Addressing and criticizing contemporary politics in a canny and humorous manner seems to be Stephen Colbert’s forté, and it shows in his book, America Again Re-Becoming the Greatness We Never Weren’t.
Comedian Stephan Colbert brings talked about topics to light in his newest book. Artwork by Ryan Woods
Covering topics such as: healthcare, jobs, Wall Street, elections, and energy, Colbert analyzes some of the most discussed and controversial topics of modern America in his latest book. However, these serious concerns do not stop Colbert from taking the more comical route to approaching them, as usual. For example, Colbert mentions in his chapter about jobs that there are too many regulations being put in place by the bureaucracies. Some of the material could be easily misinterpreted by those who don’t analyze the written text, but that is what Colbert does best.
Colbert also stars in his own television show, The Colbert Report, where he discusses similar topics, but his books are more in depth. Given the longer timeframe, he was able to make even more clever remarks towards the subjects about which he writes. He is also able to use more comical references and really focus on the material he is writing, making it jump off of the page. And not only because of the 3D glasses.
Not only is the writing excellent, he also incorporates 3D photos, regular photos, charts, and letters written by himself in stereotypical perspectives to enhance his style and valid points. The book contains 3D glasses within the front cover that give high definition to his pictures at the beginning of each chapter. These chapter photos show the flaws or benefits of some systems that we have in place. Colbert also uses footnotes throughout the book to build off of what he previously said or for irrelevant and humorous use. “ By the way, I’m really liking footnotes this time. Could just be a phase. No promises.” , “I’m still into that footnote thing, could be here to stay.”, “I’m thinking footnotes are over. I’m more into putting things in bold now. DEAL WITH IT!” , “Footnotes are back!” these are some examples of Colbert’s footnote usage throughout the book.
Colbert is as innovative as possible when it comes to presenting his material in a way he is very proud of. An example of this is a quote of his on the back cover, “If there is a better book than this, I haven’t written it yet.” His comedic approach makes the material considered dull and dry to some finally seem to be interesting. I know that he has sparked my interest in politics.
This book is a great display of modern politics and the extremely disorganized government and policies that surround us. Whether or not the reader takes interest in politics, this book offers a grab factor that no other book has, and that is a guarantee. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. I believe this is one of my top five books that I have read.
Rating: ★★★★★
