Vowell's wicked humor truly aligns with my present state of mind.

This nonfiction book consists of a series of short and disjointed chapters, numerous of which have made me burst out laughing.

However, her chapter that meticulously details her trip following the Trail of Tears as part Cherokee is extremely moving.

The writing is of high quality, and the stories are fascinating. It's a book that manages to balance humor and depth, engaging the reader on multiple levels.

Each chapter offers a unique perspective and a new set of experiences, making it a truly enjoyable read.

Vowell's ability to combine her wit with poignant moments is what makes this book stand out.

Whether you're in the mood for a good laugh or a thought-provoking read, this book has something to offer.

It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates great writing and interesting stories.

This is a really quite interesting book. I have a great affection for the unique combination it presents, which involves comedy, history, and introspection.

The comedy within it is rather witty, although perhaps not to the extent of being completely mind-blowing. It has its charm and manages to bring a smile to the reader's face.

The history aspect is presented in an honest and blunt manner. The historical bits are quite diverse. There is personal history, which offers insights into the author's own experiences and how they have shaped his perspective. There is also heritage, which delves into the cultural and ancestral background that has influenced the story. Additionally, there is general US history, which provides a broader context and backdrop.

The introspection in this book combines history and comedy in a rather neat way. It allows the reader to think about their own life in a different light, using the humorous and historical elements as a means of reflection.

However, the downside is that at times this book can be a bit too American for my personal taste. It may focus too much on American culture, events, and references, which might make it less accessible or engaging for readers who are not as familiar with the American context.

I firmly believe that a book of this nature loses a certain charm if it is not presented to me in Vowell's own distinctively sardonic voice, either as an audiobook or in the original episodes on This American Life.

Among this collection of essays, the most captivating one is undoubtedly "What I See When I Look at the Face on the $20 Bill." It meticulously details a road trip she embarked upon with her twin sister, following the Trail of Tears. I am of the opinion that this particular piece foreshadows her future nonfiction works, which I have come to greatly relish since then. The other essays consist of various humorous recountings, such as those about Frank Sinatra and Hoboken, the Chelsea Hotel, and her rather peculiar gun-nut dad, among others. These essays achieved their intended effects in diverse ways.

This happens to be the oldest of Vowell's books that I have had the pleasure of reading. As a result, it has been truly fascinating to go back and explore her earlier work. In my estimation, she has made significant improvements since this initial offering.

I picked this book up at the library book sale this year. My copy seems to be signed. On the title page, it's from Sarah Vowell to Klay. The paperback edition I have has a cartoon illustration of the car seat from The Godfather. There's a box in it, presumably of cannolis. And Sarah (assuming she's the signer) drew a little arrow up to the box with the words "rice cookies" written next to it. I'm really curious to know who Klay is and what the story behind this is.

There's an interesting sidebar. I bought this at the sale at the end of October. I didn't even remember what the cannoli reference was about because it had been so long since I'd seen the movie. Strangely, for years my husband had been saying he'd never seen The Godfather. So we watched it over Thanksgiving weekend, which happened to coincide with my reading of this book. That made me think, hm! And then TWO other references to the phrase came up over the next 10 days, not started by me or my husband. It's very weird.

If you've never read any of Sarah Vowell's work, I'm not sure I'd recommend starting with this book of essays. But if you know her and love her, you'll definitely love this one. It starts off with a bang (ha ha!) with her essay called "Shooting Dad".

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the essays. On creating her own theme park, she says, "Should Vowell World ever get enough investors, I'm going to stick my Tom Sawyer Island in Love and Death in the American Novel Land right between the Jay Gatsby Swimming Pool and Tom Joad's Dust Bowl Lanes, a Depression-themed bowling alley." On patriotism, she states, "When I think about my relationship with America, I feel like a battered wife. Yeah, he knocks me around a bit, but hey, he sure can dance." On learning how to drive as an adult and sharing that the only thing she fears more than driving is water, she says, "I'm so afraid of drowning I tend to drink beer in half-pints." And on self-improvement, she writes, "We are flawed creatures, all of us. Some of us think that means we should fix our flaws. But get rid of my flaws and there would be no one left." (Ah, yes, this is so me!!)

Great, funny essays!

Essays have always been a fascinating form of literature for me. They can be serious and thought-provoking, but they can also be lighthearted and hilarious.

Funniness in essays can take many forms. It could be through witty wordplay, absurd situations, or clever observations about life.

Reading a great, funny essay is like taking a break from the stresses of the world and indulging in a good laugh. It can brighten up your day and put a smile on your face.

Whether it's an essay about the quirks of human behavior, a humorous account of a personal experience, or a satirical take on a current event, there's something for everyone in the world of funny essays.

I love how essays can use humor to make a point or convey a message in a unique and engaging way. They have the power to make us think while also making us laugh.

So, the next time you're looking for a good read, why not pick up a collection of great, funny essays? You're sure to be entertained and maybe even learn something along the way.

I really enjoyed this book. It contains a series of essays that explore what it means to be an American and all the contradictions that come with it.

One of the most difficult essays for me to read was the one about doing "Heritage Tourism" along the Trail of Tears. The author's struggles with what happened to the Cherokees along the Trail conflicted with her knowledge that the tribe were slave-holders. It was an extended meditation on the inherent contradictions of being American.

