Lol. This short "history" of democracy and all "about" our democratic institution is accurately hilarious in a way only the Daily Show writers could produce... And so it's irreverent and sometimes vulgar too.

Another enjoyable read (listen) from The Daily Show crew.
The audiobook only dates itself at the end, rounding out with 2004 election talk.
What a crazy time in American politics. The country actually re-elected W. Mindblowing then and now.

Published on my book blog.

I'm a big fan of Jon Stewart and The Daily Show, but for some reason I'd never felt curious to read any of their books until this year. I considered starting with Earth (the book): A Visitor's Guide to the Human Race, but thought I'd go through this older one first.

I have to admit, when I started I was a bit taken aback. I don't know what I expected, but the first chapter ("Democracy before America") was written with such an unapologetic disregard for History that I couldn't even find it funny, at first. However, once the initial "shock" had passed, this book got really funny. It's opinionated, scandalous, hilarious, and so spot-on that my bittersweet feeling of not knowing whether to laugh or get depressed was sustained throughout the whole book.

This is presented in the form of an educational book for children, and since the content couldn't be further away from that demographic, it's doubly funny to see "helpful" diagrams, maps, games and illustration to help the reader understand a little better this wonderful but deeply flawed thing we call Democracy.

Highly recommended. Read with an open mind!

Unintentionally procrastinated for a month on writing a review for this book, so it's definitely no longer fresh in my mind.

I can't help but compare this to Stephen Colbert's first book, I am America, which is so thick with satirical irony that if I listen too closely it makes my head hurt. America (The Book), in contrast, is laced with satire as well as just plain silliness, making it a lighter, more enjoyable read. I particularly loved the "educational" format of the book, particularly the discussion questions and classroom activities. Though I was gravely disappointed that the audiobook version was abridged. Why even make a print version when the audio version has Jon Stewart and other Daily Show cast members reading it to you??

Jon Stewart is nothing less than an American treasure--a man half Edward R. Murrow and half Jonathan Swift. Together with Stephen Colbert and other members of the Daily Show, they've produced one of the funniest things I've every listened to.

Delivered in the format of a high school textbook, this book gives a concise overview of the history and future of American democracy, as well as an outline of basic civics, including the purpose and function of the three branches of government, the process of elections, the role of the media in government, and a preview of the 2004 election along with brief profiles of candidates George W. Bush and John Kerry. (Rather dated now, but interesting nonetheless). Each chapter begins with "in this chapter you will learn..." bullet points, and ends with "discussion questions,""classroom activities," and "supplemental material." These in particular are uproariously funny in their raunchiness and zany absurdity.

Most of the humor, however, comes as Stewart and company insightfully identify the many ways the reality of modern democracy has fallen short of the ideal we and the founding fathers had--or have--envisioned. These guys tell it how it really is, which is what really makes this audiobook so funny. The observations about the effects of the media, and lobbyist and special interest groups on democracy were probably my favorites--damning, dead-on, and hilarious.

Probably most interesting about this book is how much legitimate information on civics and history it includes (although I noticed Stewart said "William Pulitzer," when I'm sure he genuinely meant to say "Joseph Pulitzer"). Sure, there are plenty of cheeky and anachronistic quotes, along with fractured histories played for laughs (such as Washington's quote to Betsy Ross, "I cannot tell a lie--is that a flag, or did your sewing kit throw up?"). However, I would venture to say seventy-five percent of what you hear is solid information that could help you pass a high school history or U.S. citizenship test. Such is the unique and amazing way Jon Stewart blurs the line between serious and silly, just as his show blurs the line between satirical comedy and top-rate journalism. It is precisely this commitment to funny that keeps him aloof, and has earned him the title (following Walter Cronkite's death) of the most trusted man in America.

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This book contains adult language, and should not be listened to by younger children. Also, it contains adult conservations about history and politics, and should not be listened to by the unread or the very stupid. (You can still listen, you just probably won't appreciate it as much, or take as much from it).

I have been watching this man for eight years and he has made me laugh through some pretty hard times. I didn't turn to Brokaw after 9/11, I turned to Jon. And I have been applauding for him ever since he referred to former press secretary Ari Fleischer as, and I quote, a "douchebag." It will be a sad day when he leaves that show. Keep at 'em, Jon. You'll always be my hero.

Jon Stewart is a wonderful comedian, and this book brings out the best of him and his teams humor. Every page brought a smile to my face, and I even learned a few things!

This book is hilarious. I have laughed for years at Jon Stewarts humor on The Daily Show and this book was an uncensored, gloves off take on American history and politics. Well done!

Hilariously irreverent look at history. I cried. I screamed. I howled.
I was asked to leave the library.

DEFINITELY a must-read.

For not being a textbook this book read just like a textbook. The more you know about history the more humerus this book is. The funny did wear out after a while. I really could've done without having to see naked Supreme Court justices in my life.

If I had ended up a history teacher, my kids would be assigned this book, school district be damned. It's so damned good, my wife's grandmother lists this book with The Bible as one of two books she would take on a desert island.

It's not something you can just sit down and pleasure read although you really want to. They were aiming for a history textbook-like style which, although used here strikes as one of the most sarcastic and enjoyable textbooks you will ever read, still retains the inescapable characteristic of being unreadable for more than short-timed intervals. Still, the incredible wit and intelligence of John Stewart and the wonderful folks at the Daily Show is positively dripping off the pages. Anyone who enjoys the Daily Show--or who has some issues with our wonderful American government and society and wants to see someone make fun of it--should read this book.