America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't

by Stephen Colbert, Tim Meadows (narrator), Jordin Ruderman (narrator)

Book store nation, in the history of mankind there has never been a greater country than America. You could say we're the number one nation at being the best at greatness.

But as perfect as America is in every single way, America is broken! And we can't exchange it because we're 236 years past the 30-day return window. Look around - we don't make anything anymore, we've mortgaged our future to China, and the Apologist-in-Chief goes on world tours just to bow before foreign leaders. Worse, the L.A. Four Seasons Hotel doesn't even have a dedicated phone button for the Spa. You have to dial an extension! Where did we lose our way?!

It's high time we restored America to the greatness it never lost! Luckily, America Again will singlebookedly pull this country back from the brink. Covering subject's ranging from healthcare ("I shudder to think where we'd be without the wide variety of prescription drugs to treat our maladies, such as think-shuddering") to the economy ("Life is giving us lemons, and we're shipping them to the Chinese to make our lemon-flavored leadonade") to food ("Feel free to deep fry this book-it's a rich source of fiber"), Stephen gives America the dose of truth it needs to get back on track.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Politics, Comedy, Audiobook, Satire, History

4 pages, Audiobook

First published October 2, 2012

About the author

Stephen Tyrone Colbert is an American comedian, satirist, actor, and writer known for his ironic style, particularly in his portrayal of uninformed opinion leaders and deadpan comedic delivery.
Colbert originally studied to be an actor, but became interested in improvisational theater when he met famed Second City director Del Close while attending Northwestern University. He first performed professionally as an understudy for Steve Carell at Second City Chicago; among his troupe mates were comedians Paul Dinello and Amy Sedaris, with whom he developed the critically-acclaimed sketch comedy series Exit 57.
Colbert also wrote and performed on the short-lived Dana Carvey Show before collaborating with Sedaris and Dinello again on the cult television series Strangers with Candy. He gained considerable attention for his role on the latter as closeted, gay history teacher Chuck Noblet. It was his work as a correspondent on Comedy Central's news-parody series The Daily Show, however, that first introduced him to a wide audience.
In 2005, he left The Daily Show to host a spin-off series, The Colbert Report. Following The Daily Show's news-parody concept, The Colbert Report styles itself as a parody of personality-driven political opinion shows such as Bill O'Reilly's The O'Reilly Factor. Since its debut, the series has been successful, establishing itself as one of Comedy Central's highest-rated series, earning Colbert three Emmy nominations and an invitation to perform as featured entertainer at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in 2006. Colbert was named one of Time's 100 most influential people in 2006. His book, I Am America And So Can You was No. 1 on The New York Times Bestseller List.

Reviews

[Jason Koivu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another one? Ugh, what is it with me and duds lately?

America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't feels forced, as if it was pushed out to meant a contract or capitalize on a previous success. It doesn't help that Colbert hams it up by acting put upon by his publisher to rush out another book.

The thing is, stripping that away, this feels hurried and light on content. Ooooh the filler! Sooooo much filler. This has more filler than an embalmed Phyllis Diller. What's that even mean? Doesn't matter, because you see what I did there? Just padded my word count, thank you very much! Too often that's what you get in America Again. Bummer. I expected I'd enjoy this way more, because I've always gotten some good laughs from Colbert.

Of course you also get a fair amount of that wonderfully tongue-in-cheek Colbert humor; that razor-sharp wit. America and what's wrong with it from the perspective of his faux conservative talk show host character provides most of the content, which admittedly got at least two solid snort-chuckles out of me. Maybe two and a half. And that's basically how I rated this one. It's a 2.5 at best. Unfortunate, because I love Stephen Colbert. I just don't love this book.

[David Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to write a review on this incredibly funny, and 100% Colbert-esque book, but in the Terms and Conditions that I had to agree to in the first few pages, I had to agree to not share this book or even think about it during sex to delay orgasm. And even to describe the book in an entertaining fashion was to be construed as a rebroadcast. In fact anything I write or create for 24 months after reading the book becomes the sole-property of Stephen Colbert because this book may linger with me. I cannot copy any part of the book except for the made-up word "antedelopean." Therefore, I will say that this book was most definitely good antedelopean. (...wait a minute-----the YES button I had to click on to agree to these terms (and the only other button was OK), was on the page----a page of paper. And when I clicked on it--nothing happened, Hey! I can do anything with this book!)

[Meike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just LOVE how Trump's bitch ass move to have Stephen fired is now exploding in his orange toddler face. Listened to another of Colbert's audio books in celebration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIZeg...

