Sarah Vowell is an American author who examines American history and culture with wit and keen observation. Her writing often uncovers surprising connections between historical events and modern life. Vowell enjoys exploring lesser-known aspects of the American character and society, from presidential assassinations to the nation's Puritan roots. Her approach is both deeply informed and accessible, allowing readers to see familiar subjects in a new light.
Exploring sites tied to assassination across the United States, the author combines sharp wit with insightful commentary. Her journey spans diverse locations, from Buffalo to Alaska and Washington to Key West, offering a unique perspective on how these events have shaped cultural narratives. Through her engaging storytelling, she reflects on history while providing a humorous and honest critique of the impact of violence on society.
Sarah Vowell travels through the American past and, in doing so, investigates the dusty, bumpy roads of her own life. In this insightful and funny collection of personal stories Vowell—widely hailed for her inimitable stories on public radio's This American Life—ponders a number of curious questions: Why is she happiest when visiting the sites of bloody struggles like Salem or Gettysburg? Why do people always inappropriately compare themselves to Rosa Parks? Why is a bad life in sunny California so much worse than a bad life anywhere else? What is it about the Zen of foul shots? And, in the title piece, why must doubt and internal arguments haunt the sleepless nights of the true patriot? Her essays confront a wide range of subjects, themes, icons, and historical moments: Ike, Teddy Roosevelt, and Bill Clinton; Canadian Mounties and German filmmakers; Tom Cruise and Buffy the Vampire Slayer; twins and nerds; the Gettysburg Address, the State of the Union, and George W. Bush's inauguration.The result is a teeming and engrossing book, capturing Vowell's memorable wit and her keen social commentary.
In this New York Times bestseller, the author of Lafayette in the Somewhat United States "brings the [Puritan] era wickedly to life" (Washington Post). To this day, America views itself as a Puritan nation, but Sarah Vowell investigates what that means-and what it should mean. What she discovers is something far different from what their uptight shoebuckles- and-corn reputation might suggest-a highly literate, deeply principled, and surprisingly feisty people, whose story is filled with pamphlet feuds, witty courtroom dramas, and bloody vengeance. Vowell takes us from the modern-day reenactment of an Indian massacre to the Mohegan Sun casino, from old-timey Puritan poetry, where "righteousness" is rhymed with "wilderness," to a Mayflower-themed waterslide. Throughout, The Wordy Shipmates is rich in historical fact, humorous insight, and social commentary by one of America's most celebrated voices.
Exploring the diverse landscape of American radio, the author engages with its myriad voices and stories over the course of a year. Through her insightful and witty observations, she reflects on the cultural significance of radio, capturing its impact on society and personal lives. This unique diary blends journalism with personal narrative, showcasing Vowell's keen ear for detail and her ability to connect with the medium's rich tapestry of content.