Russell Brand's third book, Revolution, was just released on Tuesday (October 14), so of course he is making the rounds on NPR and various other outlets to promote his book. It seems Brand is less interested in comedy these days than he is in stirring up a revolt against the status quo. I disagree with him completely about not voting, but I can see why he and so many others feel their votes are worthless because there is no real choice.

Here is the ad copy for his book:

We all know the system isn’t working. Our governments are corrupt and the opposing parties pointlessly similar. Our culture is filled with vacuity and pap, and we are told there’s nothing we can do: “It’s just the way things are.”

In this book, Russell Brand hilariously lacerates the straw men and paper tigers of our conformist times and presents, with the help of experts as diverse as Thomas Piketty and George Orwell, a vision for a fairer, sexier society that’s fun and inclusive.

You have been lied to, told there’s no alternative, no choice, and that you don’t deserve any better. Brand destroys this illusory facade as amusingly and deftly as he annihilates Morning Joe anchors, Fox News fascists, and BBC stalwarts.

This book makes revolution not only possible but inevitable and fun.

I like Russell Brand. In many ways, he is right on target with his criticisms. But he is also naive about the citizens of England and America, who are content to be oblivious to how their corporatocracy is stealing them blind as long as they have their football (England) or football (USA).

The chances of people actually rising up and revolting are slim to none.

Russell Brand Says He Wants A ‘Revolution’

The wild, funny, blithely offensive comedian Russell Brand takes on the world’s woes with us. He says he’s got the answer.

October 15, 2014



Comedian and actor Russell Brand, on the cover of his new book, Revolution
British comedian, actor, provocateur, activist Russell Brand knows how to mix it up wild and funny. With his big mane, sharp mind, and glittering irreverence he has cut a wide swath in entertainment realms. Played the blazing rock star in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek. Married and divorced Katy Perry. Toured doing stand-up last year with his Messiah Complex show. And now Russell Brand is going all-in on politics. Revolution, actually. Our world, our system is worn out and we know it, he says. Time for revolt. Up next On Point: Russell Brand, and revolution.

– Tom Ashbrook

Guests

Russell Brand, actor, comedian and activist. Author of the new book, Revolution. He is also author of My Booky Wook: A Memoir of Sex, Drugs, and Stand-Up and Booky Wook 2: This Time It's Personal. (@rustyrockets)



From Tom’s Reading List

• The Guardian: Russell Brand: “the Revolution cannot be boring” — “I know most people want change. I know most people can’t be happy with the current regime. In any electoral process worth having, we might assume that the 3.5 billion people who have as much wealth collectively as the 85 richest people in the world are up for some amendments an’ all. I just used the calculator on my phone to subtract 85 from 3.5 billion and the answer had a letter in it. Even the calculator has gone berserk at this injustice.”
• Washington Post: Callista Gingrich has more in common with Russell Brand than you might think — “Quick, what does Callista Gingrich, wife of former house speaker Newt Gingrich, have in common with kooky British actor Russell Brand?”
• The Independent: Russell Brand is ‘left-wing commie scum’, Fox News says, as fight to the death continues – “We’re not sure how nasty it has to get between Fox News and Russell Brand before the two decide to meet up, kiss and put it all behind them, but the war of words certainly makes for good viewing. ”

Read An Excerpt Of “Revolution” By Russell Brand

Excerpt from "Revolution" By Russell Brand.