America, the Owner’s Manual: Making Government Work for You

Written by Bob Graham and Chris Hand

Senator Bob Graham is brought on to the show to tell Steve that he in fact did not ever get briefed by the C.I.A. about water boarding and advanced torture techniques they may be employing.  This was in response to Nancy Pelosi denying the same accusations. In true Colbert fashion, Steve pokes a little fun at Bob and his use of a diary and becomes the devils advocate in response to Bobs alibi about the C.I.A. briefings.

Air Date : May 20, 2009 (Clip on HULU)

Dumb Money: How Our Greatest Financial Minds Bankrupted the Nation

Written by Daniel Gross

Daniel Gross is an author whom specializes in business history.  He states “To save the economy, we need to stop saving”. In this book he describes in detail many of the follies that the people of the United States are committing and often times how they were urged upon us by our government.  One of the strongest cases he puts forth is our use of the savings system in relation to idle funds and poor utilization of retirement account savings. Steve stops Dan short when he attempts to put some blame on the Bush administration, it’s the everlasting hard-core republican in him he loves to bring out.

Air Date : April 29, 2009 (Clip on HULU)

Oh, Johnny: A Novel

Written by Jim Lehrer

Jim Lehrer’s 19 book he has authored all while being a high profile news reporter.  This book is about an 18 year old kid from Maryland who runs off to fight the Japanese in 1944 during World War 2.  This book is noted as the first book in which Jim writes about a sex scene, reviewed as being an elementary account, nonetheless entertaining and comedic. Steve asks why he would take so long to write a sex scene and Jim responds in kind stating that he firmly believes in research.  Touted as a great story about life and youthfulness.

Air Date : April 15, 2009 (Clip on HULU)

The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Define and Inspire Our Country

Written by Howard Fineman

Howard Fineman points out an excellent point with this book about how Democracy in America is supposed to work. Stating that for our country and government to work properly we need to argue more, not less. The topic of this book reminds me of the way Obama is beginning to mix up political views within party lines, by asking people to throw the facts on the table and debate until their hair falls out.  He expands on this idea by pointing out the extreme and unfavorable side of debate, our American Civil War.  Furthermore, he believes that people need to see the humanity in what they are debating, allowing for an acceptable means to keep our Democracy alive.

Air Date: March 11, 2009 (Clip on HULU)

The Graveyard Book

Written by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman writes a wonderful book that has grabbed the attention of readers from young to less-young.  He states simply that the moral of the book could be said to be that “Life is Worth Living”, and “Sometimes you need to leave your childhood behind and get on with your life”.  Steve jibes back asking if there is a danger that children will stop being afraid of graveyards. Neil takes hits from Steve easier than ever and is really able to bring across the message and content of his book in confidence.

Air Date : March 16, 2009 (Clip on HULU)

Strapped: Why America’s 20- and 30-Somethings Can’t Get Ahead

Written by Tamara Draut

A well written book about a very relatable topic in today’s economy. Steven brings her in to talk about the practices of credit card companies amidst the upcoming government regulation of the credit card industry. Tamara has evaluated and done her research well, uncovering some shocking information such as this quote from her book, “Today’s college grads are making less than the college grads of thirty years ago.” Her book goes into the complexity of the job market, costs of living, and the treacheries of credit card debt.

Air Date : May, 11 2009 (Clip on HULU)

Lost in the Meritocracy: The Undereducation of an Overachiever

Written by Walter Kirn

Walter Kirn authors a book about the current state of education in America.  He takes an out of the box view on the way we educate our selves and slowly picks it apart to deduct that “people who are very good at crossword puzzles end up running the country, and fail”.  Furthermore, the present system of meritocracy doesn’t reward depth, only simple reciting and the regurgitation of facts.  Walter goes back and forth with Steve, as he is very forthcoming with his Princeton education, and their conversation ends up being quite revealing as to what his book might be about.

Air Date : May 19, 2009 (Clip on HULU)

Popularity: 33% [?]