Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Assassination Vacation
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
106 posts | 150 read | 4 reading | 88 to read
New York Times bestselling author of The Word Shipmates and contributor to NPRs This American Life Sarah Vowell embarks on a road trip to sites of political violence, from Washington DC to Alaska, to better understand our nations ever-evolving political system and history.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
review
Awk_Word_Smith
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Pickpick

REREAD: Sarah Vowell is a Gen X historian with a Gen X wit, which is to say this book is a dark, wisecracking comedic take on U.S. history. While Vowell very much shows her personal interest in the Lincoln assassination, she also reminds us that Garfield and McKinley were assassinated as well, you know. And one of the assassins even had ties to a 19th Century biblical sex cult-turned-kitchenwares company. But we already knew that. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Librarybelle This one is my favorite by her! 8mo
Awk_Word_Smith @Librarybelle Amen! It was definitely the most Gen X snarky. And as a Gen Xer, I hardily approve. 8mo
Librarybelle I‘m one of those “millennials” that just missed the Gen X cutoff and better identify with the X‘ers than the millennials. Give me snarkiness any day! 😂 8mo
Awk_Word_Smith @Librarybelle honorary Gen X 🙌 8mo
14 likes4 comments
blurb
Awk_Word_Smith
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Rereading because Sarah Vowell is hilarious and super American history nerdy. 😂 🤣 😂

review
Lauren_reading
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Pickpick

Sarah Vowell just makes history fun, all while pointing out hypocrisies, terrible deeds and how we often don‘t learn from the past.

In this book she chronicles her vacation that leads to her writing about presidential assassins. From possible skull bones to Abraham Lincolns son being in the close vicinity to multiple assassinations this book was full of interesting facts and humor.

JamieArc I liked this one... maybe because somehow, I remember that it‘s the first book I posted on Litsy 4 years ago! 3y
Librarybelle This is my favorite one by her! 3y
32 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
ClairesReads
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Pickpick

This was some real History geek reading which was the perfect companion for a few days of teaching online. Heaps of fun on audio. If presidential history, assassinations, or the expression and development of historical memory are your niche, this is absolutely for you. I had heaps of fun with this.

25 likes2 stack adds
blurb
Bookwormjillk
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

A good first day for #24b4Monday

Almost done with my #LMPBC and listened to a bunch of City of Girls while working. Now listening to the tagged book for a while before bed.

Andrew65 Great - I love that cover. (edited) 4y
51 likes1 comment
blurb
BookmarkTavern
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

1. Tagged!
2. Spiders 🕷
3. I used to love doing pottery, I kinda want to start doing that again
4. Trials by Starset

#friyayintro @4thhouseontheleft @howjessreads

Deifio What kinds of things did you make? 4y
runswithscissors007 You are no longer afraid of spiders? How?!!! 4y
alisiakae I was supposed to take a pottery wheel class this spring! Stupid Covid19. 4y
BookmarkTavern @Deifio I took a couple classes when I was in college, I never got really much better than bowls and platters, but I miss the feeling of clay between my fingers. @runswithscissors007 Exposure, lots and lots of exposure. 😂 A friend of mine has a Rose tarantula. I‘m still unnerved by them, it‘s just no longer panic inducing. @4thhouseontheleft Stupid Covid19, indeed. ❤️ (edited) 4y
51 likes4 comments
review
jmtrivera
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Mehso-so

An interesting perspective to take on history & I enjoyed the actual historical information & research presented. However, it's interspersed w/information about Vowell's research trips along w/her own snarky commentary. Those asides were distracting & made it hard for me to connect all the history. Not to mention I'm not a fan of snarky political comments anyway. So overall, okay, but I would've appreciated a more focused book on just the stories.

blurb
jmtrivera
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Today seemed like a perfect morning for quiet reading (of the tagged) and tea before the rest of the family rose, but then Husband sent the Minisaurus to have breakfast with me. 🙄🤷‍♀️

Moray_Reads Love your e-reader cover 😍 5y
jmtrivera @Moray_Reads Thank you!! One of my favorite Shakespeare quotes. It was a Christmas gift from the Husband. 😊 5y
20 likes2 comments
blurb
jmtrivera
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

