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tnorthcu's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favorite books. Probably some of the best creative-nonfiction I have read to date. Vowell writes with cynicism and sarcasm that is both humorous and thought provoking.
eelsmac's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
bookishonereads's review against another edition
4.0
It's my second time reading this collection of essays, and I'm still finding it quite funny on the re-read. The author's historical and political knowledge are guilt-inducing, considering how little I know about both subjects, but I'm grateful to her for chipping away at my ignorance with her entertaining presentation of what I usually find really, really boring. As a self-professed nerd (she takes notes while watching movies), she does a great job of highlighting obscurities and delighting in their dorkiness.
"Wonder Twins," her hilarious comparison of herself and her twin sister with 12-year-old (in 1999) Burmese terrorist brothers is my favorite essay. Her dry, often self-mocking wit is in evidence in other gems, such as "The First Thanksgiving" (which was even funnier when I heard her read it on This American Life), and "Rosa Parks, C'est Moi". In parts of "The Nerd Voice," she almost managed to make me like Al Gore, but shot herself in the foot when she reminded me of his cowboy boots.
I'd like to meet Sarah Vowell, but she's too smart for me. I'd just feel like a nerd.
"Wonder Twins," her hilarious comparison of herself and her twin sister with 12-year-old (in 1999) Burmese terrorist brothers is my favorite essay. Her dry, often self-mocking wit is in evidence in other gems, such as "The First Thanksgiving" (which was even funnier when I heard her read it on This American Life), and "Rosa Parks, C'est Moi". In parts of "The Nerd Voice," she almost managed to make me like Al Gore, but shot herself in the foot when she reminded me of his cowboy boots.
I'd like to meet Sarah Vowell, but she's too smart for me. I'd just feel like a nerd.
angus_mckeogh's review
4.0
Essays from around the turn of the century. Enlightening and cogent with regard to our country’s current political situation.
deanna_rigney's review against another edition
4.0
A series of short essays full of dry, subtle wit, nerdy hipness, and Gen-Xer references. Sarah Vowell makes politics and history as interesting as they should be.
shareen17's review against another edition
4.0
If you are sarcastic, a Democrat with a capitol D (as she says), and a nerd/nerd-lover, you will love this book. Others, probably not. In general, I'd say it's more humor and general observations than politics and political rants. She has an interesting blend of interests (Lincoln, US history in general, politics, music, sports, etc., etc.) and a funny way of looking at the world.
alidottie's review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy Sarah Vowell's wit and enjoyable review of life and historical events. This book was written right before and after the presidential election of 2000. It was interesting to relive the emotions of that crazy time in a couple of her chapters.
melissa_who_reads's review against another edition
4.0
A collection of essays, some better than others. This is Vowell working at the craft of writing essays, finding her own personal style, and some hang together better than others. Some have a point, others meander pleasantly along. A couple really hit their mark. Overall, enjoyable.