Like: ''History is full of generations that had many problems. We are the first generation to have too many answers.''
Or: ''The 1960s were an era of large thoughts. And yet, amazingly, each of these thoughts could fit on a T-shirt.''
Or: ''Baby Boomers are not power-hungry. Power comes with that kicker, responsibility.''
The author began writing funny things in 1960s ''underground'' newspapers, then became a more respectable humorist, specialising as a trouble-shooter reporting on wars, revolts and ''holidays in hell'' in more than 40 countries.
Born in the peak of the baby boom himself O'Rourke has now tried to analyse the way the post-war generation somehow came of age by never quite growing up, and created a better society by turning its previous style upside down.
Detailing his own experiences as a key to the way 75 million American accomplices have matured and/or messed things up, some may find this hilarious and thought-provoking exposition.
It is a very American style of humour, though, best in small doses. Reading a whole book of it gave me verbal indigestion.
- Geoff Adams is a former ODT editor.