What a first line. 😄

NAM99 We‘re they talking about the Sondheim show because it was a fantastic musical 😁 5y
jmtrivera @NAM99 Yes, but phrasing it as "the killers in my head" made me think she was having a crazy dream brought on by research (which would also be a good way to own a book)! Later she explains having seen the musical, which I haven't seen, but sounds very interesting! 5y
18 likes2 comments
review
Andrea313
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Pickpick

Assassination Vacation is definitely a #FaveNonfiction of mine. I've read it a dozen or so times and now I'm loving the audiobook! In three parts, it explores the assassinations of Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley with good, solid facts and a great amount of humor. I particularly love the section on Garfield, as his assassin, Charles Guiteau, is one of the most fascinating historical figures you could ever hope to know. #FebruaryFeels

review
britt_brooke
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Illuminating and quirky, Sarah Vowell takes us on a tour of the assassinated US presidents. She focuses largely on Lincoln, but touches on all three. There are some incredible coincidences and overlaps. This is my first of her books, but I like her offbeat humor, and will definitely read more.

Amiable I loved this book! 5y
britt_brooke @Amiable It‘s super interesting! 5y
Scochrane26 I love this book. The title is amazing. 5y
See All 22 Comments
britt_brooke @Scochrane26 Such a fabulous title! 5y
KathyWheeler I loved this book! 5y
ljuliel Love Sarah Vowell. She‘s one of my favorites. Great in audio . 5y
Hoopiefoot I love all of her books! 5y
britt_brooke @ljuliel Do you have a favorite of hers? 5y
britt_brooke @KathyWheeler Super interesting! And I love her sense of humor. 5y
britt_brooke @Hoopiefoot Do you have a favorite of hers? 5y
ljuliel You already read my favorite. I like them all, but second favorite would be the one about Lafayette 5y
CallMeIshmael This is my favorite of her books, I love it so much and I have given it as gifts to several graduating seniors 5y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled Loved this one! Recently tried The Wordy Shipmates but got bogged down in it. 5y
britt_brooke @ljuliel Thanks - I‘ll stack it! 5y
britt_brooke @CallMeIshmael That‘s a great gift! 5y
britt_brooke @ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled Ooh, good to know - thanks! 5y
Cinfhen I‘m oddly drawn to this title and book / thanks for the recommendation 💚 5y
Reviewsbylola I‘ve only read one of her books but I was so bored I‘ve been scared to try again. 5y
britt_brooke @Cinfhen It‘s a great title! I don‘t recommend the audio, just FYI. Her voice is pretty annoying. 🙉 5y
britt_brooke @Reviewsbylola I‘m glad you said this. Most folks seem to love Assassination Vacation, and consider it her best, but it didn‘t blow me away. Can‘t say I‘m in a huge rush to read more, but maybe one day. 5y
96 likes22 comments
blurb
Scochrane26
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Two books I have read & own that are both about presidential #deaths. Dead presidents is about many of our presidents, and the author visited their gravesites. Assassination vacation (such a great title) is about 3 presidents who were assassinated, not JFK. Vowell is more political in her book, several times complaining about George W. It made me laugh & wonder what she thinks of our current politics. #chillingphotochallenge @Clwojick #scarathlon

blurb
S3V3N
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Sarah Vowell was a guest speaker at my school today. I can't wait to read the tagged book.

ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled LUCKY!! Im so envious! I bet she was amazing. 5y
S3V3N @ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled I wasn't able to hear her speak because I had a class during that time. My coworker got 2 books for me. She gave each student a signed cooy. 5y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled Ive only read Assassination Vacation, but I loved it. I have several of her other books in my stack. So smart and funny. 5y
See All 6 Comments
S3V3N @ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled This one came highly recommended and you confirmed it. I'm going to start with it. It will be my first book by her. I also have Lafayette in the Somewhat United States. I can't wait to start Assasination Vacation. The title alone piques my interest. 5y
ljuliel My favorite Sarah Vowell book. Her audiobooks are terrific. She has so many guest narrators to play all the parts. 5y
S3V3N @ljuliel I heard that her audiobooks are great. I may get the audiobook for Assassination Vacation and follow along with the book. 5y
18 likes6 comments
review
ValerieAndBooks
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Bailedbailed

I don‘t think Sarah Vowell is for me. I bailed on one of her others in the past. She is definitely knowledgeable but too many asides and too much “I” for my taste.

