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metalphoenix's review
5.0
If I didn't already love Sarah Vowell, the Buffy chapter about nerds really sealed the deal.
potatoaficionado's review
I had read one essay from this collection for a class, one about Mounties in Canada. I liked enough that I checked out the book to read the rest of the essays. Most weren't too memorable to be, but I distinctly remember reading the essay bout George W. Bush's inauguration. She spoke about it so dramatically, with such heaviness, as if it was the end of democracy, such a blow to America. Maybe it really felt that way at the time. And it was significant, I'm sure. But reading the essay years later, with Trump in office, I just thought, "how quaint." I found myself wishing that Bush was the worst politician we had to deal with.
toniclark's review
3.0
I thought this was a little uneven, but enjoyed most of it. The title essay is the best — is just wonderful! A heartfelt and achingly honest examination of what it really means to be patriotic without agreeing or condoning what those in power do. I read this one years ago but decided to listen to the audio and liked it a lot. Music by They Might Be Giants and cameo readings by Michael Chabon as Walt Whitman, Conan O'Brien as Abraham Lincoln, and Stephen Colbert as Al Gore — among others.
tommyhousworth's review
4.0
Sarah Vowell is a gem of a satirist. This is a very funny book, with a unique voice. Highlights include: Tom Cruise Makes Me Nervous, The First Thanksgiving, and Dear Dead Congressman.
The Audio Book is voiced by Conan O'Brien, Jon Stewart, Sarah Vowell and others. I would love to hear it.
I'm looking forward to seeking out more of Sarah Vowell's work. Her debut, "Take the Cannoli" was a great read as well.
The Audio Book is voiced by Conan O'Brien, Jon Stewart, Sarah Vowell and others. I would love to hear it.
I'm looking forward to seeking out more of Sarah Vowell's work. Her debut, "Take the Cannoli" was a great read as well.
lspargo's review
4.0
I am a big fan of Sarah Vowell. I find her very amusing. This book is comprised of several essays that are somehow related to something political.
liketheday's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a collection of essays mostly about politics and patriotism, which haven't changed terribly much save in name in the last nine years. Vowell is a capital-D Democrat, so she spends a few essays proclaiming her love for Bill Clinton and Al Gore and her distaste for George W. Bush. But there's no proselytizing, just an acknowledgement of her politics and her involvement in the political institution. And outside of politics proper, Vowell includes some essays about the underground lunchroom in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the current practice of declaring everyone a Rosa Parks, and playing that one basketball game in the arcade.
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hollmarie's review
4.0
Starts off with a slight "thud" - Gettysburgh, as big of a bummer as it is an inspiration - and at first, it's hard to wrap your head around Vowell's love of grim history, wry sense of humor, and perspective. But once you do, it's worth it. Her convictions become sweet and clear. In the end, I was grateful to view history through her eyes.
hatrireads's review
3.0
I listened to this book on Audible and it was laugh out loud funny and illuminating. She read the book aloud herself and her dry sense of humor really added to my listening pleasure. Plus Sarah had special guest narrators Conan O'Brien, Seth Green, Stephen Colbert, Michael Chabon with original music by They Might Be Giants. Great audio book!
ragesandpages's review against another edition
4.0
I thought that my reading of this book was exceptionally timely.
Sarah Vowell does a wonderful job of giving anecdotes in a humorous way, while also bringing attention to current political and historical events that have shaped our history as a nation.
Some that stood out to me included:
- her recount of the press coverage when Al Gore was misquoted by a word. It was eye opening, in that the press still doesn't apologize now for mistakes and shoddy reporting.
-her account of moving across the country to different locales. I am in the process of questioning where I should set up roots. I'm tired of settling for the job "in the meantime" or the place where "it's only temporary". She's been all over the place, and I'm secretly jealous.
-the idea that really took hold of me is how Americans today can say that they believe in the Constitution and the idea behind America, yet they won't let others have the same freedoms. It's sad and disappointing.
-I thought it was especially poignant that we celebrate Thanksgiving, a time spent where people left their homes in search of a new life, by going back home.
Highly recommended. The music on the audiobook was definitely a bonus.
Sarah Vowell does a wonderful job of giving anecdotes in a humorous way, while also bringing attention to current political and historical events that have shaped our history as a nation.
Some that stood out to me included:
- her recount of the press coverage when Al Gore was misquoted by a word. It was eye opening, in that the press still doesn't apologize now for mistakes and shoddy reporting.
-her account of moving across the country to different locales. I am in the process of questioning where I should set up roots. I'm tired of settling for the job "in the meantime" or the place where "it's only temporary". She's been all over the place, and I'm secretly jealous.
-the idea that really took hold of me is how Americans today can say that they believe in the Constitution and the idea behind America, yet they won't let others have the same freedoms. It's sad and disappointing.
-I thought it was especially poignant that we celebrate Thanksgiving, a time spent where people left their homes in search of a new life, by going back home.
Highly recommended. The music on the audiobook was definitely a bonus.