Radio On: A Listener's Diary by sarah vowell

100 reviews All reviews

sunk3rn

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I just plain got tired of the snark by page 174 and put it down for a while.

It seemed that the constant snarkiness was wearing me out, and I needed a break from it.

I tried to pick it up again, hoping that my mood might have changed and I could continue enjoying the story.

However, I just couldn't. The snark had left such a bad taste in my mouth that I couldn't bring myself to engage with the book any further.

Don't judge her other books by this one. It's definitely an outlier.

I'm sure that her other works are much better and more enjoyable. This particular book just didn't work for me.

I guess there's a reason I had to work to find it. Maybe it was a sign that it wasn't meant for me.

Wish I hadn't bothered. It was a waste of my time and effort.

But at least I can now move on and find a book that will truly capture my interest.

0 0 Reply

Kieli_Heart

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

The least enjoyable of Vowell's works, I still liked what is essentially a year-long diary of listening to the radio at random times almost every day.

This diary was done nearly 15 years ago, which makes it quite interesting to recall the things that she writes about.

For instance, the recent death of Kurt Cobain, the rise of the Republican Congress, Rush Limbaugh, and the Clinton Administration.

It was also a pleasant surprise to discover new music that I'd never heard before and to learn about the early years of Ira Glass and David Sedaris on NPR.

The way Vowell describes these events and her experiences of listening to the radio provides a unique perspective on that particular time period.

Although it may not be her most outstanding work, it still has its charm and offers valuable insights into the cultural and political landscape of the past.

Overall, it's an engaging read that makes you think about how much has changed since then.

0 0 Reply

onionsoup

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Sarah Vowell's distinct, contemplative, intelligent, and sarcastically optimistic voice has crafted a portal.

In this portal, the reader becomes deeply immersed in the world of radio, experiencing both its advantages and disadvantages.

As I delved into her experiences from 1995, it not only allowed me to relive my own memories but also to delight in her thought-provoking critiques of this ever-present form of media.

At times, it was disconcerting to realize that nearly 20 years later, we still face many of the same challenges.

For instance, where are the female rock musicians on the radio? However, don't worry, we still have Rush and the dittoheads!

This diary offers a chance to appreciate this auditory constant in an increasingly visual world, reminding us of the power and significance of radio in our lives.

0 0 Reply

Alive3000

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I truly have a great fondness for Sarah Vowell.

This particular book is somewhat like a diary chronicling a year of her listening to the radio.

Every day, she tuned in to various music and programs and then jotted down her thoughts regarding them.

The year in question was 1995, which means the book is rather outdated.

There were numerous events and musical pieces that I had no prior knowledge of.

Nevertheless, I was thoroughly entertained by her comical wit.

It was extremely interesting that she dedicated a significant amount of discussion to Rush Limbaugh and how much of an idiot she considered him to be.

I suppose that in 14 years, some things haven't changed all that much.

Despite the age of the book, it still managed to hold my attention and provide some enjoyable reading.

It was fascinating to get a glimpse into the world of radio listening in 1995 and to see how Sarah Vowell's perspective added a unique charm to the experience.

Overall, it was a fun and engaging read, even with its dated aspects.

0 0 Reply

suzuminakahara

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Radio On: A Listener's Diary is truly a remarkable time capsule from 1995. It has a distinct political flavor and a touch of musicality. I have a great admiration for Sarah Vowell.

It's impressive that she was writing her first novel in her mid-twenties, fresh out of school. If only I had been as focused at that age, perhaps I would have been writing critical reviews of the sound waves too. However, even in her ambitious twenties, like many of us, her work still lacked refinement.

Although the book is intelligently opinionated, there are areas where it falls short. I'm not certain if its flatness stems from my expectations of learning more about the pre-internet radio world from someone so closely associated with it, or if it's because the politically charged 1995 election inevitably took center stage.

The book feels dated and fragmented at times. But, there are glimmers of magic within its pages that are extremely valuable and relevant in our technology-saturated lives. These moments offer unique insights and perspectives that can still resonate with readers today.

0 0 Reply

rayanDON

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I truly believe that I have an urgent need to establish a friendship with Sarah Vowell. There are several compelling reasons for this. Firstly, she shares my taste in music, which is a rare and wonderful connection. It's not often that you come across someone who has the same musical preferences as you do. Secondly, she despises Garrison Keillor, and this common dislike further solidifies my desire to be her friend.

Her Diary - an account of one year of radio, although it was written 10 years ago - is an incredibly enlightening, scary, and American piece of work. It offers a unique perspective on the world of radio and provides valuable insights into the human experience. Reading her diary is like taking a journey through time and space, and it makes me feel as if I am right there with her, experiencing everything she is going through.

I can't wait to get to know Sarah Vowell better and to explore the many wonderful things that our friendship has to offer. I believe that we have a lot in common and that we will have many interesting conversations and experiences together.

0 0 Reply

zenron

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This book is truly my favorite work by Sarah Vowell. It contains a year's worth of her radio listening experiences, which allow her to offer her unique insights and riffs on a wide variety of topics.

She delves into the world of Rush Limbaugh, providing her take on his conservative views. She also explores the music of Nirvana and the impact it had on a generation.

Michael Jordan's传奇 is not overlooked, nor is the work of Doris Lessing. The concept of Art School and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting are also topics that she tackles with her characteristic wit and intelligence.

However, one cannot help but notice that she devotes perhaps a bit too much attention to Newt Gingrich. While his political career and ideas are certainly topical today, it sometimes feels as if she dwells on him a bit too long.

Overall, though, this book is a fascinating and engaging read that offers a unique perspective on a wide range of cultural and political topics.

0 0 Reply

DI0XYD3

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I truly feel bad about giving such a highly regarded author such a relatively low rating. However, it must be said that Vowell has produced much stronger, funnier, and more perceptive work in the past.

If I had read this particular piece immediately after its publication, perhaps my enjoyment of it would have been greater. But as it stands, compared to some of her other outstanding works, this one seems to fall a bit short.

It's not that it's a bad piece of writing by any means. There are still moments of Vowell's unique charm and wit. But it just doesn't have the same impact and depth that her best works possess.

Nonetheless, I still have a great deal of respect for Vowell as an author, and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with in the future. Maybe the next time I pick up one of her books, it will once again remind me of why she is such a talented and beloved writer.

0 0 Reply

Leave a Review

You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.

Radio On: A Listener's Diary

sarah vowell

This edition

More editions

About the author

sarah vowell

Readers also enjoyed

Community Reviews