A fun and thought-provoking romp through politics and popular culture.
The loudly outspoken comedian and actor’s latest book is sure to offend some readers, but many more will find plenty of food for thought while also getting in a good laugh.
Leary (Denis Leary's Merry F#%$in' Christmas, 2012, etc.) opens with a disclaimer for those “Sensitive Readers,” whose sensibilities may be offended by the strong language and sharp wit. Readers willing to wade into the author’s truthful, occasionally raunchy account of the current state of affairs in America will not be disappointed. Few escape Leary’s penetrating gaze. In this lively antidote to the more serious tomes tackling the current state of affairs, the author takes nearly everyone to task for their particular stance or prejudice in this. His take on the Electoral College is spot-on, as are his many rants about Democrats and Republicans alike. “Trump promised to drain the swamp. He didn’t. He just filled it up to overflowing with his rich friends and family members,” writes Leary. “Just like Hillary would have done. And each tribe still drenches our electronic devices on a weekly basis, continuing the political turmoil with ridiculous partisan bullshit.” The proliferation of guns, our TV-and-celebrity–soaked culture, the pharmaceutical industry, religion, white supremacy: all come under the author’s scrutiny, with often hilarious, albeit sometimes-scattered results. Leary’s ribbing of social media, complete with fake tweets from famous individuals, is particularly amusing. He also devotes space to praise those individuals who have made a difference in his life and the wider world. While Leary offers up strong quips aimed straight at millennials, the author concedes that although it may be difficult to pass the torch to the next generation, it should be a time for hope. “From every angle one can ogle,” he writes, “you guys seem to have an enormous grasp on science, math, business, and the arts. A constant flow of ingenious ideas and outstanding execution. Not to mention talent.”
A fun and thought-provoking romp through politics and popular culture.Pub Date: Oct. 24, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-5247-6273-5
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Crown Archetype
Review Posted Online: Aug. 28, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2017
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis...
Privately published by Strunk of Cornell in 1918 and revised by his student E. B. White in 1959, that "little book" is back again with more White updatings.
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis (whoops — "A bankrupt expression") a unique guide (which means "without like or equal").Pub Date: May 15, 1972
ISBN: 0205632645
Page Count: 105
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1972
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
