New Rules

Polite Musings from a Timid Observer

De: Bill Maher

Narrado por: Bill Maher

Bill Maher first came to national attention as the host of the hit program Politically Incorrect, in which he offered a combustible mixture of irreverence and acerbic humor that garnered him a loyal following. In his popular and long-running HBO television show, Real Time with Bill Maher, his reputation for being a hilarious provocateur continues.

One particular segment of the show—"New Rules"—strikes a chord with viewers every week. Within these rules, Maher takes comic and serious aim, bringing all his incisiveness, wit, and signature exasperation to bear on topics ranging from cell phones ("I don't need my cell phone to take pictures or access the Internet. I just need to make a phone call!") to the conservative agenda ("Stop claiming it's an agenda. It's not an agenda! It's a random collection of laws that your corporate donors paid you to pass!").

In this collection, Maher brings these brilliantly conceived riffs to audio, along with some singularly Maher-ian "editorials"—editorials nothing like the standard fare found on the pages of the local newspaper!

©2006 Bill Maher (P)2022 Phoenix Books

Funny and true but also Annoying

Most segments start off with Maher saying "New Rule" and then launching into a socio-political diatribe with a humourous edge. Some of this book is funny and imaginative but it often falls flat as over-obvious and contrived. The "New Rule" shtick got old for me but I do like Maher and his "rock the world" attitude. I think he could do better.

Bull Maher is a lyrical genius!

In 2024 as I read a book that came out in 2000s, it is literally prophetic with a twist of humor! Bill Maher took over for George Carlin since his passing, a legend in his own regard!

Not great.

Without the audience booing, hissing, or clapping with approval the New Rules don't quite pack the punch, sounds more like whining.

Hillarious!

This book was funny from start to finish! It had me laughing, crying yet thinking throughout the whole time. Bill Maher Rocks!

Funny as Heck

Maher is hysterical and this book is no different. I got a great laught out of it and it's educational at the same time!!

An admitted Bill Maher fan

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes as most of my friends share my political views. I would recommend to those on the opposite side of the political spectrum but they chose not to listen to facts

What other book might you compare New Rules to and why?

Something by Al Franken such as

Which character – as performed by Bill Maher – was your favorite?

As this is not a story book there are no characters to chose from but his points about George W. Bush stand out.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes - but as I was listening on an airplane from Bangkok to Istanbul, I had no choice.

Any additional comments?

none

Love me some Bill Maher but this is better read

Bill Maher's collection of new rules (some of which feel dated, other poignant and even more relevant) doesn't make for the best audiobook, as 3 hours of Bill Maher barking new rules isn't nearly as amazing it sounds. Its best in nuggets, read in bursts and not extended audiobook format. Bill, while amazing on stage (be it stand up or TV) feels a little less edgy when reading his new rules, without the audience to react to his natural comedic timing. This is far from bad, but without flowing chapters, paragraph long rants make you thirsty for something longer. I read the book years ago, and loved it, and liked the idea of Maher reading the best of classic new rules... and that's what I got. This is for the fan, not a would be fan.

Maher's message

Maher targets the Christian Right's legion of hypocrites and they are unhappy at the exposure. They don't want activist judges unless the activism is the type practiced by the latest Supreme Court nominee. They consider Iran's theocracy bad but crave a Christian Right theocracy in the USA. Maher calls them on this sort of double-standard and does so in an amusing and very blunt manner. Maher does a great job of returning fire back at the Christian Right and they clearly cannot take as well as they give. Meanwhile, Maher is smiling that knowing smile.

Ho-Hum

I am a big Bill Maher fan and I'm glad that I read this book. Yet - when someone is just doing their stand up act on paper - it that a book? While I love watching him on Real Time, he doesn't pack the same punch in this format. He's still funny and smart, but his comments somehow seem out of context without hte back drop of hte show. PS. don't his writers create "New Rules" anyway? Why doens't his writing staff get a credit here?

Very Funny

I laughed all the way through it. He can certainly cut to the chase.