Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
32(32%)
4 stars
35(35%)
3 stars
33(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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If you were born after 1978 (or around that time), this book would possess a certain dusty charm for you.

However, if you were born in the 60's or the early 70's, it would read like your life... just slightly askew.

It has the power to wring sharp guffaws from the throat. The humor within its pages is so sneaky and so surprising.

Vowell's talent is truly uncommon. She has the ability to capture the essence of different eras and present them in a way that is both relatable and entertaining.

The book takes you on a journey through time, making you laugh and reflect on your own experiences.

Whether you were born in the 60's, 70's, or 80's, this book has something to offer. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of finding humor in the everyday.

So, if you're looking for a book that will make you laugh and think, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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There are some truly wonderfully insightful moments in this collection penned by Sarah Vowell.

Each page seems to unfold a new perspective, a unique take on various aspects of life.

I, in particular, found myself completely enamored with the last chapter.

It details her foray into the mysterious and captivating Goth culture.

Her exploration is not only fascinating but also showcases her ability to think off the beaten path.

From her rather unconventional views on driving a car to her preference for being a night owl,

from her deep connection to her Cherokee roots to her profound love for The Godfather,

Sarah Vowell's collection offers a rich tapestry of thoughts and experiences.

It is a literary journey that takes the reader on an adventure through her mind, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for the diverse and complex world she inhabits.

Whether you are a fan of her work or new to her writing, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.
July 15,2025
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Sarah Vowell has carved out a particular niche for herself. It's highly probable that her future books won't deviate too much from this niche (which isn't necessarily a negative). But we all have to start somewhere, and that's where we are now.


This is her second book, consisting of a collection of pieces she penned for various publishers and such. Consequently, the topics are rather random - the Godfather movie, Frank Sinatra, the goth scene, Walt Disney World, the Chelsea Hotel, Andrew Jackson and the Trail of Tears. Indeed, they span a wide range. At its core, the stories are often influenced by the dichotomies in her life - being outspokenly liberal while having a very Conservative father and family, and also living in Montana.


In my opinion, this makes for a great book. I'm well-versed in Vowell's work, and for me, this is a book that I read swiftly, enjoyed throughout, and will most likely read again. I truly appreciate her observations. Sometimes, this book is simply entertaining, and at other times, it attempts to make a point - whether it's as profound as the piece on the Trail of Tears or at least sticks in your mind like the questions of suffering for art raised by the Chelsea Hotel piece.


I suspect that most people who are interested in Vowell likely have already formed their opinions about her. She openly displays her politics, so a cursory glance at her reviews will reveal that her rating drops among those who may disagree with her politically.


Otherwise, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Here's a fun fact: I suspect it's because of my location, but this is yet another book that I found for next to nothing and is signed by the author (along with the flyer from the reading). I probably enjoy this more than I should, knowing that I have the signed book and it has come into my possession.

July 15,2025
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3.5 stars.

Funny, honest, and interesting, this memoir serves as a captivating time portal. It takes the reader on a journey through the author's life, filled with humorous anecdotes and candid revelations. The writing style is engaging, making it a page-turner from start to finish. Each chapter offers a unique perspective on different aspects of the author's experiences, whether it's growing up, facing challenges, or achieving success. The memoir not only entertains but also provides valuable insights and lessons that can be applied to our own lives. It's a refreshing and enjoyable read that will leave you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for the power of storytelling.
July 15,2025
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Love her acerbic humor.

Her acerbic humor is truly one of a kind. It has the power to cut through the bullshit and get straight to the heart of the matter.

With just a few words, she can make you laugh out loud while also making you think.

Her sharp wit and ability to find the humor in even the most serious of situations is truly remarkable.

Whether she's cracking jokes at her own expense or taking aim at those around her, her acerbic humor always hits the mark.

It's a refreshing change from the often dull and predictable humor that we're so used to seeing.

Love her acerbic humor because it's honest, it's real, and it's a breath of fresh air in a world that could always use a little more laughter.
July 15,2025
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I've perused several of Sarah Vowell's other literary works. However, I firmly believe that this particular one stands out as my absolute favorite.

