Book Review: America 51

Read from August 8th - August 9th, 2017

Ok, so I read the fourth major book release by the one and only, Corey Taylor. (Shocked, anyone?) Yes, I am a major fan of this guy, and yes, I have given yet another 5 star rating to yet another book to a man who's books I've read at least twice each (excluding this current one), and yes, I listen to his music just about every single day I wake up above ground, and yes, my rating could be biased (more than likely is), but please hear me out on this one. (Aren't run-on sentences fun?)

America 51: A Probe into the Realities That Are Hiding Inside "The Greatest Country in the World" touches to soul of America with a rusty pitch fork. "Why such a vicious sounding description?" you might ask. Well, it's simple, really. Mr. Taylor touches on all main political subjects, from left to right, conservative to liberal, pro choice to pro life, the (often misconstrued) 1st and 2nd amendments, and even the thin line that teeters right in the center of each of these subjects, and then some. If you take your politics, views and beliefs the least bit seriously, this book will offend you. But I implore you to read it. There's a lot of good in this country, even now, and he won't let you walk away from this book without at least attempting to make you see that.

:::WARNING:::
If you do NOT like and/or understand sarcasm, or can not take the occasional joke (especially with some serious subject matter) please stop... this book won't be for you in any way. Go read Harry Potter or something. (Seriously, those are books are amazing!)

Just like a majority of American citizens, Corey is fed up with the status of their beloved United States of 'Merica. And not just the political climate itself, just the status of their citizens and society in the eyes of foreign countries. As usual, he leaves no reader unscathed in his bantering. From Trump supporters to Hillary supporters, Sanders Supporters to 3rd party supporters (and non-voters alike), racism, prejudice, police brutality, gun violence, religion, and the wearing of a man-bun, he will state something that will tickle you the wrong way. But not in a "you're wrong and I'm so very right" demeanor, but in a "let's have an open conversation and understand one another, no matter our differences, and agree to disagree, without lashing immature hate toward one another" point of view, which, let's face it, happens far too often in this day and age due to the ability to hide behind words thrown out in social media, and even face to face. (Aren't run-on sentences still fun?) That's the tone of this, and all books, Taylor has blessed the world with. The idea of opening a conversation, no matter how delicate the subject matter may be. Not a soul on this planet will ever agree on the same thing. Ever. Fact. But current and older generations are too lazy to toss on their big girl and big boy pants and accept this.

What Corey Taylor's work comes down to, is his ability to take some serious subjects, and toss around ideas with a serious tone, snarky sarcasm, humor and a bit of ALL CAPS yelling in tow.

I have stated in past reviews of Taylor's work that I do not agree with quite a bit of what the man says and believes, and this stands heavily true with this recent literary exercise. But I'll be darned if I didn't take away a few possible questions of my own immature points of view on subjects I may not fully understand. So, well done, Corey Taylor. You made me think, yet again.

Oh, and Mr. Taylor? I think you might owe some royalties to Frito Lay and their Cheetos brand. (I'm sure you can all make an educated guess as to what I mean here).

Read if you want, or don't. As Corey says in this book himself...

"Just because you have the right to say it, doesn't mean we have to listen, even if you type that shit in all caps."

I give this book a well earned: