Stephen Colbert

I am terribly torn. No, not by how highly to rate Stephen Colbert’s America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren’t, which is an undeniable five-star read. I actually had tears in my eyes at some points in the book because I had laughed so hard!

No, it’s because the experience of hearing Colbert read his book (the only way to enjoy this book) proved so bittersweet. Sure, the book definitely deserved the Grammy Award it won. On the other hand, in 2019, arguments that were show more obviously ridiculous and plainly satire in 2012 are now everyday talking points spouted with all seriousness by the blockheads on Fox and Friends and in #PresidentDunce’s tweets. Even the ridiculous notion that Colbert satirizes that the wealthiest, most powerful elements of this country are somehow its most oppressed has now become part and parcel of MAGA talking points. show less

With a title like this, I couldn’t resist. Yes, it’s a cookbook with recipes from both Stephen Colbert and his wife Evie McGee Colbert. But in addition to the recipes, they share stories of their childhoods, about their relatives, children, and parents. As well as being passionate about food and cooking, the book demonstrates that they are a loving family with deep southern roots.

Stephen and Evie begin each recipe with a short commentary about the recipe or ingredients that is full of show more humor and personality. This element as well as the excellent photos make this a 5-star read for me. Each recipe is accompanied by a full color photo of the dish. And also scattered throughout the book are personal shots of the Colberts and family members that help make this feel like a memoir instead of a traditional cookbook.

But it is definitely a cookbook – practical, traditional, and innovative. There were several recipes that I marked as wanting to try. The recipes are well-written and easy to follow. The narrative provides sources for the few unusual ingredients if unable to locate in your local market.

Once again, I found myself reading a cookbook by a celebrity who I don’t know much about. It turns out Colbert is the host of “The Late Show” (maybe I’m the only one who didn’t know that). But no matter what their professional talents are, they put together a team who created a beautiful cookbook – with humor, charm, and delicious-looking food. show less

A few weeks ago I was mooching around a bookshop and I was unhappy. Why was I unhappy, you ask? None of your business, I reply brusquely, this is a book review not one of your group therapy sessions. Nonetheless, since I brought up the subject, I'll tell you why I was unhappy. It was because there was something missing in my life. And that something was America.

As I shuffled around feeling forlorn and book covers, one book in particular caught my attention and finger. I recognised Stephen show more Colbert on the cover, having seen his Report many a time. I read the title: I Am America. "Gee thanks, Stephen, you devilishly handsome man," I thought, feeling that now even books were mocking my pain. But then I saw the parenthetical subtitle: (And So Can You!)

"Truly? Could a Limey like me really be America?" I thought. And then I thought: "Wait, is Limey right? Is that what Americans call us Britons?" That's how much I wasn't America.

And now? Colbert has opened my eyes. Not literally; my eyes were already open before reading the book, that's kind of a prerequisite for doing so. But metaphorically my eyes were screwed shut with superglue, and Colbert had a screwdriver made of industrial strength solvent. Just a few days ago I was minus zero on the American scale, but thanks to Colbert I'm now a million times that. And so can you! show less

A few weeks ago I was mooching around a bookshop and I was unhappy. Why was I unhappy, you ask? None of your business, I reply brusquely, this is a book review not one of your group therapy sessions. Nonetheless, since I brought up the subject, I'll tell you why I was unhappy. It was because there was something missing in my life. And that something was America.

As I shuffled around feeling forlorn and book covers, one book in particular caught my attention and finger. I recognised Stephen show more Colbert on the cover, having seen his Report many a time. I read the title: I Am America. "Gee thanks, Stephen, you devilishly handsome man," I thought, feeling that now even books were mocking my pain. But then I saw the parenthetical subtitle: (And So Can You!)

"Truly? Could a Limey like me really be America?" I thought. And then I thought: "Wait, is Limey right? Is that what Americans call us Britons?" That's how much I wasn't America.

And now? Colbert has opened my eyes. Not literally; my eyes were already open before reading the book, that's kind of a prerequisite for doing so. But metaphorically my eyes were screwed shut with superglue, and Colbert had a screwdriver made of industrial strength solvent. Just a few days ago I was minus zero on the American scale, but thanks to Colbert I'm now a million times that. And so can you! show less