One sentence summary
Stephen Colbert’s “America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren’t” is humorous yet insightful look at the last century of American history and culture.
Book genre
Non-Fiction, Humorous Political Commentary.
Main topic of the book
The main topic of the book is to explore the American identity and how it has changed since the beginning of the 20th century.
Key ideas
- Humorous look at how our current culture and identity reflects the America of the past.
- Discusses the contemporary issues of America, from politics to the economy to social media.
- Focuses on how the American dream has evolved.
Main parts of the book and a short summary
Part I: Declaration of Dependence
The first section of the book is a historical overview of America and how it has evolved from its earliest origins to the present day. Through stories, infographics and anecdotes, Colbert shows how the myth of America is a combination of ideals, optimism and hard work.
Part II: How We Do It
This section of the book takes a closer look at the people who have shaped the American dream and how they are using their success to make a difference in their communities.
Part III: Post-Rapture Edit
The author looks to the future and how America can continue to grow and innovate. This section focuses on the need to embrace the modern culture and technology while preserving the values and ideas of the past.
Key takeaways
- A humorous, yet thought-provoking, look at the history, culture and identity of America.
- Explores how the American dream has evolved.
- Highlights the contributions of ordinary people who have helped build a better future.
- Encourages readers to embrace the modern times while holding onto the values of the past.
Author’s background and qualifications
Stephen Colbert is a well-known comedian, writer, producer, actor and political commentator. He is the host of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”, a nightly comedy show on CBS. He is also the New York Times best-selling author of “America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren’t”.
Target audience
The book is tailored to Americans of all ages, primarily those interested in American history and culture.
Publisher and first publication date
The book was first published by Grand Central Publishing in 2012.