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
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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