Reviews

Author and reader Moore, better known for his film Roger & Me (1989) and the television series TV Nation, manages to offend just about everyone in this sarcastic look at present-day America. As timely as today's headlines, Moore's attacks on downsizing, NAFTA, corporate greed, industrial tax abatement, welfare, race relations, the Clintons, the Doles, and Perot are insightful and perhaps inciting. For example, why shouldn't nonwhite Angelinos burn Beverly Hills, he posits, in commemoration of the riots of several years ago? Moore's view of life in these United States is humorous, of course, but not exactly funny. The twin sources of despair for the American worker are clearly identified as corporate arrogance and spineless politicians. Moore's observations seem well researched, his arguments persuasive, and his proposed solutions radical, ranging from the bold to the preposterous. Recommended for nonfiction collections.‘Cliff Glaviano, Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., Ohio

Moore, whose documentary film Roger & Me and television series TV Nation have a strong cult following, takes on corporations, politicians and Americana in general in a mordant satire that will leave both conservatives and liberals reeling with embarrassment. Moore tears into corporations and labor unions alike. Citing "economic terrorism," he goes after the "Big Welfare Mamas"‘the CEOs‘detailing their cozy tax deals with federal and local government, which have added to the deficit. He attacks the unions in "Why Are Union Leaders So F#!@ing Stupid," citing how they have collaborated with corporations (while taking huge salaries) to slash jobs from their own memberships. No one is immune; Moore scrutinizes the President, Bob Dole, NAFTA, Cuban refugees and Pat Buchanan. A scathing, funny book packed with facts, it will appeal to those who loved Al Franken's Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot. Photos. Major ad/promo; author tour. (Sept.)