Review: "I Am America (And So Can You)"

Name of Book: I Am America (And So Can You!)
Author: Stephen Colbert
Published: October 2007
Website: makemeamerica.com
Audio Sample: Click to download
Rating: Four and a half sarcastic comments out of five.

I have been watching The Colbert Report (almost) regularly for almost six months now. I always liked his big-headed self-loving ways and the way he encourages his fans to worship him openly. I love that he hosts the show as a character. I don't think that's ever been done before- brilliant.

I didn't buy this book with my own money. And for that, I am not a hero. I thought it was mostly political and maybe serious so I didn't look into it to much. No, friends and readers: I got it as a gift from my mom for my 20th birthday. Is there a better sentiment out there that says "Here, daughter. I love you this much." I really don't think so.

From the first sentence- perhaps even the first word- I was laughing. Colbert mentions political mumbo-jumbo once in a while, but not enough to make you put the book away. (By the way, it has instructions inside the book on how to retire the book after you are finished reading it, diagrams included.) The chapters, written in the voice of Colbert's character, just explain some of his other opinions that he doesn't have time to talk about on his show. My personal favorite chapters were:

• "The Family"
• "Animals"
• "Sex & Dating"
• "Homosexuals"
• "Race"
• "Immigrants"
• As an added bonus, a chapter about the White House Correspondents' Dinner (with Colbert's speech) is included
  

Keep in mind that this book can be appreciated by anyone with a slightly sick sense of humor... Also keep in mind that this book would not (I repeat- would not) be appreciated by anyone who takes any of the above subjects seriously.

With that being said, go buy this book. Like, right now.