A review by curtispaulostler
Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell

5.0

Sarah Vowell's style of writing history is a welcome change from the stodgy, old-school method of reciting dates and too-carefully trying to appear unbiased. She can certainly be irreverent, and has no problem indicating her own opinions about the actions and politics of historical figures. But she always backs it up with solid data and clear reporting of events. She skillfully uses primary sources to illustrate her points, and delivers the history with wit, cynicism, and a modern telling that makes her work a delight to read.

I also really loved hearing her read it. Her voice is so different from the subject matter, and she sounds nothing like a historian, but her intonation is so important in some of her commentary.