cover image I Have Chosen to Stay and Fight

I Have Chosen to Stay and Fight

Margaret Cho, , read by the author. . Penguin Audio, $34.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-14-305788-8

Cho's blistering, funny and articulate follow-up to her 2001 memoir I'm the One That I Want , is a collection of essays declaring war on sexism, racism, homophobia and apathy. While many of the pieces have appeared on her prolific blog (www.margaretcho.com ), there is a distinct pleasure in hearing Cho articulate them herself. Fans of the standup comedian's concert films (including Notorious C.H.O. and Assassin ) should be aware that this is not a series of comic riffs but thoughtful, often incendiary manifestos. Unlike many comics who read with an eye on the upcoming punch line, Cho is a relaxed narrator who takes great joy in playing with words as well as ideas. She talks about the personal (her elastic sexuality, the media's reaction to her marriage, hate mail she receives), the political (gay marriage, the White House's "war on errorism") and pop culture (defending Courtney Love, Martha Stewart, Michael Jackson and even The Passion of the Christ ). Helpfully, virtually all essays begin with a new CD track. Simultaneous release with the Riverhead hardcover (Reviews, Aug. 29) (Nov.)