alliebookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Kevin Bleyer has meticulously researched every aspect of the Constitution and its founding fathers so we don't have to. He explains everything really well, both past and present, and helps you understand what our founding fathers might have intended and what the Constitution means today. There were many times where strangers looked at me funny on the train because I was snorting and giggling while reading it. Although he occasionally gets bogged down in the research, I still highly recommend it.
meganmreads's review against another edition
3.0
I won this book via Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.
When I first saw this book listed on Goodreads, I was curious. After all, most Americans love the Constitution (well the ones who know what it says, anyway). It’s the oldest constitution around, which is something to be proud of. So how can there be room for improvement?
What I didn’t know until receiving this in the mail was that Bleyer is a writer for The Daily Show. With that being said, this book was fun, funny, educational, and entertaining, so it does not disappoint. It wasn’t really scholarly or critical (which is the fun part). Bleyer didn’t necessarily rewrite the Constitution. He just kind of used the foundation and remodeled it, like you would with a house. When you’re done, it’s still the same house, only better. He didn’t knock it down and build a new one. I suppose Rewrite should be changed to Edit in the title.
I loved the backstory about the Founding Fathers and their quest to write our Constitution. I loved the insight into their characters and motives (and drinking habits). Instead of being a boring swipe with red ink on the document, this book was interesting and written in a way that makes history fun. My advice to other readers is NOT to skip parts. Because you’ll be off telling your buddy some story about George Washington being a British spy without realizing in the next paragraph, Bleyer sets the record straight. He introduces outrageous rumors only to knock them down after we’re thoroughly shocked and entertained by them. How clever. So if anyone you know comes at your with hysterical stories about the Founding Fathers, you can deduce quickly that they are skimmers and not readers. =)
This book satisfied my curiosity and was enjoyable and I’d certainly recommend it to others looking for a fun, but still thought provoking book. However, I would not recommend this to scholarly people looking for a truly deep analysis of what may be wrong with the Constitution. Because of this, my rating was reduced to a 3. It’s fun, sure, and it’s even educational. But I can’t take it seriously and the nerd in me wanted a book that was a bit more serious. If there are indeed problems, it’s a serious matter to both address and fix them. Some of Bleyer’s changes were serious, others… not so much.
If you are curious about what one man, especially a humorous one, might do to improve our Constitution, definitely read this book. You’ll enjoy this. Well, unless you love Rhode Island or Nebraska. In that case, you may be offended!
Overall, this book is a fun way to think about our system of government and learn a little something about the people that created it.
http://meganm922.blogspot.com/2012/04/me-people-one-mans-selfless-quest-to.html
When I first saw this book listed on Goodreads, I was curious. After all, most Americans love the Constitution (well the ones who know what it says, anyway). It’s the oldest constitution around, which is something to be proud of. So how can there be room for improvement?
What I didn’t know until receiving this in the mail was that Bleyer is a writer for The Daily Show. With that being said, this book was fun, funny, educational, and entertaining, so it does not disappoint. It wasn’t really scholarly or critical (which is the fun part). Bleyer didn’t necessarily rewrite the Constitution. He just kind of used the foundation and remodeled it, like you would with a house. When you’re done, it’s still the same house, only better. He didn’t knock it down and build a new one. I suppose Rewrite should be changed to Edit in the title.
I loved the backstory about the Founding Fathers and their quest to write our Constitution. I loved the insight into their characters and motives (and drinking habits). Instead of being a boring swipe with red ink on the document, this book was interesting and written in a way that makes history fun. My advice to other readers is NOT to skip parts. Because you’ll be off telling your buddy some story about George Washington being a British spy without realizing in the next paragraph, Bleyer sets the record straight. He introduces outrageous rumors only to knock them down after we’re thoroughly shocked and entertained by them. How clever. So if anyone you know comes at your with hysterical stories about the Founding Fathers, you can deduce quickly that they are skimmers and not readers. =)
This book satisfied my curiosity and was enjoyable and I’d certainly recommend it to others looking for a fun, but still thought provoking book. However, I would not recommend this to scholarly people looking for a truly deep analysis of what may be wrong with the Constitution. Because of this, my rating was reduced to a 3. It’s fun, sure, and it’s even educational. But I can’t take it seriously and the nerd in me wanted a book that was a bit more serious. If there are indeed problems, it’s a serious matter to both address and fix them. Some of Bleyer’s changes were serious, others… not so much.
