Currently reading the new Sarah Vowell: "Assassination Vacation"

[Richardo]

She explores the whos, whys and wherefores of three Presidential assassinations: Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley.

Great so far - what an infectious, humerous writing style, and her articulation of her love of America (and her disdain for 'the current administration' as she calls it) is no less than amazing.



Is it unbecoming for a 48 year-old man to emulate a 30-something woman as a writing influence?

[Mist]

1. I love Vowell's writing - she's a sharp young woman n/t

[Reverend_Smitty]

2. I read her last book...

Partly Cloudy Patriot and I read it in about a day and a half. It was such an enjoyable read, I can't wait to read this one...it's definitely on my summer reading list

[HuckleB]

3. Sarah Vowell at Wordstock in Portland

http://www.wordstockfestival.com/index.php?cID=126

[stevebreeze]

4. I haven't read any of her work yet...but I have heard plenty

She is on "This American Life" often. http://www.thislife.org/
It's on NPR and they have an archive of many many show available for free on their site.

[carolinayellowdog]

5. If it's unbecoming for you...

it is for me, at 51. Just finished the Garfield chapter. My morbid fascination is so similar-- CW ancestors who were imprisoned. I have direct and collateral ancestors who knew one another in one tiny corner of NC, and ended up simultaneously in prison at Andersonville, Fort Macon, and Point Lookout in 1864. Am working on a book about them and she inspires me tremendously.

This is the best book I've read in years and Vowell has single lines that merit posting on DU. You're not alone, she's magnificent!

[La Coliniere]

6. Splendid wit, laughed out loud many times.

I enjoyed the Garfield Chapter the most. An entertaining and insightful read. Recommended.

[terrya]

7. I love this book. I'm reading it right now, also.

I just finished the Lincoln part and am now reading the part about James Garfield. I adore this book, I adore Sarah Vowell's writing style (it's hard to put into words. "Breezy" would be one adjective, with humor). And the disdain she clearly has for "the current administration" is obvious, which makes reading her even more of a pleasure.

I'd love to read her other books. This is the first one.

[Richardo]

8. I'm reading "Take the Cannoli" which is in the biography section

Also good. The essay on her Dad and cannons is hilarious, yet :cry: inducing at the end.

[zinndependence]

9. similar humor

If you like Vowell, you'd probably like David Sedaris. My favorite book of his is Me Talk Pretty One Day. Both Vowell and Sedaris are hilarious in a sarcastic - oh my god I can't believe he/she just said that - kind of way.

[Richardo]

10. Oh yeah, Sedaris is the MAN

I've read all of his stuff, and "Me Talk Pretty One Day" is my fave too.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

11. I have the audio book.

I listen to it when I go to bed at night, but I have to turn it off after an hour because I can't go to sleep - it's so interesting my brain won't relax.