Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC for this book, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

While I enjoyed this book, it was not quite what I expected. First of all, despite there being a few examples of jokes, it was mostly an analysis - I think I had hope for a book that would amuse me and make me laugh. Second, I didn't really think it focused on political humor, unless you take the approach that everything is political.

So, that's what it wasn't - but what it was was an interesting look at humor and satire. A lot of somewhat historical info, re topics like women in comedy, and the line from Lenny Bruce on, in the way of aggressive satire. I enjoyed that.

I think the most interesting chapter was the debate between the two authors of whether there's really any such thing as "crossing the line" - whether it's okay to make your topic something like rape or child abuse. Is there a red line? Or is "whatever makes your audience laugh" okay? There were good arguments made by each of the authors, and, while I know what my opinion is, I found it quite interesting to read and consider the arguments on both side.

Definitely worth reading and thinking about!