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lauraborkpower's review against another edition
3.0
I much prefer Vowell in the essay genre, and this long-format got a bit too much of her all at once. But it's obvious where her interests sit, so her writing is interesting and chock-full of neato tidbits about the presidents she's chronicling.
notspacemanlee's review against another edition
2.0
Closer to 2.5 stars.
I have been getting into creative nonfiction lately and had this book recommended to me. As someone who enjoys the concept of historical connections - each Presidential assassination chapter was full of them. I did learn quite a bit and the writing wasn't professorial.
However, the book reeks of smug self-indulgence and (while I don't ascribe to either political party), all the Bush/Republican jokes weren't germane to the book. Then again, I'm not one to listen to any late night monologues, because they all are low hanging fruit no matter who is in office.
Charles Guiteau's life story was a hoot, though.
I have been getting into creative nonfiction lately and had this book recommended to me. As someone who enjoys the concept of historical connections - each Presidential assassination chapter was full of them. I did learn quite a bit and the writing wasn't professorial.
However, the book reeks of smug self-indulgence and (while I don't ascribe to either political party), all the Bush/Republican jokes weren't germane to the book. Then again, I'm not one to listen to any late night monologues, because they all are low hanging fruit no matter who is in office.
Charles Guiteau's life story was a hoot, though.
jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
I feel kinda bad that I had so much fun reading a book about presidential assassination. I expected to like the history stuff in this book, and I really did. There were so many instances of "you've got to be kidding me!" coincidences or weird factoids that I thoroughly enjoyed. What I didn't anticipate was enjoying the company Sarah kept on her journeys. It was great spending time with the friends and family members who accompanied her. And I loved the people she met along the way, people so passionate about their local history and so willing to share with others. The history geek in me is inspired by them.
mbpartlow's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it, bought it for Joe for Xmas.
Lively, funny, witty style.
Lively, funny, witty style.
tnorthcu's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't like this book quite as much as Partly Cloudy Patriot... but it is still a really good book. Same sarcasm as her other books, great material and humorous.
bhnmt61's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it, highly recommended. Some find Sarah Vowell’s voice annoying, so make sure you listen to the sample before you decide, but I thought her voice was the perfect complement. A little snide, occasionally a little childlike, sometimes a little monotone— for a story that sometimes gave me goosebumps and often made me laugh. I don’t think I would have made it more than a chapter or two with the print version. Really fun.
jobustitch's review against another edition
5.0
Just awesome!!! I had no idea about Robert Todd Lincoln's role as the harbinger of death. It makes me want to jump in the car and create my own assasination vacation. I will now have to read all of her books.
targrap's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so funny, I was reading parts of it aloud to the people around me. But beyond being engaging, the book was extremely informative. I will definitely read Sara Vowell's other books.