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libeerian's review against another edition
3.0
There are some humorous moments, but it doesn't come close to doing what the title claims. (I initially picked this up thinking it was non-fiction, but quickly realized that was not the case.) The book tries to create a larger message in the end, but most of the book is just the two main characters bickering at each other. The reader doesn't see most of their interactions with other people, so it's really just a tongue-in-cheek satire of liberals rather than an examination of societal inequities.
pammoore's review against another edition
5.0
If The New Yorker comics, Portlandia, and mcsweeneys had a baby it would be this book. It was hilarious. The perfect gift for the liberal elitist in your life.
anjumstar's review against another edition
3.0
While I found a lot of the anxious rants that Alex went on highly relatable, this book was, in many ways, untouchably over the top. I understand heightened dialogue in fiction being a thing, but as a very liberal person myself among almost exclusively radical liberal folk, I've never, ever heard anyone spout stuff like the things these two characters did. Yeah, the jokes using various liberal people and things in the place of God were funny, and effective despite the fact that I can't imagine someone actually speaking like that. But the way the characters rattled off every supposed climate-minded purchase/decision they were making in everyday conversation felt hollow. Especially since so many of these things are much more complicated than they seem from a climate perspective. Of course, with Alex and Michael being the only 2 real verbal characters, there exists no one to call them out when they're being overly simplistic, and I can get that as kind of a snapshot, slice of life conceit of the book, but it was off-putting to me as a real liberal person trying to navigate these decisions myself. The characters were interestingly critical of each other, but not very critical of themselves outside of Alex feeling like she wasn't doing enough, which, of course, we all feel that way and it was very relatable. But yeah, I don't know, if I saw their instagram page I'd probably gag with how performative it all seemed. There were moments I enjoyed but I'm not sure exactly what we were meant to get out of this book. The characters didn't seem sure either, so maybe that was the point. I did enjoy it, don't get me wrong. But I'd be hesitant about recommending it to someone else.
sizrobe's review against another edition
5.0
Great self-satire about a leftist millennial couple who decide to travel across the country visiting the contenders for "world's largest frying pan," documenting the entire affair on Instagram. It's worth noting that these people are completely intolerable, the kinds of people who say things like "hashtag blessed" out loud, but I guess that's a sign of how right on the nose the parody is.
in2reading's review against another edition
3.0
Sarcastic, snarky and well intentioned, at least if one is of the liberal persuasion. The authors are able to poke fun at their liberal selves. I was a little weary of the story by the end, but I applaud the attempt.
quirkychrissy's review against another edition
5.0
This book. You guys. This freaking book. It was everything I needed right now. When the world is imploding with political nonsense, this smart read is here to remind us that the world doesn't always make sense...Alex and Michael are on an epic journey to uncover how we got here, and in the process, explore the absurdities of America, even the ones that came before Trump. The hilarious and clever writing of Elly Lonon, based on her brilliant McSweeney's column, and the incredible and witty art of Joan Reilly come together to make us laugh while examining what exactly happened in this country, but more importantly, what comes next. You'll want to read it multiple times just to catch all the references, both written and visual. I laughed so hard and loved finding little nods throughout the book. Everyone should read this magic.
booksavor's review
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lauraglu's review against another edition
3.0
Based on the first few pages I was hoping for more. The jokes got old after a couple chapters.
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