Sarah Vowell showcases her distinct voice, remarkable command of the English language, and confident writing style in this outstanding collection of sixteen essays. Many of these essays were originally monologues on This American Life.

She artfully combines biting humor with deep-seated emotion, and personal reflections with captivating stories of America. Her focus is delightfully eclectic. She delves into her obsession with "The Godfather," searches for remnants of Frank Sinatra in his hometown of Hoboken while reflecting on the city's inferiority complex compared to NYC across the water. She embarks on a road trip with her twin sister along the Trail of Tears from Georgia to Oklahoma, honoring their Cherokee heritage in an emotional odyssey.

She visits Disneyworld and the town of Celebration, exploring their connections to American literature and the American character. She spends several days in the infamous and deliberately decrepit Chelsea Hotel in New York, which in the past was frequented by luminaries such as Arthur Miller, Dylan Thomas, Arthur C. Clarke, Patti Smith & Robert Mapplethorpe, Sid Vicious, Bob Dylan, and Leonard Cohen. She even revisits Frank Sinatra in a pre-emptive but ultimately futile plea to broadcasters not to use "My Way" in Sinatra obituaries.

And there's so much more. This is an entertaining and engaging book that begs to be thumbed through frequently. It comes highly recommended.

You can hear Sarah Vowell's voice as you read her essays.

Her writing style is such that it can make you laugh out loud funny, yet at the same time, she lovingly chronicles the absurdities of American culture.

One essay that is of particular interest is "What I see when I look at the $20 Bill."

Even those who are familiar with the betrayal by Andrew Jackson's administration and the Trail of Tears may be surprised by how recently it figures in the family history of the Cherokee Nation.

Vowell's exploration of this topic offers a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of the complex and often painful history of the United States.

Her ability to combine humor and historical research makes her essays not only entertaining but also educational.

Whether you are a history buff or simply someone who enjoys a good read, Sarah Vowell's essays are sure to captivate and engage you.

A collection of autobiographical essays that eulogize Frank Sinatra, follow the Trail of Tears, explore The Godfather, touch on insomnia, discuss the art of making mix tapes, and cover many other topics. It delves deep into the essence of life as an American. What sets these essays apart is that they avoid both the fawning grandiosity and the abject scorn that are so prevalent in other essays of this kind. I can't help but feel a tinge of jealousy towards her opportunities to travel to fascinating places. However, for the most part, I am content to experience them vicariously through her words. There were several instances when I found myself wondering how an essay would have been different if it had been written today, especially in the context of post-9/11, but also in other aspects. I truly enjoy Vowell's unique style of writing. It has left such an impression on me that I am determined to pick up her other books at some point in the future.

Sarah Vowell embarks on a captivating journey filled with a plethora of adventures, challenges, and the most bizarre dares. She is a modern-day Huck Finn, with a glass of scotch firmly in her right hand and a biography of Andrew Jackson clutched in her left.

From the thrilling experience of shooting off cannons to the art of creating non-sentimental mix tapes, from delving into the strange and not-so-wonderful world of Disney to learning to drive with Ira Glass, from going Goth for a night to her unwavering obsession with The Godfather, she holds nothing back, and I adore her for it.

The chapter "What I See When I Look at the Face on the 20 Dollar Bill" was one of my absolute favorites. In it, she retraces the Trail of Tears of the Cherokee Nation. A harrowing tale of American genocide and unrequited bravery, it is both suspenseful and heart-wrenching. When Sarah visits the Nashville home of Andrew Jackson, who broke his word and caused countless deaths so long ago, she cannot find it in her heart to forgive him. She reads a quote by President Jackson aloud to the guide giving her a tour of his grave, seeking understanding and peace. I love that Vowell, while firmly critiquing the evils and arrogance of a country that stole the land of the Cherokees, also acknowledges her own role in the America that led to so much suffering.

Vowell never allows you to forget for a moment her complex love/hate relationship with America, explaining it every step of the way. She is astonishingly intelligent and self-deprecatingly hilarious, which is why it's no surprise that she counts David Sedaris and Nick Hornby among her friends.

To me, this book is like a late-night conversation with a dear friend after indulging in too much red wine and getting too little sleep. It's a delicious blend of booze and coffee, Elvis and wisdom, pain and acceptance, Italy and understanding, insomnia, religion, Sinatra, confusion, band uniforms, death, Burger King, and love. She takes the Cannoli.

I'm a huge fan of Sarah Vowell, and as a result, I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of essays from 2007.

Her essay on Andrew Jackson was especially captivating, given our current POTUS's admiration for this individual who was accountable for the Trail of Tears and the immense suffering of countless Native Americans. It's important to note that Vowell herself has Cherokee and Seminole heritage.

Jackson was a populist, much like Trump.

"The fact that Jackson's election was a victory for populism does not in any way absolve him of his responsibility for the Trail of Tears. In fact, it makes the story even more dismal. Isn't it far more appalling when a so-called man of the people causes the deaths of so many? We expect such behavior from despots, not from those who claim to be democrats."

This connection between Jackson and Trump serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the complex and often disturbing history that can influence our present. Vowell's work encourages us to look deeper into the actions and consequences of those who have held positions of power, and to question the true nature of their leadership.

