Truthiness, Justice, and the American Way

By Jay C.

America's greatest satirist, Stephen Colbert, has a television career and a comedic reputation that greatly precedes him. However, unless you are a fan of his groundbreaking show, The Colbert Report, then you may not know that he is also an accomplished, NYT Bestselling author. I am America (And So Can You!) was Colbert's first book written by his infamous on-screen character who goes by the same name. The book, built around the character's pseudo-conservative personality, is chock-full of witty jokes, subtle jabs, and more laughs than what ought to be legal.

Colbert takes readers along for a ride through the various stages of his life from childhood to his Hollywood career. The book describes three of these periods, and then breaks them down into multiple chapters to describe the lessons that he learned. Every step of the way, he works in his political beliefs, religion, and what it means to be a true American. If a reader is not familiar with his material, they may very likely be convinced that the work reflects Colbert's actual views. His satire and character is so well developed that it would be easy for someone to read the book and fail to realize that Stephen does not actually believe that baby carrots will turn you gay. It is in that literary genius that his work is awarded so many favors.

The pages are full of hilarious visuals, stickers, life mottos and suggestion, and a few activities throughout. The margins are packed with editorial notes and jokes reminiscent of The Colbert Report segment, "The Wørd." Together with Colbert's colorful personality, there isn't a page that lacks laughter or life. Perhaps the most brilliant part of the book is that it makes you pause and think. The outrageous comments and staunch beliefs held by "Stephen Colbert" are both meant to invoke laughter as well as rip into the mindset of the stereotypical American conservative. For example, in the chapter, Homosexuals, Stephen urges readers to reject the "gay agenda" that would seek to "make you tuck in your shirt" or to play beach volleyball. His comments show just how strange a number of conservative beliefs are. It is in this deeper sense of humor, complex and thought provoking, that Stephen Colbert excels so well at.

The back cover of the book says it all, with a quote from Stephen saying, "I laughed, I cried, I lost 15 pounds!" Every page flows with humor, both subtle and blatant, and has appeals towards a variety of comedic tastes. I Am America (And So Can You!) is not just any old book, but rather an endeavor into a new form of satire built around a character that many people hold so dearly. For fans of the recently-ended The Colbert Report, this book will also serve as a great "throwback." Whether you read it from start to finish, use it as a "pick-me-up," or just like to look at the many pictures of handsome Stephen Colbert, I Am America (And So Can You!) is a must-read for any lover of satire or an admirer of the author.

I Am America (And So Can You!, by Stephen Colbert, Hatchet Book Group, Inc., 2007, 219 pages