Of Thee I Zing: America's Cultural Decline From Muffin Tops To Body Shots (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
My eye was caught by the cover of this book. I must say, the first half was phenomenal. I agree with her position toward parenting, lack of respect in our generation, celebrities, and the education system. However, half way through the book I felt as if Laura Ingraham was just finding random situations prevalent in our society and picking on them. For an example, I completely agree that if an individual has their desktop hooked up in Starbucks, it is uncalled for. On the other hand, I do not think it is ill-mannered in the least bit to use a laptop quietly. After all, it is a coffee-shop, and if I'm paying $6 (also agree) for a cup of coffee, I damn sure better be allowed to use my laptop. But on a serious note, the more technological advances the U.S. has, the more technology you will see. Duh. The last half of the book lost my interest and made me a bit antsy, as I say again I feel like she ran out of thing to ridicule and say was a part of the cultural decline. Overall, great satirical read, just one-sided and uncomfortable in some parts. Especially for those who support President Obama. Man, were there a lot of negative things attached to him. I liked the idea of a less serious book about American culture that goes beyond the politics. Laura Ingraham had the right idea, focused on the right cultural details, and had the right style in mind; but I felt the writing could have been executed a little better."Of Thee I Zing" is an attempt at pointing fun at the "decline" of American culture, but ends up sounding like a long rant. The book has its moments, but that's just the point: laughs are few and far in between. For a book dedicated to arousing laughter in readers, I would have expected more enjoyment from this book.Ms. Ingraham tells it directly how it is in many cases, but I feel she goes overboard in some instances where the cultural "problem" isn't a problem at all. Some of the jokes she makes are tasteless (such as poking fun at new college graduates who move back in with their parents, which isn't hard to imagine in this economy). On the other hand, some of her jokes are funny and true (like making fun of people who substitute real social interactions with Facebook), which is the part of the book I enjoyed.If you're looking for a book to give you some laughs, I would pass this one over. While I personally believe Ms. Ingraham is a great talk show host, she should stick to political commentary and leave the comedy-writing to others.
What do You think about Of Thee I Zing: America's Cultural Decline From Muffin Tops To Body Shots (2011)?
Jumps around a bit. Good laughs and some solid truths.
—Shravi
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of fun!!!
—cutecypress09
