New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer

by Bill Maher

Book Overview

Bill Maher is on the forefront of the new wave of comedians who have begun to influence and shape political debate through their comedy. He is best known not just for being funny, but for advocating... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594862958
• Release Date: July 2005
• Publisher: Rodale Books
• Length: 230 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.9" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

New Rules, Rules!

Bill Maher, ascerbic comedian, claims that we all lived by rules, even if the rules were just "Stay off the grass," or "Don't Feed the Ducks." So, new rules becomes his signature before each witticism. For example, according to Maher, the best way for terrorism to be defeated is to ensure that the terrorists all receive plenty of sex. He suggests, "New rule: We need to mobilize two divisions of skanks,... a brigade of girls who just can't say no--all under the command of Colonel Ann Coulter, who'll be dressed in her Ilsa, She-Wolf of the S.S. uniform. Girls, there's a cure for terrorism and your...it." Such comedic salvos are pithy, creative, and irreverent. Maher's language is often salty, and everyone and everything is grist for his mill. Although decidedly anti-Bush, he takes potshots at democrats alike, and most importantly, at himself. "... Something is very wrong when the only one fired over terrorism is me." (Too many times people turned their attention toward me to find out why I suddenly laughed out loud). It would help the reader to have already heard Maher's voice and delivery. It might give each joke more impact. Nevertheless, this man's star is on the rise, and so is his book. "New Rules," rules!

Laugh-out-loud hilarious

The above reviewers have it right. This books is absolutely hysterical. From jabs at the hyprocisy of the neocons ("to conversative women out there who oppose stem cell reserach...put your cervix where your mouth is") to bridging the gap between the Red and Blue states ("Spice rack, meet gun rack. Drinks bottled water, meet drinks from the garden hose.") to celebrities' take on the war on Iraq ("Britney Spears says we must support the president no matter what. Someone needs to die for that.") this in vintage Maher. On point, insighful, and above all, hilarious.

MUST READ

A book about very random observations on life today. Bill Maher, a famous comedian known for his political humor , and his very blunt way of expressing them. Maher is famous for his HBO show "Real Time with Bill Maher", and it's famous ending New Rules. This is where the concept of the book came from. He took the best of his New Rules segments, and one's that never made it on air. With these rules Maher takes aim at serious issues ranging from cell phones to McDonald's in hospitals. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys political humor and is always looking for a laugh. This book is an easy read. It is great for people that have short attention spans, like me. It jumps from subject to subject organized alphabetically and that is the only way that is organized. Maher is very creative when thinking of the correct way of convey what he is thinking and is hilarious in the process. For example "New Rule- Enough with the "for dummies" series. The last straw was this week when I say NASCAR for dummies. Let me save you the $12.99. It's rednecks drinking beer and watching other rednecks turn left." I have to utmost respect for Bill Maher. He is a comedic genious and does not get the amount of possitive feedback that he diserves. I find it refreshing listening to his views and the bold way that he conveys it. He doesn't care about the consequences, he cares about the message taht it sends. If you get one thing from this review it should be to but this book. DO NOT get scared of the Bill Maher name, and the unfortunate shadow casted by it.

Great book

I was wondering if I'd like this book since I've seen "New Rules" on TV many times already. But I decided to buy it anyway. There is a lot of stuff I haven't seen ... probably because I missed it. And it is very funny. I also like the fact that it is not one continuous book, but really a lot of pages and sections. I'll read a page or section when I feel like it. And I'm always amused. If you like Bill Maher, you'll enjoy this book.

Bill Maher simply says it best!

I absolutely love this book. I do not consider myself either liberal or conservative. I consider myself an American. Bill Maher says exactly what a lot of us think, but are too scared to admit. I may not agree with everything Bill says, but I appreciate his honesty and common sense. It always amazes me that so many people throw stones from a glass house. At least Bill admits he is not perfect, but does practice what he preaches. Bill is in touch with America, and it's a shame that nobody wants to admit it. I am from Texas, and even I think Bill is funny when he picks on Texans. If you can't laugh at yourself or your heritage, you need help.... Bill, if you ever want a Texan on your show, give me a holler! That's Texan for call me, I do have a phone! What we need in this country is more common sense media icons like Bill Maher, and a lot less opinions that are "paid for".