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

got my advance copy and enjoying it already. jealous?

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is short but fun romp with Stephen Colbert's faux Republican persona. What I really liked about this book was that his humour was even more intricate and surreal than in The Colbert Report - it's not just a simple extension of the show. If you do decide to pick up America Again, do so for the fantastic one-liners, Colbert's rich narrative abilities and his unique brand of social commentary. But most importantly, my fellow book lovers, do it for America.

[Jemppu · Rating 5 out of 5]

"That which does not kill you makes you a repeat customer."

[Miranda Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephen Colbert returns in his second satirical book all about how America is great, always has been and any time of un-great-ness was greatly exaggerated.

"Throughout human history, countries rise and fall. But not America--we continue to rise and rise, like dough, until Jesus bakes us in the fiery Afterscape of the Rapture."

This round, Colbert tackles political campaigning, wall street finances and healthcare. Generally, not subjects that would be seen as overtly funny but he always finds a way.

"America has faced hardships in the past but we have always mounted a comeback! We defeated the Nazis, we defeated the Native Americans, we defeated the environment, we even defeated the Metric System!"

Overall, I had fun in this one. I think Colbert's wit really shines through and the tone of the book is upbeat and hilarious. I do feel a bit sad when some of the more off-the-wall statements have become far closer to reality than I am comfortable with.

Audiobook Comments
He read his own audiobook and he was fabulous at it. This feels like an audio-only version of one of his episodes - the humor, the tone, just everything.

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[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hilarious read!

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like Colbert, you'll like the book; if you don't like Colbert, you won't like the book -- it's actually that simple. Colbert didn't write the book on his own, but the humor is relatively the same as that of his show. I highly recommend the audiobook for this reason because having Colbert actually read the book makes it massively more entertaining than sitting down and reading through what is much like a script of a long episode of Colbert Report. For fans, give it a chance, as I thought the book started off rather slow and picked up later on.

[Bettie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love his show, however this is a let down: Stephen Colbert: "America Again: Re-Becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't" | Talks at Google

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephen Colbert (and staff's) humor comes and goes with me, and this short book is no different. The twisty knotted sentences with their cascades of internal contradictions were cool, there were plenty of winces of recognition at the flaws of my country that haven't changed even slightly (or have worsened) in the years since America Again was published... and there were the "My Turn" caricatures at the end of each chapter that I might as well have skipped for as much as I got out of them.

[Jenny Maloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If there's a better book than this, I haven't written it." ~Stephen Colbert, quoted on the back of American Again: Re-Becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't

I think the first book review of the year should set the tone for the rest of the year. And what better way to start the year 2013 than reading and reviewing the book that has everything? In fact, it has so much of everything that I used every single one of my shelves to label it. I'm pretty sure that I'm still short a couple subjects.

Sure, I could've been reading Anna Karenina and learning about Imperial Russia with the rest of my book group instead of learning about the present American stuff I already know. But since my reading goal this year is 100 books - which is like reading everything - I should start my odyssey with the book that has everything. Everything American, that is. Anna Karenina just has affairs and trains and Keira Knightly and other stuff.

Tolstoy's book doesn't have anything that Colbert's book doesn't have.

Anna Karenina has extramarital affairs: America Again has illicit relations between politicians and food.

Anna Karenina has people who hate their jobs: America Again has resume how-tos.

Anna Karenina has 2-D: America Again has 3-D.

Anna Karenina has Siberia: America Again has North Dakota.

Anna Karenina was translated into English: America Again was written in American.

It's probably this last one where Tolstoy has managed to one-up Colbert. America Again has no, count them: none, award winning translators. We're just expected to understand paragraphs like: "But the Real Question is: are America's best days behind us? Of course they are, and always have been. We have the greatest history in the history of History. But never forget, our best days are also ahead of us, and always will be. Because America also has the Greatest Future in the history of the Future. It's our Present that's the problem...and always is be."

I mean, Colbert began two sentences in that paragraph with But. And fragments. You just don't do that. A good translator would've saved him some face-saving.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual Colbert is on point with his topics, his allegories, and metaphors to make us realize the ridiculously ramshackle and insane our country and government functions around us. Really, it kind of isn't funny, except it is when he says it.

[Amr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very funny. Read the whole thing in almost one setting.

[Liam Elsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garbage Book #3. This guy bought a signed copy of this book and then never read it (the package of sick 3D glasses was unopened).

