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dodgson's review against another edition
5.0
I can't think of a book I've ever read that I'd recommend more widely or effusively than the first half of this book. (The second half is merely excellent.)
theinbetween87's review against another edition
4.0
This book was extremely enjoyable to read. As a fan is good podcast the book was very easy to get into and hear his mannerisms thought. I could imagine him telling me the story.
tstuppy's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this; I stand at the cusp of summer vacation, and I long to escape the suburbs, and this book hit a nerve in these pivotal times. Some of the stories came off a bit pretentious, but the idea was always fun, and I found myself laughing at least once per story. I recommend the audiobook!
space_hag's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
meshuggeknitter's review against another edition
5.0
Listening to John Hodgman read his book is the only way to go!
pacdude's review against another edition
4.0
John Hodgman once again sets himself up as simultaneously the least-relatable and most-relatable person ever, especially in this memoir of his life. Growing up in a gigantic house, being able to own a summer home in both very-white Massachusetts and super-duper-white Maine, traveling the country doing comedy and podcasts and being on TV a whole lot—his white privilege shines like the Maine water he waxes so poetically about.
But Hodgman acknowledges the privilege he has, as a straight white affluent male, and contemplates throughout the book how he can use this privilege for good. So true also does his painfully-awkward adolescence ring, constantly and consistently alone with nothing but his intellectual pursuits of culture and knowledge. Dealing with the awkwardness of not just adolescent but also adulthood, Hodgman's memoirs showcase an optimistic melancholy of his life, a refreshingly honesty look at the ups and downs of a privileged life, effective use of swear words and instructions on how to accidentally buy a boat.
But Hodgman acknowledges the privilege he has, as a straight white affluent male, and contemplates throughout the book how he can use this privilege for good. So true also does his painfully-awkward adolescence ring, constantly and consistently alone with nothing but his intellectual pursuits of culture and knowledge. Dealing with the awkwardness of not just adolescent but also adulthood, Hodgman's memoirs showcase an optimistic melancholy of his life, a refreshingly honesty look at the ups and downs of a privileged life, effective use of swear words and instructions on how to accidentally buy a boat.
stevenyenzer's review against another edition
3.0
I really like John Hodgman's writing. It's clever, intellectual, and still extremely readable. In Vacationland he successfully engages with weighty topics like parenting, privilege, and mortality.