minty's review against another edition
4.0
I like Sarah Vowell's idiosyncratic personality, weird voice, and the books she writes.
leasummer's review against another edition
4.0
I would love to give this 5 stars, but if Vowell wasn't hilarious and likeable the book would get more less stars. It's all over the place. But in a fun, you're talking to your best friend over tea on an epic road trip with a purpose and she's telling you one thing and then, oh wait and there's this other thing, but now back to the first thing sort of way.
I read it as a challenge from a non-fiction friend in an attempt to broaden my horizons with a non-fiction book I would actually read. It was a success.
I plan to check out Vowell's other books. She is so fun to read. And in actuality, I learned a lot. I love history and she made it come alive, or made the dead come to life. I look forward to more "vacations" with her.
I read it as a challenge from a non-fiction friend in an attempt to broaden my horizons with a non-fiction book I would actually read. It was a success.
I plan to check out Vowell's other books. She is so fun to read. And in actuality, I learned a lot. I love history and she made it come alive, or made the dead come to life. I look forward to more "vacations" with her.
spike979's review against another edition
4.0
this was a fun book. I too enjoyed reading about kel's hometown! Definitely a fun page turner, also Sarah Vowell's humor is fantastic!
bookchew's review against another edition
4.0
Erudite and genuinely funny. A smart but breezy read even if this period in history isn't your typical area of interest.
bethgee's review against another edition
3.0
Clever premise but the execution isn't exactly perfect. Still would recommend for a read that is quick and off the beaten path. If you're not careful, you might even learn something.
marpesea's review against another edition
3.0
Learned some fascinating tidbits about American History and our assassinated presidents. I didn't anticipate that I'd discover a fondness for President Garfield, a bibliophile who advised college grads to guard their free time as it is precious.
It does feel a bit dated (written with George W Bush was president) and the author uses a slur twice early on in the book (the r word). The author reads her book and does a decent job of it. Other people read quotes from historical figures which was jarring at first, but I grew to enjoy it.
Recommended for fans of weird history and longer NPR pieces and radio shows (think This American Life).
It does feel a bit dated (written with George W Bush was president) and the author uses a slur twice early on in the book (the r word). The author reads her book and does a decent job of it. Other people read quotes from historical figures which was jarring at first, but I grew to enjoy it.
Recommended for fans of weird history and longer NPR pieces and radio shows (think This American Life).
earlyandalone's review against another edition
4.0
A little disjointed at times, but a fun read full of fun facts.
spinnerdriver's review against another edition
dark
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.25