Staff Reports
Bill Maher, the atheist comedian who equally mocks both the left and right, has a new book out that’s drawing eyes and, predictably, gasps from the perpetually offended. His book “What This Comedian Said Will Shock You” rolls up years of Real Time’s biting commentary into one hilarious yet revealing package. At 68, Maher’s knack for digging into the cultural and political zeitgeist remains as sharp as ever, despite some arguing it’s simply old age rattling a stick at modernity.
Maher, originally a Catholic boy from New Jersey who discovered later that he had Jewish roots, has long been a thorn in the side of the progressive left. His cutting wit and unapologetic critiques make him a rare voice of reason even in his atheism. He’s managed to stay relevant for decades—starting with his edgy days on Politically Incorrect and continuing his reign on HBO’s Real Time. His new book feels like a handbook for survival in this era of cancel culture and cultural insanity, evident in his well-organized musings on everything from the media to fragility.
I wrote about Bill Maher’s new book, “What This Comedian Said Will Shock You,” for the @dcexaminer https://t.co/DwTO1tycSQ
— Emma Collins (@emmacollinsfile) June 21, 2024
It’s easy to see why his critics might dismiss him as an old grouch unable to keep up, but that attitude overlooks the wisdom and nuance in his observations. Maher’s rants against the absurdities of today’s woke culture provide a comforting, yet challenging dose of common sense. His questions about how the party of FDR and JFK turned into the party of LOL and WTF resonate with many who feel the Democratic party has lost its way.
The book is peppered with Maher’s signature humor and poignant reflections. Readers will chuckle at his take on the fat positivity movement and nod in agreement with his criticism of millennials looking for ‘good vibes only.’ And despite his unapologetic godlessness, Maher espouses values that align surprisingly well with conservative and Christian views. His book reveals deep admiration for a world that’s messy but real, and an understanding that humans aren’t endlessly perfectible.
Maher also identifies conservative ideas within his often controversial opinions. He recognizes that society does not need to be force-fed utopian ideals and that cultures need not live in hermetically sealed silos. The comedian acknowledges the ineffable when it comes to romance, arguing for a more human approach to office relationships in an age of rampant loneliness.
Bill Maher might be one of the few voices left urging America to come together rather than splintering into ideological camps. He doesn’t spew the hatred coming from the far-left activists or insist on the blame-game narratives so popular in today’s discourse. Instead, he advocates for a middle ground with a humor and insight that disarms and enlightens—refreshing in a media landscape filled with screeching partisanship. America, he suggests, still has a good thing going, and his new book offers plenty of reasons to agree.