Overall, this collection of essays offers a unique and valuable perspective on American history and politics, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in these topics.

I truly relished the opportunity to get a glimpse inside the mind of the remarkable Ms. Vowell.

Her personal stories were not only captivating but also presented with a delightful blend of sly humor and astute references that effortlessly kept the reader hooked.

It's quite an exciting prospect as I'll have the privilege of meeting her later this year.

The anticipation is palpable, and I can't wait to engage with her in person and perhaps gain even more insights into her brilliant thoughts and ideas.

Her work has had a profound impact on me, and I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with her and learning from her during our encounter.

It's sure to be a memorable occasion that I'll cherish for a long time to come.

Sarah Vowell is an incredibly funny and talented individual.

Not only is she able to bring laughter with her witty remarks and humorous anecdotes, but she is also a remarkable critic of popular culture.

Specifically, she has a keen eye for analyzing popular political history.

What makes her essays even more engaging is that she is always present in them.

She doesn't shy away from expressing her genuine feelings and concerns about the issues she writes about.

I truly admire her courage in making it clear that she really cares.

Her willingness to be open and honest adds an extra layer of authenticity to her work.

It's refreshing to read someone who is not afraid to share their true thoughts and opinions, especially in a world where so many people seem to be afraid of controversy.

Sarah Vowell's unique blend of humor and criticism makes her a truly captivating writer.

I have a profound love for a really good humorous memoir-esque story anthology.

In between reading those longer and more substantial books, I often turn to these shorter works or essays. And you know what? Every time I do, I am reminded of just how amazing and engaging they can be.

I find myself thinking, "Oh, how I wish I could pen down my own memories with such remarkable wit and charm as these authors do!"

It's truly inspiring. So, go on! Pick up this anthology and give it a read. I'm sure you'll be thoroughly entertained and perhaps even a little bit inspired to start jotting down your own memories in a humorous and engaging way.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

This is a truly captivating piece of writing that stands out from all my previous readings.

It is a concise compilation of reflections and experiences, ranging from the all-too-familiar struggle with insomnia to following the arduous Trail of Tears, and even delving into the unique father-daughter relationship. (I must admit, it sounds rather fascinating to have a father with an interest in creating artilleries.)

As I delved into this book, I found myself completely immersed in diverse landscapes. From the seemingly uniform residential areas of Disneyland to a delightful goth makeover, it was a journey through various settings.

This book also made me pause and think a little, perhaps due to its slightly intellectual language. It challenges the reader to consider different perspectives and experiences, making it not just a simple read but a thought-provoking one.

Overall, it's a remarkable work that offers a unique and engaging reading experience.

I have a deep affection for Sarah Vowell's writing, and this particular work was no different.

However, it was a rather strange reading experience, especially when considering the 2016 election and her take on the once seemingly dormant (but now very active) follies of American history.

Her words made me long for her perspective on current events, yet at the same time, it left me with an uneasy feeling.

It's as if her insights into the past have a way of highlighting the present in a way that is both fascinating and discomforting.

Perhaps this is the power of her writing - to make us think deeply about our history and how it continues to shape our present.

Despite the icky feeling, I can't help but be drawn to her unique voice and the way she presents complex ideas in a relatable and engaging manner.

I look forward to seeing what she has to say about the events that are unfolding around us today.

"Leave the gun, take the Cannoli." This iconic phrase has become a symbol of a certain kind of misfit philosophy. It represents a choice to embrace the sweeter, more indulgent things in life, rather than relying on violence or aggression.

Imagine a world where people are constantly faced with difficult decisions. Do they choose the path of power and control, or do they opt for the simple pleasures that bring true joy? For misfits, the answer is often the latter.

Bite-size anecdotes and morsels of philosophy like this one offer a unique perspective on life. They remind us that it's okay to be different, to go against the grain, and to pursue our own version of happiness.

Whether it's a love for art, music, or food, these passions can be the source of our greatest fulfillment. So the next time you're faced with a choice, remember the wisdom of "Leave the gun, take the Cannoli." Choose the path that makes your heart sing, and don't be afraid to be a misfit.

Re-reading 20 years later!

My signed first edition copy from an event at Barbara's Books in Chicago in April 2000.

There was this moment when I needed something comforting and familiar. It was a late night, and I wanted to read something but didn't have the brain power to start something new.

It was fun going back on a variety of levels. I've read all of Sarah's books since this one, so I really appreciated revisiting near where she began, particularly with her exploration of the relationship between personal and national history. Of course, there were the old This American Life favorites such as Shooting Dad and What I See When I Look at the Face on the $20 Bill (which was recently re-aired).

Also, I've been listening to an amazing literary essay podcast called I'll Find Myself When I'm Dead, and it's gotten me thinking about my own essay writing origins. Sarah and other TAL-ers (including Davids Sedaris and Rakoff) are a part of that. So, yay!

Other faves in this book include Thanks for the Memorex, Species-on-Species Abuse, and American Goth. They all offer unique perspectives and engaging stories that keep me hooked even after all these years.

Rereading this book has been a wonderful experience, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of Sarah's works in the future.