es1122's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books on Lafayette and the American Revolution in general. Interesting information presented in a relatable format with poignant musings on parallel current events.
skybalon's review against another edition
5.0
I'm highly predisposed to enjoy anything that this author writes. Her sarcastic snarkiness resonates strongly with my own 'sensibilities'. This book has plenty of the above coupled with a surprisingly detailed description of the Revolutionary war and of course details about Lafayette himself.
I'm not exaggerating to say that I learned more about the Revolution here than any class I'd ever taken. I would be comfortable if any high school class would use this as part of their curriculum. Well worth the read.
I'm not exaggerating to say that I learned more about the Revolution here than any class I'd ever taken. I would be comfortable if any high school class would use this as part of their curriculum. Well worth the read.
megnchzz's review against another edition
2.0
I read this book for my Community and Knowledge seminar class in college and man I really hated it. I found it really annoying and when I read the first part, I felt like I had been plopped into a random part of the story line. She jumps around. A Lot. And her humor rubbed me the wrong way because it was just annoying. It was like she was trying way too hard to be funny so in order to get to what she’s writing, you have to dredge through her humor to see what she’s actually trying to say. I came away having learned some new things but mostly I feel like I know her more than I know Lafayette from this reading.
leasummer's review against another edition
4.0
I love Vowell's voice and her ability to tell US history in a way that is accessible and highly entertaining. This book offered less of her personal accounts, which I missed, than passed books. It wasn't completely focused on Lafayette, which is understandable due to the context of the Revolutionary War. She gives a look at campaigns he was in, failures and triumphs and set backs by the US in their battles - both against the British as well as within their own blossoming military and government. I would have liked a bit more of his post United States life, as it sounds just as fascinating. I learned a lot though, I'm always shocked at what I don't know about US history that I should.
shortcub's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
spartanjess's review against another edition
4.0
Sarah Vowell has a way of putting history into prospective and taking off the rose colored glasses we so often use to view the past - particularly the founding of our great nation. This was an entertaining and educational listen. It did take me a little bit to get used to her narration but it does grow on you and I really enjoyed her wit and humor.
nicolemhill's review against another edition
4.0
Sarah Vowell is my anti-drug.
Lafayette, we are here.
Lafayette, we are here.
livrad's review against another edition
4.0
This was an entertaining read that both told the story of Marquis de Lafayette in his role in in America's Revolutionary history as well as his legacy today.
The author explains that most Americans are only aware of Lafayette as the namesake of their state's town named after him, or bridge, or street--as his namesakes are spread across the entire country. Most famous would be Lafayette Square across from the White House, where in the words of the author, "Americans go to protest their presidents." As someone who lives in New England, I would add all of the houses and ballrooms and hotels with plaques that declare that the Marquis once danced/slept/ate here.
Due to Hamilton fame, Lafayette interest has probably risen considerably, though not as high as what was once Lafayette fever. His landing in New York was greeted with a greater crowd and more fervor than the arrival of the Beatles. It is a pretty impressive legacy for someone who made his name in the U.S. at a remarkable age of 19.
The author explains that most Americans are only aware of Lafayette as the namesake of their state's town named after him, or bridge, or street--as his namesakes are spread across the entire country. Most famous would be Lafayette Square across from the White House, where in the words of the author, "Americans go to protest their presidents." As someone who lives in New England, I would add all of the houses and ballrooms and hotels with plaques that declare that the Marquis once danced/slept/ate here.
Due to Hamilton fame, Lafayette interest has probably risen considerably, though not as high as what was once Lafayette fever. His landing in New York was greeted with a greater crowd and more fervor than the arrival of the Beatles. It is a pretty impressive legacy for someone who made his name in the U.S. at a remarkable age of 19.
bookishwendy's review against another edition
3.0
Sarah Vowell shines best with her snarky, personal essay style--my favorite book of hers is [b:Assassination Vacation|3110|Assassination Vacation|Sarah Vowell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1440616283s/3110.jpg|824686]--but this was closer to a traditional history book with a few snarky asides that don't quite jive with the otherwise serious-ish tone. I guess the broad thesis of the book is "Lafayette was a cool mammajamma"--which I have known since grade school, but thanks for the reminder.