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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
I never knew much about the history Hawaii other than the basics such as once called the Sandwich Islands, had a monarchy until it "joined" the US and such. This book delves into the ups and downs of Hawaii history specifically from the first American Missionary effort to its acquisition by the US in the late 1800s including some modern commentary. As always, Vowell is fun and funny, she freely admits her own biases from the beginning and does compare and contrast her Cherokee ancestry's experiences to those of the Hawaiians. Good book.
dark
funny
informative
sad
medium-paced
Historical look at how Hawaii came to be an American state. I’m not sure I was focused enough for non fiction. I also remember Vowell being more humorous.
informative
I learned many fun facts while listening to this book, most of which I promptly forgot, but I did come away with the sense that if I ever manage to make it out to Hawai'i, I'm going to end up forgoing the beach for trips to old missionary houses and obscure museums.
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I enjoyed this book.
The book does a nice job of reviewing Hawaiian history from early to late 1800's, focusing on the interaction of the Hawaiians and the New England missionaries. Later third of the book details the descent from Kingdom to Oligarchy to territory.
The author can be very humorous, and I enjoy several of her observations very much. There are times when these off hand comments seem to be more important than the story, which is very distracting.
Overall good and informative book.
The book does a nice job of reviewing Hawaiian history from early to late 1800's, focusing on the interaction of the Hawaiians and the New England missionaries. Later third of the book details the descent from Kingdom to Oligarchy to territory.
The author can be very humorous, and I enjoy several of her observations very much. There are times when these off hand comments seem to be more important than the story, which is very distracting.
Overall good and informative book.
Vowell's sardonic, cutting wit and deep empathy for the Hawaiian people makes this an engaging if not tragic history of the forcible annexation of Hawaii. Through historical research and present day recollections and anecdotes from native Hawaiians she seamlessly melds key events from the 19th century to connect them to present day observations of Hawaii and its people. Her skillful description of the picturesque beauty of the islands and the various historical locations that drive the narrative compel any true lover of history to retrace her footsteps and experience Hawaii for themselves.
This is my first time reading Sarah Vowell and I loved her snarky take on Hawaiian history and the people who made it.
Vowell's disjointed narrative might have been easier to follow if I knew something of the history of Hawaii but as it was I spent quite a bit of time trying to sort out who was who. A timeline or genealogy of Hawaiian monarchs & missionary families might have helped. Although I do enjoy her dry sense of humor.