Revolution for Dummies

By: Bassem Youssef

Narrated by: Bassem Youssef

Length: 7 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

"The Jon Stewart of the Arabic World" - the creator of The Program, the most popular television show in Egypt's history - chronicles his transformation from heart surgeon to political satirist, and offers crucial insight into the Arab Spring, the Egyptian Revolution, and the turmoil roiling the modern Middle East.

Bassem Youssef's incendiary satirical news program, Al-Bernameg (The Program), chronicled the events of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, the fall of President Hosni Mubarak, and the rise of Mubarak's successor, Mohamed Morsi. Youssef not only captured his nation's dissent, but stamped it with his own brand of humorous political criticism, in which the Egyptian government became the prime laughing stock.

So potent were Youssef's skits, jokes, and commentary, the authoritarian government accused him of insulting the Egyptian presidency and Islam. After a six-hour long police interrogation, Youssef was released. While his case was eventually dismissed, his television show was terminated, and Youssef, fearful for his safety, fled his homeland.

In Revolution for Dummies, Youssef recounts his life and offers hysterical riffs on the hypocrisy, instability, and corruption that has long animated Egyptian politics. From the attempted cover-up of the violent clashes in Tahrir Square to the government's announcement that it had created the world's first "AIDS cure" machine, to the conviction of officials that Youssef was a CIA operative - recruited by Jon Stewart - to bring down the country through sarcasm. There's much more - and it's all insanely true.

Interweaving the dramatic and inspiring stories of the development of his popular television show and his rise as the most contentious funny-man in Egypt, Youssef's humorous, fast-paced takes on dictatorship, revolution, and the unforeseeable destiny of democracy in the modern Middle East offers much needed hope and more than a few healing laughs.

©2017 Bassem Youssef (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Entertaining and insightful

Basseem Youssef takes you on an entertaining and insightful journey into Egyptian politics. along the way he provides an example of how dictatorship establishes itself and the steps that dictators take to stay in control. his own narration makes the experience even better

True, accurate, sad and funny!

The sad realty from the person who brought laughter to millions of people. I can relate having lived through the major part of the events! Thank you Bassem Youssef!

Brutal Honesty with Just Enough Humor

Bassem Youssef tells an important story with a scary truth. This is a must read for anyone who is registered to vote...seriously! Unfortunately, as he points out, most will not be swayed from their blind loyalty to terrible leaders like Trump or any of the dipshit dictators in the Middle East and elsewhere. Nonetheless, its a history book with a brilliant and funny author that will entertain as well as enlighten the reader/listener. Congratulations on your work Dr. Youssef!!!

The Jon Stewart of the Middle East

Bassem Youssef earned the nickname “The Jon Stewart of the Middle East” with his popular satirical news show in Egypt. Political pressure ultimately forced him to flee his country during the Arab Spring, and here he finally tells the whole story with dry, weary humor. The part that blows my mind the MOST is that this man was a freaking HEART SURGEON before the revolution, and he fell into becoming a hugely successful TV news host basically on a whim. Once he got a taste, there was no turning back. Talk about stumbling into your life's calling.

Youssef's trademark seems to be that he jokes about whatever he wants, totally irregardless of pressure from Egypt's leaders, his bosses, or popular opinion. He sticks to his guns, opinions be damned. It's what made him so successful but was also ultimately his downfall. There are so many moments in his story where you're like "Bassemmmmmm, don't do it." But then he does it, and you're just left in awe of his single-minded commitment to forbidding anyone from interfering with his content.

I also have a soft spot for stories with close male friendships, and Youssef's real-life friendship with Jon Stewart is very touching. Youssef was a fan first, and you can tell he's still totally starstruck by Stewart, but Stewart became his mentor and ultimately his friend. There's a moment when Youssef flies to Jordan to meet Stewart in a moment of crisis, as Stewart is one of the few people in the world who can possibly understand and counsel him on the more delicate aspects of being a satirical news host. I loved those parts of this book.

Youssef's voice is totally charming on the audio, and his international perspective is also fascinating, hitting closer to home than you’d expect. His memoir brings the events and fallout of the Arab Spring to life in an accessible way, with a satirist's flair. This was a great listen.

Loved it from a person whol lived it all

100% true and well presented. I'm Egyptian who lived all this events from different angles for sure but with same position and point of view..thanks for the Clown who represents me

Impressive narrative

Impressive narrative if why & how Bassem Youssef has to be estranged from his beloved country Egypt!!

Loved it

Excellent

I loved that this book was both funny as well as a contemporary history of Egypt in the five years after the Arab Spring.

Interestingly funny

Not too bad. Takes a moment to get around the accent. This author has excellent insight, intel, and wisdom. Great info

Exceptional

Every concept explained in A Dictator's Handbook comes to life in this book. As you read and compare what Bassem is saying to how power works, you'll see that it all adds up... And how satire, freedom of speech are so important. And how free will is such a cherished commodity enjoyed by the citizens of just a couple of nations around the globe.

best book I've read this year!

fantastic entry point into Arab Spring, engaging, funny, depressing. highly recommend for anyone interested in politics and comedy