Stephen Colbert is a well-known name in entertainment. He hosts the very popular comedy news show The Colbert Report on Comedy Central. In 2007, Colbert decided to overcome his dislike of books and write one, because "When the cameras go off, I'm still talking. And right now all that opinion is going to waste, like seed on barren ground. Well no more. It's time to impregnate this country with my mind" (Colbert vii). I Am America (And So Can You!) is a book filled with Colbert's opinions on almost every social issue imaginable, from the role of the family to gay marriage to racism. Though this may sound like a potentially boring book, it is actually quite hilarious. Colbert's views on the world are often drastically different than the social norm, and are told in an extremely humorous way. An example of such, on the role of the mother: "For a Mom to be happy, every moment must be filled with the soul-wrenching thought, 'Am I a bad mother?' The answer to that question is a resounding 'Yes.' Scientists have proven, one assumes, that every flaw in a child can be traced back to a mistake made by the mother. As adults we're all imperfect, so that means all mothers are incompetent" (Colbert 9).
The hilarity of the book continues with comical side- and foot-notes, as well as bonus sections such as "Fun Zones" and the "Stephen Speaks for Me" columns. This book makes fun of everything possible, and is excellent if one is looking for a laugh. I Am America was also a hit with the critics. Says Barnes & Noble: "So I Am America will give its readers -- purchasers, perhaps I should say -- what they want, and, even if the joke-to-sentence ratio sometimes exceeds Borscht Belt levels, that is a good thing, and unusual in these days of unsatisfying compulsive shopping." Publishers Weekly declares "Those who can't get enough of the Report will savor this savvy satire..." This book will bring laughter to the Colbert Nation for generations to come. Rating: 50 out of 50 stars
Links:
Colbert Nation - Colbert's website, featuring episodes of The Colbert Report, news, Colbert merchandise, and other randomness
Barnes & Noble - Read reviews and a book summary, or do the right thing and buy I Am America (And So Can You!)
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