If you are curious about what one man, especially a humorous one, might do to improve our Constitution, definitely read this book. You’ll enjoy this. Well, unless you love Rhode Island or Nebraska. In that case, you may be offended!
Overall, this book is a fun way to think about our system of government and learn a little something about the people that created it.
http://meganm922.blogspot.com/2012/04/me-people-one-mans-selfless-quest-to.html
rseelig's review against another edition
2.0
I was hoping for a bigger, funnier, constitutional re-write. The changes were around the edges, even at his Rhode Island-hating funniest. Pro: picking on RI instead of Vermont.
mollyfischfriedman's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a hilarious discussion of all of the silly things about the Constitution, and also the silly things about our history as a country. There are quite a few running jokes throughout the book, which makes it even more enjoyable. The whole book was a lot of fun.
veloverso's review against another edition
3.0
Historical and humorous, though I didn't find it laugh-out-loud funny. It's an enjoyable way to brush up on Constitutional history and the Bill of Rights, and Bleyer uses clever titles for his chapters ("Yes, Virginia, There is a Supremacy Clause"). Some interesting trivia tidbits here too; James Madison wanted to create a post for a Secretary of Beer, and Thomas Jefferson thought the Constitution should be re-written every 19 years. A fun and engaging read for the election season...
librarylapin's review against another edition
3.0
This book had some fun historical facts about the constitution. Kevin Bleyer is funny at times but his humor got pretty stale and the book dragged on at the end of the book.
luvbug7554's review against another edition
4.0
A funny in depth point by point, nearly line by line examination of the Constitution. Written by a liberal comedian, the personality of the author shows through the whole book. Amusing AND educational. I like it.
aloyokon's review against another edition
3.0
Not the funniest jokes I've ever heard, but a useful way to point out the interesting tidbits and flaws in the highest law of the land. This would be useful reading for any high school civics class.
metchap's review against another edition
3.0
More of a comedy rather than a real political discussion. No doubt the history is well researched but the conclusions are for laughs not for thought.
sehixson's review against another edition
1.0
First, the good: The idea behind this book, that the Constitution needs revisiting is one with merit. As Bleyer points out, many of the Founders (notably Jefferson) thought it should be done with regularity (and throughout US history, people such as Lysander Spooner have pointed out the wisdom of that idea). Bleyer also includes lots of great anecdotes - many about the Founders that aren't usually known outside history-geek circles as well as some about living people that are highly entertaining. I personally loved his lunch with Justice Scalia - wish I could do the same! Also, in the beginning of the book, Bleyer is remarkably even handed politically - something quite rare these days!
However, as the book goes on, Bleyer's politics become increasingly apparent - by the amendments, there is no longer any attempt at even-handedness. Throughout the book, what is constant is an "I'm better and smarter than you" attitude that is exactly why I can't stand many contemporary comedians and pundits. By the end of the first chapter, I as a reader felt alienated by the author's attitude - and though the ego was presented as a source of humor, it wasn't amusing and by the end of the book, felt increasingly less satiric.
However, as the book goes on, Bleyer's politics become increasingly apparent - by the amendments, there is no longer any attempt at even-handedness. Throughout the book, what is constant is an "I'm better and smarter than you" attitude that is exactly why I can't stand many contemporary comedians and pundits. By the end of the first chapter, I as a reader felt alienated by the author's attitude - and though the ego was presented as a source of humor, it wasn't amusing and by the end of the book, felt increasingly less satiric.