This was an interesting book.

Reading it in an election year is just "the icing on the cake."

Yes, it is a bit dated as she talks about Al Gore running for President.

However, that doesn't lessen the benefits of listening to this book.

It's a book that delves into history, politics, and who we are as US citizens.

All in all, it is an excellent book.

My only complaint is that the author's voice has a bit of a "whiny" quality to it, which was really distracting.

But the content, along with the music by They Might Be Giants, made up for it.

Definitely recommend that you read this one.

It offers valuable insights and perspectives that are relevant even today, despite the passage of time.

The combination of historical facts, political analysis, and personal anecdotes makes it a captivating read.

So, don't let the slightly dated references deter you.

Pick up this book and discover the wealth of knowledge it has to offer.

I'm not entirely certain whether this would have received a 5-star review if every aspect within this book hadn't rung so true in the midst of our present presidential campaign.

If this book has been on your to-read list for some time, just as it was on mine, then it's time to pick it up and read it now.

It has the power to rile you up, evoke feelings of nostalgia, and perhaps even offer you a fresh perspective on both old and new challenges that our country is confronting.

Moreover, if you're seeking an additional incentive, consider listening to the audiobook which is read by the author himself.

This can enhance your reading experience and allow you to engage with the content in a different way.

So don't hesitate any longer, give this book a chance and see how it impacts you.

You might be surprised by what you discover and how it makes you think about the world around us.

Ok, I probably could've figured this out from the dust-jacket recommends. The blurbs from David Sedaris and Nick Hornby were quite telling. But it turns out that Sarah Vowell is a producer for This American Life. And indeed, there's a solid TAL / McSweeney's vibe to these essays.

I really enjoyed reading them. In fact, I liked them so much that I found myself wishing they were a little longer. They are presented in bite-sized pieces, which makes for easy and pleasant reading. However, after finishing the book, it felt like I had eaten an entire package of Oreos in one sitting. There was a sense of satisfaction, but also a longing for more substance.

Overall, it was a good read, but I can't help but think that if the essays were expanded a bit, they could have delved deeper into the topics and provided more in-depth analysis. Still, it was an enjoyable experience, and I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys humorous and thought-provoking essays.

I have an intense love for Sarah Vowell. Her nerdy obsession with history and her background in the marching band truly add to her charm. This particular book of hers holds a special place in my heart as it contains a chapter on Al Gore and the "nerd voice". I must confess that I, too, am sometimes guilty of having that same nerdy tone. I have a bit of a snarky streak. I'm sorry, but it's just the way I am.

It's an absolute truth - if only Al Gore could have poked a little fun at himself for his "nerd voice", everything would have been fine. We would have been able to overlook his know-it-all and smartypants attitude, and the whole situation would have been completely different.

I'm also a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so Sarah really hit the mark with this book. It speaks to my interests on multiple levels and keeps me engaged from start to finish. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.