A review by jcschildbach
The Partly Cloudy Patriot by Sarah Vowell

5.0

I love Sarah Vowell, and may be in love with Sarah Vowell. Who else would reference Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Al Gore's first book, and the correct Seminole languages (via a reference to a Revenge of the Nerds sequel) in an essay on the Supreme Court calling a halt to the vote recounts in Florida in the 2000 presidential election? Vowell is passionate about history and politics, but also well-versed in pop culture, all in an incredibly personal way. She is able to articulate the contradictions in American life and in her private life (which makes it that much more universal), such as how it is possible to both love and be deeply disturbed by one's family, and one's country.