I have this perception that nearly everyone who is a regular contributor to This American Life has penned an essay collection. We have David Sedaris, David Rakoff, and now Sarah Vowell.

Just like all the collections I've perused, Vowell's work is quite decent. However, unlike Sedaris and Rakoff who mainly zero in on their own personal experiences, Vowell's scope is a touch broader. In addition to chronicling her own life, she has a penchant for situating her experiences within a larger historical and cultural framework. For instance, an essay about her affection for Frank Sinatra evolves into a more comprehensive examination of how he fits into the culture and consciousness of his hometown, Hoboken, New Jersey. Some chapters commence with Vowell visiting a specific place or residing in a particular location and then segue into a charming history lesson. I especially relished her treatment of the vibrant Chelsea Hotel.

After delving into Take the Cannoli, it becomes entirely understandable to me why Sarah Vowell redirected her focus more towards history writing. Her subsequent books have covered a gamut of topics such as American political assassinations, the Puritans, Manifest Destiny, and the Marquis de Lafayette. She appears to be captivated by the individuals who lie behind the historical events.

I have a great affection for Sarah Vowell, and this particular book was the last one of hers that I delved into. Regrettably, I found myself extremely disappointed with it. Perhaps it was rather naïve of me to assume that one of her earliest works could hold a candle to her more contemporary titles. However, it didn't resonate with me as deeply as I had anticipated. It is indeed a good book, yet I feel that her self-deprecating humor in this instance falls a bit short. Instead of being funny, it comes across as more depressing. Admittedly, I don't have a great affinity for self-deprecating humor to begin with. Nevertheless, there are still some amusing essays within the book, like the one where she learns to drive. All in all, if you are a fan of Vowell, I would still recommend picking up this book, but it is by no means her strongest offering.

All American Cocktail

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I have been gradually perusing everything that Sarah Vowell has penned.

So far, Assassination Vacation stands as my favorite.

Take the Cannoli, on the other hand, gives the impression of being outdated. It appears to have been written with an attitude of "I-am-sooo-jaded" which not only feels old-fashioned but also seems too facile.

However, it should be noted that this is an early work of hers.

And as she continues to write, Vowell shows a remarkable improvement.

Her later works display a greater depth and maturity, captivating readers with her unique perspective and engaging writing style.

It will be interesting to see how her writing evolves in the future.

This book is a compilation of essays.

Among them, the essay titled "American Goth" is uproariously funny when read by the author on This American Life.

The author's reading brings the words to life, making it a truly entertaining experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed this particular piece as it offers a unique slice of life from a writer of my generation.

What stands out is the writer's sharp and unwavering perspective.

They have a remarkable ability to see things clearly and present their views with great precision.

Moreover, the writer's sense of humor is extremely pointed.

It adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading, making it not only thought-provoking but also highly amusing.

Overall, this book is a great collection that offers a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, with "American Goth" being a standout piece that is sure to make readers laugh out loud.

I truly enjoyed this book.

Sarah Vowell has a special voice and a unique approach to writing about American History, among many other subjects. This is a book of essays. I usually would not read a book of essays but put this one on my "to read" list seven (7!) years ago. I am glad I finally got to it.

I have only read one other book of hers - Unfamiliar Fishes. It tells a similar story to her essay regarding The Trail of Tears. I had not known much at all about Hawaii's history so it was eye-opening.

In all, Sarah injects a strange humor along with the dismay of reading about our own country and its versions of genocide.

Terry, I think you would enjoy this one. I could hear you laughing while I read it.

The way she presents historical events makes them come alive. Her writing is engaging and full of interesting details. It's not your typical dry history book.

Each essay offers a new perspective and makes you think about the past in a different way. Whether it's about a specific event or a broader topic, Sarah's insights are always thought-provoking.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in American History or just enjoys reading well-written essays. It's a great read that will leave you with a lot to think about.

A decent collection of rather entertaining essays from the stalwart This American Life writer has been presented. However, it is unfortunate that our experiences and views of life are incredibly different. To the extent that while reading through this, I was mainly having the constant thought of "God, I'd hate to hang out with her." This is really not the best state to be in when one is attempting to establish a connection or relate. It seems that the disparity between our outlooks and life encounters has made it difficult for me to fully engage with the content on a deeper level. Despite the entertainment value of the essays, this fundamental difference has created a sort of barrier that prevents a more profound understanding and identification.

