"The ... host of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher has written his funniest, most opinionated, and most necessary book ever--a brilliantly astute and acerbically funny vivisection of American life, politics, and culture ... The book was inspired by the 'editorial' Bill delivers at the end of each episode of Real Time. These editorials are direct-to-camera sermons about culture, politics, and what's happening in the world. To put this book together, Maher reviewed more than a decade of his editorials, rewriting, reimagining, and updating them, and adding new material to speak exactly to the moment we're in. Free speech, cops, drugs, race, religion, the generations, cancel culture, the parties, the media, show biz, romance, health"--
Reviews with the most likes.
I'm just a casual Bill Maher watcher. I don't watch his show very much, so a lot of the stuff in the book was new to me or I hadn't heard before. I agree with some of his points, and disagree with others, but I respect his right to say it and appreciate him for standing up for what he believes in.
If you are not a Bill Maher fan, this won't make you one. If you are familiar with his work, and you are willing to listen to some viewpoints that may not completely align with yours, this can be an interesting read. There's definitely some “back in my day” old man energy going on, so some of his points are hard to take seriously because of that. But I think he has important and necessary viewpoints on things like cancel culture, the environment, Israel, and the Democratic movement.
I recommend listening to this on audiobook since Bill Maher narrates.
Bill Maher is known for his sharp wit and biting humor, qualities that make his weekly television appearances a hit. However, in “What This Comedian Said Will Shock You,” these same traits don't always translate well to the written word. The book feels like an extended monologue that might be better consumed in smaller, more digestible doses rather than all at once.
Maher's humor, which is often cutting and incisive, sometimes shows signs of wear in this format. Jokes that might land perfectly in a live setting can feel tired and a bit of a stretch on the page, as if they needed more workshopping. His points, while often valid, can come off as cheap shots rather than well-constructed arguments.
At times, Maher's tone veers into the realm of whining and complaining, making the reader question what he is actually doing to address the issues he so frequently discusses. Is talking about it enough? Perhaps it is, but the book makes you wonder if action should accompany the rhetoric.
One of the larger questions the book raises is whether Maher's audience—those who need to hear his points—are actually listening. His arguments are well-crafted and his points well taken, but it leaves you pondering if the people who most need to hear and act on them are engaged, or if they're merely entertained.
In conclusion, “What This Comedian Said Will Shock You” is an interesting read, but perhaps best consumed in small doses. Maher's humor and insights are sharp, but sometimes they need a bit more refinement and less repetition. If you're a fan of his weekly show, you might find the same enjoyment in the book, but it may also leave you wanting the concise punch of his televised format.
