Angry Optimist

The Life and Times of Jon Stewart

By: Lisa Rogak

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Since his arrival at The Daily Show in 1999, Jon Stewart has become one of the major players in comedy as well as one of the most significant liberal voices in the media and on television today. In Angry Optimist, Lisa Rogak charts his unlikely rise to political stardom, from his early stand-up days to the short-lived but acclaimed Jon Stewart Show.

Drawing on interviews with current and former colleagues, she reveals how things work behind the scenes at The Daily Show.With speculation simmering about Stewart's possible retirement from The Daily Show and a contentious midterm election in 2014, this biography may come to serve as a capstone for a comedian who has wielded incredible power in American politics.

©2014 Lisa Rogak (P)2014 Tantor

Jon Stewart is right-his life is boring!

Would you try another book from Lisa Rogak and/or Cassandra Campbell?

I am not sure.

Would you be willing to try another book from Lisa Rogak? Why or why not?

It was an OK book but she did not seem to have a lot to say about Stewart. She quotes him in the book saying that he and his life are "boring" and he's right. This actually is a bright spot in our celebrity-obsessed world. He does not seek fame and tries to live a normal life with his family.

What didn’t you like about Cassandra Campbell’s performance?

She was OK but a bad choice for this book. There are a lot of quote's from Stewart and she tried to put on a male voice for the quote--very annoying. They should have had a male performer for this book.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Probably not. Not a good movie topic.

Any additional comments?

I love Jon Stewart and watch his show, so my review is not a reflection on how I feel about him.

Too many jumps

I kept loosing track of years. The constant back and forth was too much and I almost gave up. also the narrator's tone is dull.

Great learning about Jon Stewart's life and journey

My first audio book. Really enjoyed spending time with Jon Stewart who I miss so much. Readers voice was annoying. I wish he had read it himself, or someone with a voice like his. Would have liked more in depth discussion of process from news to air about specific stories. But overall very interesting for any Daily Show follower

The stress of preparing one program

I enjoy John Stewart. The comic outlet is the only way out can stand to understand the news.

Narration was a poor choice. The read was forced and distracting

The narrator had the wrong tone for Jon Stewart and accent(s), especially when she does John Oliver. It's not a gender issue, but she infused a persona that made Stewart offputting, I'm a fan. I do not recommend.