Her previous books typically delved into historical subjects such as the Pilgrims, presidential assassinations, and the Marquis de Lafayette. While a significant portion of this current work also touches upon historical elements, it is, in fact, a collection of personal essays.

She possesses an outstanding writing style that is both humorous and unpretentious, presenting ideas in a straightforward manner. This book was published several years ago, yet one essay within it strangely feels extremely timely at present. Titled "What I See When I Look At the Face On the $20 Bill," it delves into the complex topics of Andrew Jackson and the Trail of Tears.

It's truly remarkable how Vowell manages to blend personal reflection with historical analysis in such an engaging and accessible way. This book is not only a joy to read but also a thought-provoking exploration of various themes.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys well-written and intellectually stimulating literature.
July 15,2025
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Lovely personal essays by Sarah Vowell are truly a delight to read. I have to admit that I do have a tendency to prefer her longer, more historical essays that artfully weave into a captivating story, such as the wonderful Assassination Vacation. However, it's important to note that she writes with such clarity and amusement in all of her works. It's not as if I have any dislike for any of these essays. Some of the best moments include her hilarious account of learning to drive, the struggles with insomnia that she so vividly describes, her experiences playing in the band, and even the rather unexpected tale of shooting her dad. Each of these essays offers a unique glimpse into her life and thoughts, making for an engaging and entertaining read.

July 15,2025
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Sarah Vowell's writing offers an interesting perspective as she delves into her life growing up in rural Oklahoma or Montana and artfully connects it to American History.

She truly shines when she focuses on the historical aspects. The chapter about Chicago, in particular, is an absolute must-read, filled with fascinating details and insights that bring the past to life.

However, she seems to struggle when the spotlight is on herself. The chapters that detail her trip to Disneyland and her experience learning how to drive come across as rather dull and uninteresting, almost a snooze-fest.

Overall, while I do appreciate Vowell's work in smaller doses, I don't feel the need to embark on reading another entire book of hers. Her strengths lie more in the historical narratives, and perhaps a collection of shorter pieces in that vein would be more to my liking.

Nevertheless, her unique approach to combining personal experiences with historical context is值得称赞的, and she has contributed to the literary landscape in her own distinct way.
July 15,2025
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Registered on Bookcrossing : http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...


This is a truly enjoyable collection of essays. While it may not be as uproariously funny as the works of David Sedaris, it still manages to be quite interesting and humorous. The chapter in which the author learns to drive at the age of 28 is particularly entertaining. Her boss takes her to a cemetery to practice, reasoning that she can't cause any harm to anyone there. It's a rather unique and comical situation.


The author's description of her room at the famous Chelsea Hotel in New York City is also quite vivid. She writes, "My room, marked 923 in ballpoint on a crumbling index card taped to the door, is an Edward Hopper painting waiting to happen. So Hopperesque, in fact, that upon entering I feel the need to put on a grimy old slip and slump into the dusty armchair so that I can stare wantonly at the wall." This description really brings the room to life and gives the reader a sense of the atmosphere and character of the place.

July 15,2025
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Lovely writing indeed! Some of the essays were truly outstanding, captivating my attention from the very beginning. However, I did have a slight reservation. I wasn't overly fond of the numerous different styles of essays that were presented. It felt a bit disjointed at times. For instance, I didn't appreciate having first-person accounts suddenly blend into a more reporter-like style. It made the reading experience a bit less seamless than I would have liked. I think a more consistent approach in terms of style could have enhanced the overall quality of the collection. Nevertheless, the lovely writing and the great essays still managed to leave a positive impression on me.

July 15,2025
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I truly did not have an enjoyable experience while reading this book.

Her writing style simply did not appeal to me.

Moreover, I could not fathom for the life of me why she would fly all the way to San Francisco just to have people dress her up as a goth for the sake of a single book chapter.

It just seemed so strange and out of place to me.

This book, along with its author and style, is definitely not my cup of tea.

I much prefer to stick to her history books, which I find far more interesting and engaging.

Perhaps this particular book was a departure from her usual work, but it just didn't work for me.

I will continue to look forward to her future history publications, hoping that they will recapture my interest and enthusiasm.
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