Roger Bennett (1) (1970–)

In this time of widespread disillusionment about and within America, this book is a welcome and much-needed reminder about what the world loves about the United States. Like the Hughes movies that Bennett grew up on, it is funny, awkward at times, and enjoyably nostalgic, but it also contains some universal truths about growing up and the hope which the American Dream brings to all parts of the globe. Chicagoans will find it especially entertaining.

This book had so much promise, SO much! But it fell flat on its face in its execution. The bible is endlessly inspiring, in terms of spirituality, but more so (at least for me) in terms of creativity. I have created many projects using The Good Book as source material. Here, however, what should have stood out as unique simply wasn't so. 54 writers were commissioned to reinterpret one torah portion each, and I would have expected the editor to ensure that each segment stood out by itself show more from the others. They did not. Too many of the writers used the same ideas, some even used commentary that did not revolve around the torah portion at all. Some just mailed it in. It's as if they were secure in their own opinion of their genius, and wouldn't work with the editor on maximizing their creative energies, perhaps forcing him to accept whatever it was they brought to the table. The input felt lazy. Only about 6 or 7 of the entries were truly borderline genius. The rest were flat as millenia old Coke. show less

Rog and Davo's definitions of some of the crap they discuss on their podcasts and t.v. shows. Completely delightful and utterly ridiculous. Courage.

Surprisingly interesting for someone with no connection to the subject matter. Or at least I'd have thought so on first picking it up. In the end, it's a story of coming of age in a very odd time and place.