What would happen to a liberal's mind if he subsisted entirely on conservative media and rhetoric? That's what critically acclaimed political humorist, NPR commentator, and McSweeney's contributor John Moe sets out to learn in Conservatize Me.
We always hear how everyone in America is firmly planted in red or blue. They're permanently conservative or irreversibly liberal. But are we all really that locked into the left or the right?
John Moe, raised in a family of proud left-wingers and living in deeply liberal Seattle most of his life, sets out to determine if what we believe is based on environment or actual conviction. Moe puts himself on a strict conservative regimen: He resets his radio dials from NPR to Rush Limbaugh, goes head-to-head with some of today's most influential conservative thinkers for a series of ""conversion sessions,"" and through it all tries to maintain positive standing with his lefty wife and young but already liberal kids.
Conservatize Me will strike a powerful chord with millions of disgruntled Americans ready for a fresh, humorous, and highly entertaining look at our country's political landscape. Will Moe end up getting a Dick Cheney tattoo and swearing loyalty to the Christian Coalition? Will he get a Dennis Kucinich tattoo and dedicate his life to cooking vegan food at protest rallies? Listen and find out.
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"fun! what is modern conservatism, anyway? and can we find it in our hearts to love them? perhaps even join them? moe doesn't get any closer to the answer, but he tells a good story. definitely an audio pick; reading this in print would be no more satisfying than reading david sedaris in print."
— Emily (4 out of 5 stars)
“This book is insightful, provocative, and damn smart.”
— Sean Wilsey, author of Oh the Glory of It All“Hilarious, yet insightful.”
— Seattle Post-Intelligencer“Laugh-out-loud funny and filled with intellectual self-deprecation, Moe's quest makes for a fun listen with a dose of real insight.”
— Audiofile" Without a doubt one of the funniest books I have ever read. Everyone should read this one. "
— Angie, 2/19/2014" Extremely funny and thoughtful. Nine thumbs up. "
— Thedoifter, 2/19/2014" I was really into this book until the end; what a let down. Gee, there's not always a clear black and white and the "other" guy isn't always a bad guy? Not exactly earth shattering revelations. But the journey was entertaining, if nothing else. "
— Abby, 2/16/2014" All I can say about this book is-duh. "
— Maria, 2/15/2014" I think everyone should read this book! Democrat or Republican... can't we all just get along? "
— Pam, 2/14/2014" I laughed my ass off. I think he is in earnest; it isn't just taking pot shots at Conservatives, but does seek to better understand the other side. "
— Jamie, 1/26/2014" I almost finished this book, but I got engrossed in other things. This book inspired me... inspired me to add a shelf entitled 'meh'. It was mildly amusing, easy enough to read but really pointless. I suppose one might realize by reading this that smart people on both 'sides' often have similar beliefs, but I think smart people already know this, and if you're not smart, you're not going to notice that small part of the book. In fact, if you're one to believe a lot of stereotypes, you might miss the point of this book's playing along with them. Or I think that was a minor point. Anyways, meh. "
— Alioh, 1/15/2014" If I could give this book 2 1/2 stars I would. There were definitely parts that made me laugh out loud; however, he takes his liberal weeny-ness a little too far. I know it was mostly in the name of humor, but there were times I though my eyes would roll out of my head. "
— Miranda, 1/5/2014" I wanted to see what the typical liberal Seattle perception was of a conservative (about what I expected) and really try to understand too why so many people in Seattle are the way they are as well. It was funny in parts annoying in others but interesting nonetheless. "
— Lindsey, 1/1/2014" Toby Keith is appalling! "
— Jeff, 12/22/2013" Odd. The writer has an ego above the normal guy average... "
— Megan, 11/21/2013" This is an entertaining book - you join John Moe on his adventure to the dark side, where he meets the Man, shops at Wal-mart and watches Fox News... three things a good independent liberal should never do. "
— Susan, 10/25/2013" Funny book, easy read, Interesting look at the conservative point of view with an undercover liberal agent. "
— Shane, 8/9/2012" Loved this. It is especially relatable for me because John Moe is from Seattle so I feel a special kinship with him. Definitely an interesting read and very funny. "
— Eliot, 12/3/2010" Witty and amusing book written by NPR's John Moe. Recommended! "
— Deedee, 11/12/2010" I could not force myself to finish this book. Ack! "
— Dionisia, 6/6/2010" I read this one just to get a taste of the other, liberal, side. As an unapologetic conservative, I found it somewhat patronizing. At least I accomplished my goal of trying to listen to, and understand, the other side of the political coin. "
— Lisa, 4/24/2010" Thank you John for acknowledging me! Any fan of John's knows this is clever and well-reported. "
— Phyllis, 2/23/2010" An interesting look at the left and the right in America. Sometimes falls into Caricature, but seems to do so equally to liberals and conservatives. I listened to it on my commute and enjoyed it. "
— Barry, 12/8/2008" Started strong, faded a bit at the end. Light, witty narrative. Recommended. "
— Dan, 7/18/2008" I think this book is sort of outdated written before Obama was in office. Some parts are funny some parts are not. To be honest only a few parts of the book is funny. This is a great book, would probably recommend it to someone "
— Eric, 4/25/2008" Quite funny and the end consists of a few paragraphs any staunch-politico should read. "
— Em, 9/15/2007John Moe is a regular contributor to the award-winning humor website McSweeneys.net, and his stories, commentaries, and short humor pieces have appeared on the NPR programs All Things Considered, Morning Edition, Day to Day, and Only a Game. He lives with his wife and children in Seattle.