Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Dave Barry Slept Here: A Sort of History of the United States, by Dave Barry

*****

Man, I love this book. Dave Barry is consistently hilarious, but this book is especially brilliant. I don't know that much about history, but the more I learn, the funnier this book becomes. I've always appreciated Barry's even-handed political satire--no one is safe. If you behave ridiculously, you will be made to look ridiculous. And when it comes to this particular book, not even the reader is safe from Barry's insightful criticism.

It's an easy read, and a fun one, but there's probably wisdom in pacing yourself. Barry's writing can seem a little manic if read in longer sessions, and you may miss some of the more subtle jokes.

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