A history textbook isn’t something you usually read cover to cover. But I guess when Jon Stewart’s behind it, that changes everything. So my third book of 2008 was America (The Book) by Jon Stewart and the Staff of the Daily Show.

Personally, I had mixed opinions about this one. Like the Daily Show, it was hilarious, and also like the Daily Show, it made me learn more about US politics than I’ve ever learned from CNN.

But that’s just the problem: because it’s neither a purely comedic read nor serious educational material, it can’t really nail either arena whole-heartedly. You might learn more from an actual textbook, and you’ll probably laugh more by reading Dave Barry.

Overall, I’d say it’s worth a shot for its bits of genius. I really liked the introduction by Fake Thomas Jefferson, about the constitution and the forming of America. So here’s what to do: read the first few chapters next time you’re at the bookstore. If you’re a big fan of the show, stick around for the rest, otherwise I don’t think you’ll miss too much.