In other books, the author has a consistent theme running through them. However, this one is more of a collection of essays written at different times, many of which were originally published in This American Life. Speaking of which, there is a really funny essay about Ira Glass attempting to teach her to drive.

The title of the book comes from a line in the Godfather: "Leave the gun. Take the cannoli." It adds an interesting and somewhat unexpected touch to the collection. Overall, this is a thought-provoking and engaging read that offers a unique perspective on American identity and culture.

Take the Cannoli: Stories From the New World by Sarah Vowell is a book that I'm certain I'll want to read again.

I have a deep love for essays, and in my mind, I can vividly picture Vowell's voice as it must have sounded on This American Life, where most of these stories originated.

The book is filled with various elements. There are several snippets of her growing-up experiences interspersed throughout, along with a wealth of history and the darkest of humor. It's truly great stuff, especially when it comes to the Trail of Tears and the multitude of different emotions that that particular event evoked.

There is so much humor in this book.

On one hand, I think Vowell would be an amazing friend to be around. We could laugh at "Choo-Choo" and find ways to work it into every comment because of its unique sound (personally, I love the word "spleen"). On the other hand, I can envision a day when she would drag me along on the least appealing road trip ever. Hotspots of the Teapot Dome scandal? Tippecanoe? Some other phrase that I only vaguely remember from American history but can't quite place in time or space? She's already been to The Hall of Presidents, so I'd be spared that one. However, no matter how unappealing the idea might be to me, I know she would make it fascinating, full of humor and humanity. Maybe we could just get her, Kate Beaton, and Bill Bryson to filter all of history for us?

This is a library copy, but I might just have to add it to my personal collection.

I have a great fondness for this author. She handles extremely serious topics with an abundance of respect. At the same time, she is able to adopt a sometimes humorous point of view. Her work is truly remarkable in this regard. It's not easy to balance such different tones and still convey the depth and importance of the subject matter. I've had the pleasure of listening to her on "This American Life" as well. Her appearances on the show have been engaging and thought-provoking. She has a unique way of presenting her ideas that keeps the audience hooked from start to finish. I look forward to reading more of her work and hearing her speak in the future.

Take the Canoli is an engaging collection of short pieces penned by Sarah Vowell.

These pieces span a wide variety of genres, including memoir, history, social criticism, travelogue, and pop culture reportage.

One particularly captivating personal narrative details a trip that Vowell took across the Trail of Tears with her twin sister, Amy. It's interesting to note that the Vowells are a quarter Cherokee.

Another piece delves into a trip to Disney and the Disney-engineered town of Celebration.

There are also two essays dedicated to Sinatra, adding a touch of musical and cultural exploration to the collection.

However, perhaps the funniest story is about her attempts to learn to drive with Ira Glass as her teacher.

Overall, Take the Canoli is a truly great collection that offers readers a diverse and entertaining range of perspectives and experiences.

It's a must-read for those who enjoy thought-provoking and engaging writing.

My favorite of her books


I had the great pleasure of listening to Sarah speak at a library function in Bend, Oregon. It was truly a memorable experience. Since then, I have been on a reading spree, devouring most of her books.

One particular book of hers has truly stood out for me. This book manages to capture so many of the awkward and hilarious aspects of the world we live in. What makes it even more remarkable is the way she writes. She combines a sense of seriousness and intelligence with a unique humor that has you laughing out loud on one page and reflecting deeply on the next.

Her ability to balance these two elements is what makes her writing so engaging and enjoyable. I find myself constantly reaching for this book whenever I need a good laugh or a thought-provoking read. It has become my favorite among her many wonderful works.

I always take great pleasure in reading Sarah Vowell's work. However, I have never been completely overwhelmed by it. Although "Assassination Vacation" came relatively close.

Somehow, it gives the impression that she never takes any risks with herself. She makes witty remarks about others and historical events, but she always remains on the safe side.

This is perfectly acceptable, of course. It's just that after being indulged by the works of Burroughs, Ames, Sedaris, and others, I have become extremely sensitive to essayists who write about themselves yet seem to hold back.

I find myself longing for a more genuine and unrestrained exploration of the self in their writing. I want to see them lay themselves bare, expose their vulnerabilities, and share their true selves with the readers.

Perhaps this is an unfair expectation, but it is one that I have developed as a result of my exposure to some truly remarkable and fearless essayists.

Nonetheless, I will continue to read Sarah Vowell's work, hoping that one day she will surprise me and take that leap into the unknown, revealing a side of herself that I have not yet seen.

Sarah Vowell truly has a remarkable gift. She has the ability to take the ordinary aspects of real life and transform them into something both interesting and hilarious.

The stories she presents are not only incredibly touching and human, but they also have the power to make you laugh at least once on every page.

It's a unique combination that keeps you engaged from start to finish. I highly recommend her work, especially for those who have a preference for short stories rather than longer novels.

The brevity of the short stories allows for a quick and enjoyable read, while still packing a punch in terms of entertainment and emotional impact.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted escape or a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, Sarah Vowell's stories are sure to deliver.