What do You think about Naked Pictures Of Famous People (1999)?
This collection from 1998 will be disappointing for most of Stewart's fans (I am one). The first story is a pretty good dissection of the Kennedy family mythos which nicely demonstrates Stewart's raunchy-but-good-natured wit. Unfortunately, the rest of the book is pretty pointless: juvenile, facile, and rarely funny. The stories seem to grope toward satire, but with neither the deserving targets nor the clear moral point of view that make the Daily Show so sharp, articulate, and entertaining. The result falls somewhere between Woody Allen at his silliest and the wise-ass fifteen-year-old that Jon Stewart presumably once was.I found this book interesting to read, but only because it captures Jon Stewart at a turning point in his creative life, as he began to mature from a good stand-up comic and so-so talk show host into the accomplished social critic and satirist he has become. This book is mostly a series of misguided attempts, but luckily for us he started figuring out what to do soon after it was published.
—Jonathan
From "The Cult""I imagine myself as the persuasive leader of a messianic cult. Somewhat of a stretch considering I have yet to be able to sell off a box of Amway products I ordered in 1986. Still, would I have the strength? Would I be able to overcome my fear of death, zealous crowds and death by zealous crowds? Would I be able to keep a straight face as I took command of people's lives with rhetoric I thought of when I was high? Would I understand the intricacies of forming a tax-exempt organization? The uncertainty of the new millennium will create unprecedented opportunity in the field of messianic leaders. Will I be up to the challenge?" -John StewartSimply stated: John Stewart is brilliant. What more can you say about this book? For any fans of his previous book America or of his TV news show "The Daily Show," Naked Pictures of Famous People is a must read. This book is a collection of 19 essays in which Stewart's humor and wit shine bright and clear. On the back of this book it states:"Brutally witty....Naked Pictures reveals a basic truth: You've got to be smart to be a smart ass." -Entertainment Weekly. Stewart easily completes the prerequisite.Yes, some of these essays are better than others; some pick harder at American hypocrisy--but all share one undeniable common denominator: they're damn funny.Essays within include "A Very Hanson Christmas," "The New Judaism," "The Devil and William Gates," "Adolf Hitler: The Larry King Interview," and "Microsoft Word '98 Suggested Spelling and Usage." This book is a laugh out loud funny collection from teh brilliant sarcastic man we all love to get our news from. John Stewart for president.
—Bethany Andrews
Jon Stewart, or Daily Show fame, writes a side splitting collection of essays, dialogues, letters, narratives, and recipes. He covers topics ranging from cult leaders to the Hanson family. From the controversies and devotion surrounding the Kennedy family to the re- tooling of Judaism. Stewart uses the full range of his wit in "Naked Pictures". For the most part, Stewart delivers tight and hysterical humor writing. He lags in some places, like the section on Da-Vinci's lost note book. Also the opening segment on the Kennedy's takes a bit to get into. But mostly hes brilliantly funny. "Gerald R Ford remains the only living president to appear in Disneyland hall of presidents, as himself. four days a week, two shows a day, with three weeks off in winter"(Stewart 20). His writing is basic. As one might expect. This basic language does not take away from humor And his insight into various aspects of culture. Its a quick and enjoyable read. Stewart tackles heavy and complex subjects with a light touch, Disregarding the complexity without patronizing the reader or the subject at hand. And hopefully with his impending retirement he will put out more works such as this.
—Collin Seksinsky
