Re-Becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't

     In Stephen Colbert's new book, America Again: Re-Becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't, a fantastically hilarious tale is spun from the genius that is the mind of Mr. Colbert.  Based on my own accounts, I measured an average of three hearty laughs per page.  From the time of the pilgrims to the "end of the country" (Obama's presidency), Mr. Colbert revels in the greatness that America is, was, and will be.  While this book is comical in nature and made for primarily for laughs, there is a deeper message in this book.  Despite what most pompous, traditionalist, critics might say, Colbert is more than just a bystander making fun of others misdeeds and hard work of others.
     Pictures are worth a thousand words.  If this was the case, this book would rival Merriam-Webster in word count.  The book does lack in a story line, which surprisingly enough is not missed.  The book tells more short stories and careful observations which are paired surprisingly well with pictures.  To improve the comedic effect the book has, Mr. Colbert has included a free pair of 3-D glasses.  What the book does well with pictures, it also does poorly.  Opening the book and having a pair of standard issue, sweat shop made 3-D glasses pop out at you seems exciting at first, but the exciting dwindles as the lack of 3-D pictures to use your glasses on dwindles to an onslaught of regular 2-D pictures.  While still hilarious, the 2-D pictures lack the gusto and suaveness that the 3-D pictures had in abundance.  The book makes great use of Colbert's cynical and sarcastic attitude towards most of the world, but it shows more of his personal side and bit of his life story in a way that seems sincere.
     His message is one that is sorely needed in America today: We are still great.  We are still looked up to in this world.  During these last few years, the moral of America has decreased.  A terrorist attack, Two wars, and and economic depression later, we are still standing.  We have survived some of the worst conditions America has suffered.  We have, for the most part made it.  And for this, we are great. Mr. Colbert reminds us of this.  He wants America to remember what she is and what she stands for.  Appealing to the hopefulness inside all of us, Mr. Colbert makes us laugh while reminding us that we are great, and that making it through the dark leads us to the light.

     The book's main principle is to make us laugh.  Mr. Colbert reminds us how to laugh at ourselves, humbling us on the path of greatness.  Geared towards the American populace, Mr. Colbert does an amazing job of writing a book everyone can laugh with and understand.  While not the most difficult read, it is certainly worth reading, if not for the hope it inspires, than forn the comedic genius.  Overall, a work of art in my opinion, beautifully blending comedy and a deeper message that inspires one to do more than watch the "Colbert Report." I rate this book 3 hearty laughs out of 3 hearty laughs.