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Revolution for Dummies

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Bassem Youssef

7 Hours 14 Minutes

HarperAudio

March 2017

Audio Book 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.

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Reviews

  • Sophia V

    This book is fascinating. It's really well written and I learned A LOT. Bassam Youssef is an absolutely amazing man. His story is one of bravery and honesty in the face of destruction and pain. I have no idea how he's managed to accomplish all of the incredible things he has. His story is incredibly inspiring and I suggest everyone check it out. You'll learn a lot and feel deeply moved. I gave his narration a 3 star rating because he sounded like he was reading the book, not speaking his words naturally, if that makes any sense. I like listening to autobiographies read by the people who wrote them, like Trevor Noah's book Born A Crime (another incredible book by the way) because it sounded like he was telling his story like he was having a conversation with you, not like he was reciting from a page and it made the book even more enjoyable. Bassem sounded too monotone in some parts and he over inflected other parts. He'd read about really tragic moments and wouldn't convey that emotion in his voice as genuinely as Trevor Noah had, for example. I still definitely suggest anyone and everyone read or listen to it.

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