This satirical take on the American Democratic Process is that wonderful kind of comedy that depresses while it entertains. Every page has a laugh-out-loud joke, but the guffaw is often followed by a sad moment of silence when you realize that most of its points are extremely valid. Reminded by Sage Francis that, "It's not love it or leave it, it's change it or lose it," America: The Book is a worthwhile tome for everyone who wants to see the obvious and not-so-obvious faults of our great nation laid bare and ridiculed like an 8th grade bully.
The textbook layout is an inspired design, as the questions at the end of each chapter can be some of the best parts of the book, and they've emulated the style of a social studies book perfectly, even including little "Were You Aware?" sidebars and diagrams of how the Bill of Rights helps you!
While holding an admittedly liberal slant (it's from the writers of The Daily Show, what do you want?), the comedy attacks both sides of the aisle, frequently calling out everybody on their bullshit, from the buffoon that is George Bush to the screeching harpy that is Hillary Clinton.
My only complaint is its relatively short length. It reads like a textbook, and that means lots of paragraph breaks, chapter headings and pictures that split up the flow. The last chapter is woefully short, and the book could have used padding in most places. The dual/duel Media chapters are absolutely wonderful, however, and there's even a riff on the "What's your pornstar name?" formula known to children across the country.
All in all, a solid purchase. Factor in the fact that you can get it at Barnes and Noble for $7 right now, and you'd be a sucker not to pick a copy up.
Grade: A
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