Decided on the bail while waiting for my son during his drive test.

He passed 😅!

TheSpineView I get that sometimes. Some authors are not for me. Congrats to your son! 5y
Suet624 I used to love listening to her on This American Life. But I have never felt comfortable with her books. 5y
LeahBergen Yay for your son!! 👏🏻👏🏻 5y
See All 8 Comments
Amiable I loved this book, but couldn‘t get through some of her others. Saw her speak once —she was great in person. 5y
ValerieAndBooks @LeahBergen thanks! All that parallel parking practice paid off 😄 5y
ValerieAndBooks @TheSpineView thanks! And yes, it‘s too bad about this author but she does have a lot of fans! 5y
ValerieAndBooks @Suet624 my impression is that she is probably fun to talk with! 5y
ValerieAndBooks @Amiable the things she talks about (personal experiences, pop culture references) probably carry over better in person! 5y
65 likes8 comments
blurb
PathfinderNicole
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

1. Done!
2. Hm...Aiden got the gum ball color of the week at Family Video the other day which meant we got a free rental!
3. Mediterranean or Asian
4. Only 4...then 7 step first cousins.
5. 💜💜💜💜
#FriyayIntro @howjessreads

blurb
Bookwormjillk
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

It‘s not as cold today as I feared. Suddenly spring seems possible. I only have about a half hour to go in my book. Maybe Stephen King next? I‘ve been working on a re-listen of the Dark Tower series.

#litsywalkers #audiowalk

DarcysMom I always enjoy King as an audiowalk companion. 6y
Kaye 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 6y
rockpools Love your photo there! 6y
37 likes3 comments
blurb
Bookwormjillk
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

A very wet walk today. Still loving this re-listen. #litsywalkers #audiowalk

DarcysMom 👍👍🤩 6y
Kaye Good job. Gonna start calling some of you Old Faithfuls, as you go daily, no matter what the weather ! I‘ll be off to the gym in a bit. I missed my window of opportunity for quiet so will wait til a bit later to go up. 6y
Kaye PS. Love Sarah Vowell ♥️ 6y
Wife 🌹 6y
42 likes4 comments
blurb
Bookwormjillk
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

I only got a half mile in, but it was something. Busy day! #litsywalkers #audiowalk

Kaye Good job 🌷 6y
DarcysMom Good for you getting out and walking! 6y
37 likes2 comments
blurb
Bookwormjillk
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Going to have to break it up into short walks today. Just walked through the melty fog to get the kids to school. Switched audiobooks because I was having trouble concentrating on fiction. #litsywalkers #audiowalk

DarcysMom I am going to split my walks today, too. 😁 6y
Wife 🌹 6y
Kaye Great pick for a book. I love Sarah Vowell in audio. Terrific, plus I learn a lot. 6y
Bookwormjillk @kaye me too, especially this one 6y
Kaye Yep, this is my favorite. Waiting to hear what her next one is about. 6y
30 likes1 stack add5 comments
review
Riveted_Reader_Melissa
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Pickpick

I really enjoyed this walk through history following the paths of Presidential assassins and the very twisted stories of what brought the president‘s into their sights, and what happened to them after...from harrowing rides to assume the office, to free love cults, to truly insane men...it‘s all fascinating. Truth really is stranger than fiction.

