Book Review: Borat - Touristic Guidings to Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan by Sacha Baron Cohen

This is in fact two books in one, with the second part being entitled: Touristic Guidings to Minor Nation of U.S and A. Both are spoof travel guides, by British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, introduced by the comedy character, Kazakhstani reporter Borat Sagdiyev. For those that know this character the book holds few surprises, playing on the cultural preconceptions of westerners towards Eastern Europe and the perceived cultural naivete of Borat.

Those who are fans of Borat will find a lot of amusement in this book which contains visual and verbal humour, although they may be disappointed to find a number of jokes being recycled. However, those who are easily offended by racial, religious or sexual jokes will despise this publication; one thing that most will probably agree upon is that in this book Baron Cohen has taken this character just about as far as he can.

Despite a few issues though, there are a number of things to make one laugh, particularly the section on Kazakhstani culture which expands on a number of points brushed upon in the Borat movie and the overall amateurish production of the book solidifies the concept of a backward culture.

Buy "Borat - Touristic Guidings to Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" by Sacha Baron Cohen

This is recommended to Borat fans, although they may not find it as funny as they expect, but it is to be well avoided by anyone who is not a fan or is easily offended.

Score: 7/10