Very enjoyable essays. Vowell is both thought-provoking and humorous. May appeal to lovers of American history, historical sites, and pop culture. Vowell is a contributer to the radio show This American Life - if you're a fan of the show, you'll probably be a fan of this book.
Helpful Score: 2
I love Sarah Vowell! There are so many parts that are laugh out loud funny and yet her words force the reader to learn and grow. This was written not long after 9/11 and her thoughts on seeing the flag everywhere after that so closely matched mine. A true patriot does not take the words of the government at face value. A true patriot can disagree with a majority of citizens and still co-exist with them. Definitely a great read.
Helpful Score: 1
A collection of both fun and serious essays by Sarah Vowell. I love her writing and wit, but most of all I appreciate the fact that she understands that all of human affairs is gray - not black and white. Complexity and hypocrisy are fundamental parts of human nature. Embrace them.
Helpful Score: 1
Vowell's a great writer, but I preferred her non-fiction (history) book "Assassination Vacation" to this collection of essays.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent political writings and musings--funny, heart warming and thought provoking.
Helpful Score: 1
A bit of a nerd myself, I never understood why the nation didn't "get" Al Gore until Vowell put it all on the line. She caused me to emit numerous sharp, barking "HA!!!" laughs, causing people to move away from me on the bench. I love her gentle jabs and sharp insights.
This book wasn't what it was cracked up to be at all. Other reviews made it sound like it was a fun, energetic read on politics, history, and one woman's view of both. They also made it sound as though she was presenting a different angle on politics, political views, and history. As a newcomer to Sarah Vowell, I found her very left-sided, pessimistic, and utterly dreary. Her negative attitude and liberal views spew forth from every page. If you appreciate the far left-wing liberal stance and aren't open to seeing or understanding others' points of views, or appreciating the history that's behind some of the laws governing our society today, and are fond of negative satire, then this book is for you. Otherwise, steer clear!
Wry essays on the intersection of American history, current events and Sarah Vowell's personality. Highly recommended for people who value the details of the American journey. My favorite essay was "God Will Give You Blood to Drink in a Souvenir Shot Glass," which was funny and so provocative I read it three times. Two essays after that is an eye-opening essay about what Al Gore actually said to a Concord High School audience and how it was reported in the media. I read that one twice, then ordered another Sarah Vowell book.
love sarah vowell. she is so funny and smart
I really loved this book! I laughed out loud many ,many times while reading it and couldn't wait to recomend it to all my firends. I loved the topics she chose and how she kept you interested in each little story. Some of the information I already knew but she surprised me with many bits of history that were brand new to me. Great read!
This is the third Sarah Vowell book I've read, and this will be the last. Her books (including this one) are boring and uninspiring and, quite frankly, not funny. All three books of hers that I've read have been disappointing, so I'm through. Sorry, Sarah. I gave it a shot and it just didn't work out.