[Loveliest Evaris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart. Jon Stewart cuts through all the flak and crap and actually TELLS ME what's happening in the political arena, while Stephen Colbert basically tells me what's NOT happening -- see, whatever he says, you basically think he means the opposite: simple!

That being said, I was soooo ready to dive into this book.

I've read "I Am America (And So Can You!)" by him, so I was ready for something similar.

What I got was a meaner and raunchier sequel.

I haven't seen every episode of the Colbert Report, but usually he keeps his humor fairly clean; but this was like he was off the clock and could be as inappropriate as he wanted. And he was. After chapter 2 things went very mature in some places, but the laughs still kept coming. I read the Medical Coverage sheets to my friends at the lunch table and we couldn't stop laughing. Some of the things were just so out-of-the-blue that I couldn't HELP but laugh!

By the time we got to Food, the funny train was slowing down. I just didn't care much for it. It was only sardonic smiles from there-on-out. But I still LOVED the book.

3.5 stars!

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some days I think Stephen Colbert is the funniest man in America. But not today.

This book did have some truly laugh-out-loud moments, but fewer & farther between than I was hoping for.

[Chinook · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was amusing, though the fake drunk chapter at the end fell flat for me. I can't imagine reading this rather than listening to the audiobook, as Colbert's delivery is half the joke.

[Andrew Breslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In November of 2016, a terrible event happened, the details of which I will not belabor, for the benefit of those around me, who could do without the profanity and histrionics that inevitably result when I talk about The Event.

I can’t even take any joy in satirizing and ridiculing the monstrous buffoon at the center of The Event. It’s just too horrible to laugh at. Comedy = tragedy + time, right? I’m pretty sure Hawkeye, said that. Not the Avengers Hawkeye, but the MASH Hawkeye, although he said it in a Woody Allen movie. Nobody was making September 11 jokes on September 12. And some killjoys are still a little touchy about the Holocaust. But the Black Death is fair game! Let fly with some puns about buboes! Give tragedy some time, people. Put the Event back in the comedy oven. It’s not done yet.

This book was, therefore, a breath of fresh air. In fact, imagine you’ve been holding your breath because you are in a room filled top to bottom with putrefying yak carcasses, the pungent, nauseating reek assaulting your senses, keeping you perpetually on the edge of losing your lunch, breakfast, and all remaining desire to live, and then someone gives you an oxygen mask. It would be nice if they’d stop dumping the goddamn yaks in here, but the fresh air is certainly welcome.

The evil clown is not mentioned, at all, even in passing, even with some oblique, fleeting reference. And yet everything that narcissistic infant sociopath represents is hilariously spoofed and skewered here. If you are seeking some humor to escape from the dystopian horror novel our nation has become, but don’t want any direct reference to the source of all these buckets full of dystopia, this might help ease the pain. Or heroin, maybe that will help. Yeah, screw it, have you seen the news lately? And it smells like rotting yak in here. Give me that fucking syringe.

.

[Jose Moran · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know how to feel about this book. I finished it a few days ago and I felt like it was more of a relief to finish it than any other emotion. Let me tell you my 5 month history with this book.

I ordered it in mid-December because it was on sale and my friend said it was a good book to read. I had been exposed to Stephen Colbert’s show a few weeks before so I took a chance. All of my books got delivered except this one and I didn’t notice until a month later. I called Barnes and Noble and they sent me another copy. I got it mid-February. I was so excited to read it and I was so bored. I read about 1/3 of it and did not find it funny at all. I didn’t pick it up until a few weeks ago when my friend told me to just get it over with and finish it. I read the last 2/3rd in one sitting. I enjoyed it more this time than the first time I started reading it. I found some of it funny, but not all of it.

I think Stephen Colbert is half content and half presentation. In the book we are exposed to just content. It is very hard to read because it just sounds so…annoying. I found myself just rolling my eyes at the book, sometimes a few times on the same page! I think this would have been a great book to listen/follow to on audiobook. I think you need someone who will be able to deliver the zingers and put emphasis and sarcasm in the correct parts for it to be enjoyed at its fullest potential. This is probably the only book I’ve read thus far that I had to FORCE my way through. I could be more brutal with this book, but I just want to put it behind me lol.

[Allyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Armed with 3D glasses, America can reclaim its greatness through the wisdom of Rev. Sir Dr. Stephen T. Mos Def Colbert, D.F.A. The comedian discusses American Exceptionalism, the inherent greatness of the American way of life. Regardless of their consequences, Colbert reaffirms the established American traditions of jobs, healthcare, Wall Street, energy, elections, justice, and food. His arguments are embellished with hilarious images, graphs, testimonials and questionnaires.
Colbert uses his conservative persona and follows our culture's rhetoric with a twisted logic that somehow always ends up conveying ironic truth. Playing with perspective makes America Again a multifaceted comedic treat that satirizes politics and consumerism. Colbert has the divine ability to make us laugh at the things that would normally make us cry. So dump the Prozac (you get enough from the water supply) and read this book!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a disappointment. And I didn't come in with high expectations, so it's really saying something for me to have been disappointed.

This book isn't funny. The moments that made me laugh were few and far between, significantly fewer than those in I Am America (And So Can You!). The writing is over-the-top. It's so excessive that it's totally unrealistic and unbelievable, and comes across as just plain dumb. Colbert is a smart, funny man, and can be a great satirist, but after awhile, it falls flat.

The only chapter worth reading, in my opinion, is "Wall Street." It was sharper than the others. The rest of the book, however, was nonsensical. By now, Colbert is trying too hard, and failing.

And WHAT IS THE COVER? MAKES NO SENSE. Why is he covered in cuts and bruises and burn marks? Colbert has never been in a fight in his LIFE. Stupid. Don't be all suave and smug and smooth on the back cover, buddy. I've got your number.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more like it. Colbert's first book was from the closing days of the Bush administration. It was funny, but ultimately wore out it's welcome before it finished. This book was from the middle of the Obama years and effectively captured the madness that has taken hold of the collective conservative brain during that time. The paradox of this is the greatest country on Earth vs. this country has gone straight to hell! We're all gonna die!

I probably enjoyed this more because this insanity is what we're still going through during this election season. Oddly enough, Colbert's faux-fire and brimstone falls short of what the Republican candidates are saying now but even he couldn't have anticipated Trump. Oh, wonderfully crazy Trump.

I felt like the satire in this book just worked better. The Colbert Report gradually evolved from mockery to an effective tool for social change. Now, don't worry, it's still hilarious but this book feels more substantial.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book had me giggling and obnoxiously telling family at Christmas what I was laughing at, I lost interest about halfway through. The writing style, while amusing, critiques American society to some extent but then leaves you mostly unfulfilled as it never quite drives the point home. I know, I know, it's satire; it's only meant to make you think! I simply felt that much of this book pointed out obvious flaws in American or other contemporary societies' rhetoric (immigrants bad! guns good!) while never truly criticizing anything. That being said, this book had me laughing out loud at times, and if you leave it in the bathroom this book may prove to be a solid read. Ultimately, however, as a lover of Stephen Colbert's show, I have to say that reading the book left something to be desired; namely, the opinion of whoever he would be interviewing.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 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.

[Poit Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book when I got tired of elijah wood saying the n word on another audiobook. This was a great listen. Very poignant and I will definetly listen again. Fun and really quick!

[Israel Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I have to say is the " Mrs Haversham shit brownies at the bake sale," analogy was one of the most cogent, true and hilarious analysis of the housing bubble burst I've seen in print to date.

[Book2Dragon · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF--not so much the content as the layout of the book and eyes that cannot read red print and size 5 fonts.

[Stina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do so adore Stephen Colbert. Jon Stewart is good, too, but Colbert's satire has a sharper edge to it, cutting deeply and swiftly to the core of an issue, whereas Stewart is more of a blunt instrument, hammering away at his ideological opponents. Anyway, my point is that Stephen Colbert is quite possibly the most brilliant satirist of our time. So of course I enjoyed this book thoroughly. He addresses current political hot potatoes very effectively, all while snarking in the background about American exceptionalism, which has indeed gotten out of hand.

It's hard to imagine anybody not liking this book, but I know full well that there are people who are completely immune to wisdom and insight, even when it's sneaked in, disguised as comedy. I think the only reason I'm giving this only four stars is that Colbert sometimes gets sillier than usual, which makes it easier for his critics to dismiss what he's saying. Really, this is more of a 4.5 rating. I wish GoodReads allowed for half-stars. I would certainly recommend this to any Stephen Colbert fan and most Jon Stewart fans, but I would also suggest it to anybody with an interest in political humor.

[Adam Bender · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, the audio-book version of this is totally worth it. Colbert reads it all himself, and even puts on some some crazy accents for the "My Turn" sections (allegedly written by real people).

But is it funny? Well, do you think Stephen Colbert is funny? You do? Then yes. Yes it is. The best part for me is how current the topics are. You get chapters on jobs, healthcare, elections and Wall Street -- everything that Obama and Romney love to fight over!