READ
I Am America
Stephen Colbert
www.makemeamerica.com

If you love his daily take on world events, you’ll love his brilliant satirical book discussing everything from homosexuality to religion to education to "old people" (as he so eloquently puts it). Said in the hilariously over-the-top ultra conservative voice that he uses so well on his show, Colbert tells the reader just how you can "Be America"…If you need a good laugh in order to cope with the state of the world today, this is the book for you. And as the inside jacket promises, "you’ll be 25 percent more patriotic just by opening this book."

WATCH
Why Did I Get Married?
Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson
www.whydidigetmarriedthemovie.com

Everyone who’s ever taken vows has had to answer the question: Why did I get married? The genius of Tyler Perry is to ask the audience the same question using this stunning ensemble piece showing the trials and tribulations of four couples as they go to the mountains for a weeklong getaway. The couples deal with myriad issues from workaholism, infidelity, childbearing and long-buried secrets. It’s an interesting character study that will make you laugh, cry and often cringe (the way you do whenever you hear other couple’s argue—and some of the relationship scenes may look familiar). Definitely worth the price of admission. Bonus: Go visit the web site for a chance to win a romantic getaway—just share your story of why you got married—and your secrets for staying together.

LISTEN
Magic
Bruce Springsteen
www.brucespringsteen.net

A return to form for this rock and roll veteran, Magic is a stirring album where Springsteen leans on the inimitable E Street Band sound to illuminate the state of the world. Livin’ In The Future is a highlight with lines like: "My ship Liberty sailed away on a blood red horizon / the groundskeeper opened the gates and let the wild dogs run." The guitar is the lifeblood of a heartbreaking nod to the soldier, "…the speculators made their money / On the blood you shed." The whole album is rousing, inspiring and honestly, demands many listens to hear all the nuances that Springsteen’s lyrical poetry can evoke. Or, as he himself says in Radio Nowhere, the record’s in-your-face start, "This is radio nowhere, is there anybody alive out there?"