I actually read the "Teachers' Edition" of this book. I can't begin to tell you how annoying it was. Whoever thought of/approved this version should be severely chastised. Why would you have someone come in and suck all the comedy out of the book??

I finally stopped reading all the red comments, and just tried to get through all the original book's text. I have to admit that I skimmed a lot of the tables/charts/images.

Sadly, neither version of the book is something I would recommend to anyone.

Yikes... This book did not transform well into an audiobook.

13 years after publication this is still bang on.

A must read for anyone who loves Merica!

it's surprising how much i actually learned by reading this book. in class a prof. will say something and I'll think "HEY! that was in America the book!" and then i'll go back to staring out the window and being distracted by birds.

Very amusing silliness, in true Jon Stewart style.

I laughed my way through all of this book. There's no filler. Even the stuff they "say" is filler is funny.

Of course this comes with the realisation that what you're laughing at, even the stuff that appears to be, is nearly all true.

Also makes getting mad at them hard because you can't tell people off for just telling the truth.

But then again how can we ever hope to make things better tomorrow if we can't speak frankly about, and laugh openly at, how bad they are today?

Audiobook.

5 stars.

Much LMAO, many snorts & giggles.

Pre-Obama, but *still* relevant in the Trump era. Actually, I think 45 used chapter 6 as an election tool...

Baby Boomers and Gen X (me) should get most references. Hysterical.

As I usually listen to audiobooks at an increased speed, every time Stephen Colbert had a segment I stopped and slowed it down. Eventually I gave up and listened to the final chapter at the normal speed.

The audio book was entertaining for a drive. Predictable- but some good laughs.

I listened to the audio version of this book on both legs of a cross-country trip. I'll warn others who are thinking of doing the same that you will either be stifling your laughter to not bother your neighbors, or you will be laughing out loud and looking mighty strange. Hearing Jon Stewart's narration of the text, with his perfect timing, made this a very enjoyable listen. Some of the humor just came from crassness i.e. the thought of Patrick Henry calling someone "fucknuts," but for the most part, this was incredibly on the mark satire. The chapter on Campaigns was so eerily spot-on for this recent election, its hard to believe it was written a few years ago. Highly recommended!

I Laughed, I Cried,, I Wept A Little, and Laughed Again, 19 Nov 2006


"This book has many fine qualities, but its cavalier disregard for accuracy of quotations, its insufficient scholarly documentation, its often quixotic use of illustrations, and its frequent usage of inappropriate language and word choices all detract from its virtues. With just a little more attention to detail, (well, in some cases, considerably more attention to detail), this book would stand as a first-rate addition to the literature." Prof. Stanley Schultz, Evaluation

In 2004 'America, The Book" was let loose on the general public and gobbled up (pardon, but it is almost Thanksgiving) thousands of missives. However, much has changed in the past two years, and the authors have written a sequel, for 'teachers', or those most learned. As the authors say, "A sires of well-publicized scandals have called into question the very meaning of such terms as 'plagiarism', 'authenticity' and 'three-year crack binge'. In one of the paradigm shifts that periodically sweep the publishing world, truth has become this year's bullshit." They added Professor Schultz's notations on every page and sometimes his notations are the page. All in all, this book has the makings of the US History Book for all ages.

Where to begin to describe this book, to shed a little light for those who unsuspecting buy the book and become part of the confused masses. To begin with there is a 'Timeline of Democracy' from Stonehenge through 1621 when the Plymouth Rock became too crowded and the Pilgrims left. The Founding of America, chapter 2 is filled with many mistakes, don't read it. Chapter 3 The president: King of Democracy has a few good points but go directly to chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7. The Congress, The Judicial Branch, Campaigns and Elections and The Media. Anything and everything you ever did not want to know is included here. You may never vote again after reading these chapters, but so be it. Chapters 8 and 9, The Future of Democracy and The Rest of the World are to be read immediately, maybe start with these chapters and work backwards like the politicians do.

Jon Stewart and his cronies, mmhmm, writers have penned a marvelous book full of lies and deceit. Some useful information may be gleaned if you look hard enough. Thomas Jefferson wrote the forward and that may be the most important piece of writing in the entire missive. I do recommend this book to all serious students of history and those who are not serious at all. For everyone and don't forget the teachers.

Warily recommended for intelligentsia.. Heartily recommended for the rest of us.
prisrob 11/19./06.

This book is funny, enlightening, snide, sarcastic, honest, timely and a great read. It held my interest and made me laugh. Just like The Daily Show it wraps sharp observations in witty sleeves so you almost don't notice the sting!