at the end of each chapter and one of them is “How many of the nine Supreme Court justices can you name? How many of the nine members of The Brady Bunch can you name? What does that say about you?” I’ve asked a lot of people this question since reading America and I’m sure you can imagine the results – I’m not sure what that says about us as a country.
I listened to the audio version, which is read by the staff of The Daily Show, and I think it’s the perfect way to experience the book. Having different narrators for different parts of the books and a few sound effects kept me thoroughly entertained. I have a feeling the audio version was much better than the print version of this book. As you would expect with The Daily Show, there is language and irreverence, so this is not an audio book for the whole family. The audio version of the book lasts just over three hours.
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Love the Daily Show – some days that is the only place I want to get my news :). I have given the book as Christmas gifts and iteveryone loved it.
I couldn’t name the Supreme Court judges of my country…or for that matter any of the Brady Bunch either. What does that say for my general knowledge? Overall fail 😀
This does sound like a good send-up kind of book though 🙂
He is a very funny man, and now I have to see if my library has this on audio. For me, the more politically incorrect, the better.
I think I have this one – -BEA? Might be my next audio book…
Yay! They had it!
I am pretty sure that I have this audiobook in my library, but I haven’t listened to it yet, which is weird, because I love Stewart and Colbert. I am going to have to investigate this and give it a listen. It sounds awesome, and I am so glad you enjoyed it!! Great review, Kathy!
The only way to be a political junkie like I have always been is to have a big sense of humor about the whole mess. I must look into this one.
Oh, that sounds like fun. I love Jon Stewart and I like the idea of different people narrating different sections of the book. Great!
I almost got an audio of this book from the library, but then discovered it was an abridged version, which seems less fun. But, the different narrators sounds awesome – I’ll have to go back for it soon.
I have the print version and although I haven’t read it cover to cover I do like picking it up occasionaly…like when the Daily Show is on repeats 🙂
My mouth automatically turns up in a smile when I hear the name Jon Stewart. This sounds like an excellent way to spend three hours.
In answer to your question, I can name seven of the justices and two of the Brady bunch. The thing is my kids loved the Brady bunch and I seldom watched it. I like to follow the Supreme Court so I’m sure I’m not giving you the typical answers.
You’re definitely above average! I could name 5 Supreme Court justices and all of the Brady Bunch.
Kathy
You do miss the “photo” of the naked Supreme Court Justices if you get the audio version only!
Gosh, I feel bad. I can only think of Marcia. But I could *recognize* the rest of them!!!
Sounds hysterical – I like that it is an audio book too, it seems like it would be a great road trip listen.
I have the book itself, but it’s been in TBR for years – my husband and son have both read it multiple times, though. I’m not much for audiobooks, but it might be worth trying this one out in that format, as long as Jon Stewart is one of the readers. I totally heart Jon Stewart :-).
I bet I’d LOVE this! And I could see it working better in audio form than in print form.
I can see why this is better listened to. I’m not big into Daily Show, but a few of my friends are die-hard addicts so I can see the appeal. I’ll recommend this book to them and add to my radar.
I think I need to read this. I can name more of the Brady Bunch than the justices…I don’t even LIKE the Brady Bunch!
I don’t generally read books like this, but I do enjoy Jon Stewart on the Daily Show when I can catch it on. This sounds like a funny book.
I LOVE Jon Stewart and his irreverent take on things. I would definitely want to listen to this one on audio.
Sounds like one I’d find hilarious. I’ll have to see if the library has it.
The audio book sounds like the way to enjoy it then!! I do want to check this out at some point…and Jon’s new book coming out Earth. Love The Daily Show!
i love watching the daily show. this sounds like a great book and i didn’t even know about it until i saw it on your blog. i definitely agree! i think the audio version would be better than the print.
I also love The Daily Show & its spinoff (of sorts) The Colbert Report. The audiobook sounds hilarious! I read this some time ago but it sounds like it would be a good re-read.
LOL at the line: it’s not for the whole family. I haven’t listened to this yet.