America, You Sexy Bitch: A Love Letter to Freedom
“. . . a sort of ‘He said, She said,’ page turner. And it works. . . . both funny and cringe worthy.”
Political differences now divide Americans more sharply than race, religion, education, or sex, but America, You Sexy Bitch by Meghan McCain and Michael Ian Black just might bring the parties together. For at least a few hours, anyway.
The book chronicles a month-long road trip across America in an RV with Republican Meghan McCain and Liberal Michael Ian Black. Two opposites with a unified purpose: to see if two people with radically opposing political beliefs could find common ground.
Or at least not kill each other.
Ms. McCain is a political columnist, author, and blogger for the Daily Beast. She is a daughter of U.S. Senator John McCain, (who didn’t quite know what to make of the road trip) and calls herself a socially liberal Republican. She is often at odds with not only the Democrats, but her own party as well.
Michael Ian Black’s résumé includes the 1990s sketch comedy show “The State,” “Wet Hot American Summer” and the popular TV series, “Ed.” He is also a screenwriter, author and former Ninja Turtle.
Like all great books, this one started late at night after Mr. Black had taken an Ambien, was elbow deep into a bag of Tostitos, and was posting on Twitter. “1.7 million followers. Not bragging. Just saying. Okay, bragging. Follow me.”
The medicated comedian happened to see that Ms. McCain, whom he barely knew, had posted something as well. He suggested they write a book together. She said “Sure!” and the next thing you know they’re meeting in San Diego in the summer of 2011 to start a trip that would be fodder for a book.
They had me at Twitter and Ambien.
The book is written journal style, a sort of “He said, She said,” page turner. And it works, especially when the platonic couple’s first stop is to meet Ms. McCain’s famous family in Arizona to shoot guns on the 4th of July. Or when they fight over Iraq or Obamacare. They both have great ideas and concerns about the direction America is headed, but the reader will have to decide which philosophies are for them. (Full disclosure: this reviewer is a bleeding heart Liberal.)
The pair head through Las Vegas (gambling, drinking, and lap dancers are on the agenda) and on to Utah, Texas, New Orleans, Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville, and other American cities before their final destination of Mr. Black’s home in Redding, CT.
They eat in diners and as many Olive Gardens as they can find. They meet gun lovers and abortion rights advocates, gay parents, poker players, and Muslims, Tea Partiers, veterans, teen moms, bikers, and a lazy anarchist. In other words, they discover the real America.
The book’s back-and forth banter is both funny and cringe worthy. Mr. Black’s snarky comedy isn’t for everyone, but he’s smart and on target. When he finds out he’s been wrong about something he admits it. He’s also a family man—a liberal family man—and he misses his wife and children throughout the trip.
Ms. McCain is a regular gal who brings more luggage on the extended drive (Mr. Black wears linen pants and Crocs the entire journey) than seems possible, worries about what her parents think, and stands up for her beliefs, even in the face of bullying comments and threats from people of both parties. She’s smart and amusing and not stereotypical.
Along for the ride is Cousin John (someone’s cousin) who steers the RV across red and blue states and sweet Stephie, Mr. Black’s friend, buffer and now Ms. McCain’s BFF.
Over the course of the expedition, Ms. McCain and Mr. Black challenge each other to think outside party lines. They are candid and honest about their political views, sometimes uncompromising, yet often open minded.
As the ragtag team pulls into Mr. Black’s driveway and bids their bittersweet goodbyes, they’ve managed to become friends—real friends—proving that yes, with a little humor, compassion, and compromise, we can all get along.