I realized while reading this that I am quite familiar with this author from NPR's This American Life.

Some of the essays truly captured my imagination, while others did not. Overall, it was a diverting read considering all the other things that are otherwise occupying my time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Take the Cannoli is a remarkable collection of personal stories. It is both moving and wickedly funny, stretching across the vast landscape of the American scene. Vowell delves into various subjects such as identity, politics, religion, art, and history with a sharp and biting humor. She scours the streets of Hoboken in search of traces of the town's beloved son, Frank Sinatra. She even goes undercover with heavy makeup to investigate the goth culture. In addition, she blasts cannonballs into a hillside during a father-daughter outing and maps her family's haunted history on a road trip down the Trail of Tears. Vowell has an irresistibly unique voice. It is caustic yet sympathetic, insightful and double-edged. This has led to a loyal following for her magazine writing and radio monologues on This American Life.

Her work offers a fresh and engaging perspective on the American experience.

Sarah Vowell's collection of short stories and essays about America in the 20th century was truly a novel and captivating offering.

Written by a bright young writer with a sharp understanding of what constitutes a great story and a valuable life lesson, it was once very much in tune with the spirit of the moment. However, as time has passed, it now seems like a time capsule from a bygone era.

Nonetheless, it still makes for a delightful afternoon read, a wonderful way to end an evening, or a great way to begin a day. Even in the most difficult of circumstances, such as being awake at night and unable to sleep, these stories can act as a soothing balm.

They serve as a reminder that everything will eventually pass, and that most experiences can be transformed into humorous and perceptive anecdotes. At the heart of it all is her beautiful and moving account of her journey along the Trail of Tears.

This journey was undertaken as a means of coming to terms with the complex history not only of her own family but of all of America. Skillfully arranged, the entire collection almost functions as a single volume, presenting a portrait of a person with whom we can all identify.

After all, while none of us are her, we have all had similar experiences, and none of us truly knows what lies ahead.

Still relevant.

Still great writing.

Vowell is one of my all-time favorite writers. Her works have this unique charm that keeps pulling me in. It is truly a joy to embark on a journey across the country, both temporally and emotionally, in the company of her words.

I have always eagerly anticipated her books, and this particular one was no exception. Rereading it was like rediscovering a hidden treasure.

The way she weaves together history, personal anecdotes, and social commentary is simply masterful. Her writing style is engaging, witty, and thought-provoking.

Each page is filled with vivid descriptions and profound insights that make me see the world from a different perspective.

Vowell's ability to bring the past to life and make it relevant to the present is truly remarkable.

This book is not just a collection of words; it is an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.

This is a Goodwill impulse buy that actually worked out.

By the end of this collection of essays, I found myself completely engrossed in Sarah Vowell as both a character(?) and a writer. Her prose is truly inviting, warm like a story shared by your grandfather after he's had a few drinks.

However, I did have some issues with the book. The main one being its unevenness. Some essays were a breeze to read and were utterly captivating, while others seemed more like a lightly glorified textbook with a left-leaning perspective (sort of like A People's History of the U.S.?). This wasn't necessarily bad, just unexpected.

The last essay also didn't strike me as the ideal way to conclude the book, but perhaps that's just my opinion. After all, what do I really know?

Overall, I'd say the four-star rating is mainly for the best essays in the book. Some of them may not have been quite four-star worthy, but it was definitely worth opening the book and cracking the spine for the handful that I truly adored.

Often, the humor pieces are amusing and well-written. However, when people say that Vowell is similar to David Sedaris, it's a big "NOT". She simply doesn't conclude things in the same way as he does. While Sedaris concentrates on human weaknesses and quirks, Vowell is interested in everything. This includes politics, which to some extent dates her writing. But despite this, her work is still well worth a read.

Her unique perspective and wide range of interests make her writing engaging and thought-provoking. She has a way of presenting ideas and stories that keeps the reader entertained and interested from beginning to end. Even though her writing may have some elements that are specific to a certain time period due to her focus on politics, it doesn't overshadow the overall quality and value of her work.

In conclusion, while Vowell may not be exactly like Sedaris, she has her own charm and style that make her writing a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf. Whether you're a fan of humor, politics, or just good writing in general, there's something in Vowell's work for you to enjoy.