Amazon.com ExclusivesFeaturing a foreword by Thomas Jefferson, a Dress the Supreme Court layout, and, oddly enough, a profile of George "The Iceman" Gervin, America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction, from Jon Stewart and the writers of the Emmy Award-winning The Daily Show, is by far one the most irreverent and wittiest (and may we add smartest) political book you're likely to encounter. Amazon.com spoke with Jon Stewart a few days before the 2004 publication of America (The Book) and they discussed bald eagles, magical talking cats, Thor Heyerdahl, and much more • Read the Amazon.com Interview with Jon Stewart • Listen to the Amazon.com Interview with Jon Stewart • Watch a "vintage" Amazon.com Exclusive Video from Jon StewartMore from Jon Stewart Naked Pictures of Famous People America (The Book) [Audio CD] The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Indecision 2004 [DVD]
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Jon Stewart on America (The Book)
Sure, we could write a pithy blurb telling you all about America (The Book), by Jon Stewart and the writers of The Daily Show, but it's much easier--and funnier--to let Jon Stewart tell you all about this irreverant new book himself.
From Publishers Weekly
Cheeky, irreverent and playfully ingenuous, this abbreviated history of democracy is everything one would expect from the writers of Comedy Central's fake news program, which recently (and somewhat scandalously) won the Television Critics Association's award for outstanding news and public affairs series. The book is laid out like a textbook, with "Discussion Questions" ("Why do you think the Framers made the Constitution so soul-crushingly boring?"), "Classroom Activities" ("Using felt and yarn, make a hand puppet of Clarence Thomas. Ta-da! You're Antonin Scalia!") and plenty of amusing graphics, including a board game that resembles the game Life but which follows a presidential term: "Optimistic press release on economy ineffective. Spin again." No one evades the authors' scrutiny, not even the Pilgrims, who came to America "to escape religious persecution... create a society where they could worship as they pleased and one day, God willing, even do some persecuting of their own." The media fares the worst, however. An entire chapter is devoted to telling the "inspirational" story of how the media "transformed itself from a mere public necessity into an entertaining profit center for ever-expanding corporate empires." But if this and other criticisms kindle a few unpatriotic feelings, a section describing how worse off the rest of the world is should buoy spirits. From its dedication ("To the huddled masses—Keep yearnin'!") to its final chapter, which lampoons the 2004 presidential candidates, this humorous sendup of American politics never fails to entertain, poke fun and provoke thought.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By Jack Blatant
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Hardcover
As a teacher, I've read more than my fair share of civics books, and I could only wish that this one was on some curriculum, somewhere. A fantastic satire, which only becomes richer with the reader's depth of knowledge about American history and politics.
The wit is biting, the references deeply funny, and sometimes it's the silliest stuff that made me laugh: at the bottom of the poster/flow chart on American politics appears the tiny line, "Many Bothans died for this information." For those who catch the reference, absolutely outstanding. For those who catch the reference and don't know why they should consider it funny, not the book for you!
The wit is biting, the references deeply funny, and sometimes it's the silliest stuff that made me laugh: at the bottom of the poster/flow chart on American politics appears the tiny line, "Many Bothans died for this information." For those who catch the reference, absolutely outstanding. For those who catch the reference and don't know why they should consider it funny, not the book for you!
By J. Tupone
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
This book is a riot for anyone who enjoys satire and/or politics. Don't let your kids read it though as it's totally unsuitable for children or anyone who finds vulgarity too taboo. If you like crass, witty humour, this is a definite read.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Coach C
TOP 100 REVIEWER
Format:Hardcover
This book will have you howling with laughter. Well written satire on the history of American politics, even several jabs at the neighbors to the north in Canada. Stewart's comical genius is evident in the book.
Can easily be read more than once with all the sidebars and interesting illustrations. A great book overall.
Can easily be read more than once with all the sidebars and interesting illustrations. A great book overall.
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4.4 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great!
Excellent! See also George and Condi: The Last Decayed Beaver Tales and a Canada Goosing (see ArtisanPacificPublishing Website).
Published on May 19 2010 by Reign Chelsin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Funny
This Audio Book is hilarious. I have listened to it over and over never getting tired of the rhetoric. Read more
Published on Feb 10 2010 by Craig A. Free
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outrageous!
Outrageously hilarious! But be warned: once you have seen the Supreme Court naked, there is no way to UNsee it.
Published on Jan 2 2010 by Stanley Lui
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jon Stewart Presents America
This book was purchased as a Christmas gift for our son, who is an avid reader. He has said that the book is very much to his liking and is glad he requested and received the... Read more
Published on Feb 9 2009 by Rebecca Anne Lawton
3.0 out of 5 stars
Juvenile Humor and Unnecessary Profanity Obscure Pithy Wit
America (The Book) is the most elaborate satire you will ever see of a civics text. I found myself marveling over the detail and the amazing amount of work that must have gone into... Read more
Published on July 15 2006 by Donald Mitchell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Textbook case
America" is set up like a modern high school history book, replete with colorful visuals, call-outs in the margins and "expert" interviews, in this case from the Daily Show cast. Read more
Published on Nov 23 2004 by Tiffany Marcato
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant and moving . . . . well, brilliant at least
This is by far my favorite fake text book about US History (how many are there?) The book is set up just like a book a student would read in college/highschool even with a place to... Read more
Published on Nov 15 2004 by Fargo K. Jenkins
5.0 out of 5 stars
mind-opening
Jon Stewart is tough and funny and dead-on right in this Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction, and correctly lays the guilt at the doorstep of the lazy U.S. media. Read more
Published on Oct 20 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
You da man
Stewart is one of the funniest people I know. Next to Sedaris' ME TALK PRETTY ONE DAY, I've never laughed so much in my entire life. Read more
Published on Oct 20 2004 by Tom Drake
5.0 out of 5 stars
You gotta love this guy
Pithy is the word that first comes to mind. This is really a texbook for laughter. If you think Stewart is a hoot on TV, wait until you read him in print. Read more
Published on Oct 19 2004 by Irene Dunlap
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