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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.
audaciaray's review
3.0
The Partly Cloudy Patriot was a fun and engaging read - Sarah Vowell is very clever. I appreciate her nerdiness, but in a book of essays about patriotism and contemporary life, I could've gone for more nerdiness and less funny.
susanbrooks's review against another edition
4.0
This audio CD is by Sarah Vowell, not Stephen Colbert. FYI.
I love her! She's so quirky, smart, funny & interesting.
Sarah Vowell - not written by Colbert.
I love her! She's so quirky, smart, funny & interesting.
Sarah Vowell - not written by Colbert.
abbywdan's review
4.0
This is my favorite of Sarah Vowell's books. Though Take the Cannoli is right up there. It's funnier and more balanced than AssVac, Shipmates, and Fishes, all of which kind of suffer from the disconnect between her lovable dryness and the inescapably unlovable dryness of HISTORY.
balletbookworm's review
4.0
Not quite as fun as Assassination Vacation or The Wordy Shipmates bc the subjects felt a little all over. But I loved the last essay about TR National Park
eehancock's review
3.0
I didn't quite enjoy this as much as I did The Wordy Shipmates. The short stories are a little more memoir-esque and I've heard a few of them on This American Life.
jelek86's review
5.0
Great from cover to cover, but "The Nerd Voice" stands out as an absolutely brilliant look at politics and the American way.
pickwickthedodo's review
4.0
Like I've come to expect from Sarah Vowell, this was full of wit and I learned a lot! I continue to lament that it's taken me so long to get into her books, but I'm so glad I've finally started. I particularly enjoyed the random essay entitled Tom Cruise makes me nervous, and I'm always struck by her love for her country, even when it makes terrible decisions.
Definitely listen to the audiobook if you can, there's a soundtrack and guest voices and everything!
Definitely listen to the audiobook if you can, there's a soundtrack and guest voices and everything!
amberhayward's review
5.0
When is Sarah Vowell going to right another book/be my friend? I'd be happy with either. There are something like 20 stories/essays in this book and they are all awesome. Sarah Vowell, along with Roald Dahl and Judy Blume, is one of the few authors whose work I can re-read. My favorites are "Tom Cruise Makes Me Nervous" (just like it sounds), "Rosa Parks, C'est Moi" (references one of my favorite cancelled TV shows Sports Night), and "Underground Lunchroom" (it's in the Carlsbad Caverns!). I love reading Sarah Vowell books because she is the kind of nerd I aspire to be. She just knows a lot and can put her knowledge to good use- being witty, pointed, and just awesome in general. Once, after reading Assassination Vacation I decided I wanted to memorize all of the presidents in order, and I got through the first 6 (and I already knew the last few- it's just those 30-some-odd in the middle there). Maybe if I just keep re-reading her books, something will stick.
matthewwester's review
4.0
Very enjoyable 3 1/2 stars. Sarah Vowell writes about history in a nerdy, npr-friendly way. She doesn't take herself too seriously and it makes perfect sense to have other comedians reading parts in this audiobook. I would recommend her writing to anyone who enjoys American history.