The Big Picture: An American Commentary

by A. Whitney Brown

The author's caustic observations provide a witty look at George Bush, the Berlin Wall, and other events and personalities

Genres: Humor, Politics, Essays

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Alan Whitney Brown is a comedian best known for work on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s, where he frequently appeared on the "Weekend Update" segment with Dennis Miller. Brown was also a founding writer on The Daily Show.

Reviews

[J.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoyed Brown's insightful and hilarious political commentaries on Saturday Night Live and so this book was like pure catnip for me as it continues the wonderful dry wit that was always on display on the show. Reading this book I can almost imagine him saying these words on some show somewhere. Such a shame that he no longer has such a venue and reading this book makes me wish he'd write a follow-up.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved this book for years. I did a recent re-dive into it, because I'm giving it to a friend, and I found it just as charming and engaging as when I originally read it. Its political commentary is now somewhat "dated," of course, particularly given the more recent explosions of stupidity in current American politics, and yet maybe not so dated for all that -- a lot of the insights still hold.

[Flan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish he was still writing. A laugh out loud book.

[Práxedes Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review, and the five-star rating that accompanies it, is totally biased.

I have adored Brown's satirical wit since his time on Saturday Night Live. The timbre and cadence of his voice are distinctly peculiar, which enhanced his on-air presentations. I had no idea they would transfer so well to the print medium!

His insights from the late 1980's still apply today, which is further proof that the more things change, the more they stay the same. He is unmerciful with those in government who are in a perpetual chase for power --but in a funny, not implacable way.

If you liked him in SNL, you will love his book. And that, my friends, is the Big Picture.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Big Picture: An American Commentary wasn't quite what I expected when I picked up this book. Having been written by a former writer and Weekend Update guest from Saturday Night Live, I expected a little behind the scenes history of the series and the cast. But, this was a straight up political commentary on the world as it was in 1991. So, if you're looking for SNL history, I'd pass on this. But, if you enjoy biting social commentary from the end of the Reagan and HW Bush eras, then you'd likely enjoy it.