The mock right-wing pundit that shoots from his gut does not translate well to the page. The margin notes evoke “The Word” segment on “The Colbert Report.” Disappointingly, the chapters in general have more misses than hits, and plenty of flubs. The “Stephen Speaks for Me,” and “Fun Zone” sections, as well as the three segments from Colbert’s life as well as many of the margin notes are entertaining. Rather, it is boring, slow, and unentertaining.

Unfortunately, “I Am America” is missing those elements that would make it consistently funny. Read aloud it does become more entertaining. This is not a book meant to be read cover-to-cover, nor to oneself. The material would be excellent for the show, but without Colbert’s delivery it feels forced, fake and sometimes offensive. However, it’s soon after this auspicious beginning that the book falls flat. The section entitled, “How to Read This Book” is also entertaining, in which readers are told: “No image of me should ever be removed from this book for any purpose, including but not exclusively: book reports, decorating walls or placing in your wallet to imply our friendship.” The introduction is promising enough, offering up such gems as “I deliver my Truth hot and hard. So begins Stephen Colbert’s “I Am America (And So Can You!)” This satirical book is written in the vein of “The Colbert Report” and follows in Jon Stewart’s footsteps, evoking “America (The Book)” by “The Daily Show” team.Ĭolbert’s effort misses the element of humor that is present in “The Colbert Report”, “The Daily Show”, and “America.”

“I want you to know that this is the first book I’ve ever written, and I hope it’s the first book you’ve ever read.”

I Am America by Stephen Colbert