Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell
In my quest to become well read, I've become hooked on a PBS show called "Well Read". The hosts are bookworms who know just the right questions to ask the authors appearing on the show. Each week features one author who has released a new book and then we are treated to a list of similar books that a reader would find comparable.
Sarah Vowell discussed her new book, Lafayette in the Somewhat United States. While Lafayette is an interesting character, when she mentioned Lincoln and Garfield in Assassination Vacation, my fascination peaked. Since I was unfamiliar with Ms. Vowell's work, a book on a topic I was interested in seemed like a good place to start.
Sarah is a history buff and her research is flawless. She vacations at all kinds of remote spots and hideaways where long forgotten bits of history have happened. And she drags her friends, twin sister and 3 year old nephew, Owen, along with her. They all seem to understand this quirky side of her and happily investigate with her. We are lead down dark trails and city sidewalks in search of the plaque that marks the historical spot. I never knew we were a nation of so many plaques. I'll pay more attention to them next time.
The tales of assassinations of our presidents are told in a funny, sarcastic and entertaining way. I learned so much by reading Sarah's version. Fifty percent of this book was dedicated to the story of Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, Dr. Mudd and the people surrounding them. I enjoyed that but I was really looking forward to learning about Garfield. Sarah didn't devote as many pages to Garfield much to my disappointment. I'm kind of a freak about Cleveland and Lakeview Cemetery where he's entombed. I visited it on my vacation.
Assassination Vacation is a great way to learn about the rich and diverse history of the United States. Sarah puts her own personal spin on what can be dry and dull. Laughter is not only the best medicine but can also be the best teacher.
In my quest to become well read, I've become hooked on a PBS show called "Well Read". The hosts are bookworms who know just the right questions to ask the authors appearing on the show. Each week features one author who has released a new book and then we are treated to a list of similar books that a reader would find comparable.
Sarah Vowell discussed her new book, Lafayette in the Somewhat United States. While Lafayette is an interesting character, when she mentioned Lincoln and Garfield in Assassination Vacation, my fascination peaked. Since I was unfamiliar with Ms. Vowell's work, a book on a topic I was interested in seemed like a good place to start.
Sarah is a history buff and her research is flawless. She vacations at all kinds of remote spots and hideaways where long forgotten bits of history have happened. And she drags her friends, twin sister and 3 year old nephew, Owen, along with her. They all seem to understand this quirky side of her and happily investigate with her. We are lead down dark trails and city sidewalks in search of the plaque that marks the historical spot. I never knew we were a nation of so many plaques. I'll pay more attention to them next time.
The tales of assassinations of our presidents are told in a funny, sarcastic and entertaining way. I learned so much by reading Sarah's version. Fifty percent of this book was dedicated to the story of Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, Dr. Mudd and the people surrounding them. I enjoyed that but I was really looking forward to learning about Garfield. Sarah didn't devote as many pages to Garfield much to my disappointment. I'm kind of a freak about Cleveland and Lakeview Cemetery where he's entombed. I visited it on my vacation.
Assassination Vacation is a great way to learn about the rich and diverse history of the United States. Sarah puts her own personal spin on what can be dry and dull. Laughter is not only the best medicine but can also be the best teacher.
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