Courtesy of Beaverdale Books

Review by Cathryn Lang

By Stephen Colbert

Grand Central Publishing

05/08/12

$15.99

When was the last time you could read a best seller in less than 10 minutes? Well, if that proposition appeals to you with your non-stop busy life, then “I Am A Pole” is the book for you. This incredibly quick-read will lighten your mood and also give you a terrific response when the subject of everybody’s current read comes up in conversation. Hey, there’s even literary cred here with a recommendation from Maurice Sendak (the author/illustrator of “Where The Wild Things Are” fame).

Stephen Colbert’s “I Am a Pole” is the perfect “children’s” book for a high school or college graduation. Paul Hildebrand’s illustrations are a perfect complement to Colbert’s humor. Puns and in-jokes abound. Read the book the first time for the (ah-hem) plot and meaning. Then, peruse the book and illustrations again to catch all the humor. Go over the illustrations with the thoroughness of “Where’s Waldo?” You don’t want to miss anything here.

Our protagonist, Pole, is at a crossroads in his life and trying to determine a meaningful purpose for his existence — his true “pole role.” Oh, there were the usual unsuccessful attempts as the tetherball pole (“Rules were too complex”), Maypole (“Pagans aren’t my type”), fishing pole, a fireman’s pole and even that kind of pole.

Of course, Pole finds a very meaningful occupation that will bring a tear to your eye and make you proud, as he does indeed find his true “pole role.” “I Am A Pole (And So Can You)” will inspire your graduate to find his or her own “pole role” and provide a load of laughs in the process. CV