WanderingBookaneer I loved this one. Then again, I have loved all of her books. 6y
Librarybelle This is my favorite of hers! 6y
63 likes2 stack adds2 comments
quote
Riveted_Reader_Melissa
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Oh history....🤯 as the song goes:
“same as it ever was, same as it ever was”
or maybe I should go with
“we didn‘t start the fire”?🤦‍♀️

Funny because she‘s referring to George W Bush‘s election, states to close to call (FL recounts) and popular vote too...and as I‘m reading it I‘m thinking, here we are again with another president who didn‘t win the popular vote. Strange how this seems to reoccur with republican candidates though...🧐

GingerAntics Right?! The only reason the south is Republican because they allowed them to continue to be racist, unchecked. They were completely Democrat until reconstruction. 6y
Lea That is one of my top 2 favorite non fiction books 6y
Amiable I love this book! And I agree with you. 6y
71 likes1 stack add3 comments
quote
Riveted_Reader_Melissa
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

I know Sarah Vowell‘s histories aren‘t everyone‘s cup of tea, but I love her dry humor, and personal tangent asides...not only has she been horribly sea sick already just getting there, she‘s also casting shade on the things that were just too barbaric to considering making the prisoners do...hang them by their thumbs, yes...doing the laundry, oh you go to far!😂

8little_paws I love her. I don't like her on audio but love her in print!! 6y
Gezemice I read one of hers and I am cool with the asides, but the long tangents to tangents to tangents drove me nuts. 6y
Amiable I love this one, but her book about Hawaii was a bear for me to get through for some reason. 6y
54 likes1 stack add3 comments
review
RachLovesTV
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Pickpick

A interesting and humorous look at the US presidents who had the misfortune to be assassinated while in office, delving into their lives, careers, politics, legacies, and the weird quirks of fate that connect them to one another. I really enjoy both Sarah Vowell's lighthearted style of writing and her blunt honesty regarding the negative aspects of our country's past and its supposed heros.

jmofo One of my favorites! The audiobook can‘t be beat! 6y
RachLovesTV @jmofo Half the time I can't decide if I like her voice or not, but this is the third of hers I've listen to, so I clearly like it enough to keep listening. 😅 6y
58 likes2 stack adds2 comments
blurb
Thndrstd
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Heading out on vacation - a cabin on a beach on a lake. My 3-year-old did a dance this morning while shouting “Beach! Beach! Beach!”

Here‘s to several days of (I hope) sunshine, books, and little to no internet. Obviously I won‘t be posting or liking (sorry) but I will be reading and I hope to post a bunch of reviews when we return.

readordierachel Have fun! 6y
rather_be_reading haha i would do the same dance too! 6y
See All 6 Comments
jmofo @Thndrstd My favorite of Vowel‘s books although her book on Hawaii is just as good but in a different way. Enjoy! 6y
Thndrstd @jmofo thanks and I agree 😀 6y
47 likes1 stack add6 comments
blurb
PathfinderNicole
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Just got out of watching Solo and now waiting for my husband and son to get out of Infinity War! Glad I brought my book along for the wait!

blurb
PathfinderNicole
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

1. I haven‘t actually started this yet but am going to today!
2. Not really. My husband is working so our son and I are going to work on some school stuff and maybe play outside a bit! I also need to start packing to be gone all summer 😬
3. Steak sandwiches with this mustard sauce my grandpa used to make!
#ManicMonday @JoScho

JoScho Enjoy your day! ❤️ 6y
10 likes1 comment
review
bookwrm526
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Pickpick

I love this woman‘s books. History with a bit of sass and humor. A dark topic but fascinating, and I love the places she goes and the people she meets.

47 likes1 stack add
blurb
WanderingBookaneer
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Her audiobooks are the best!

Crystalblu There is just something about her voice. 7y
Blaire This is a great book! 7y
103 likes3 stack adds2 comments
blurb
monalyisha
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Vacation: I either will have plenty of time to read the 1 million books I packed, OR, l‘ll spend 5 days being too drunk to read. 😂

TrishB Either is acceptable 👍🏻 7y
Cinfhen I'm with @TrishB 💕💕looks like you're already having fun 🍷🍹 7y
Reviewsbylola Sounds like a win either way. 🤣🤣 7y
See All 6 Comments
Leigh_Medeiros Bon voyage, amiga! 7y
Chelleo I love everything about this post!! 😍😂😂😂 7y
CouronneDhiver Have an awesome time! I love to cruise ... lots to do 7y
57 likes6 comments
blurb
mcipher
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

This kitty at the Book Barn (best used book store ever) annual sale didn‘t want to pose with my #bookhaul but he did purr while I petted him. Had a lovely book club field trip (freezing cold but everything was 30% off, and then we had tacos). 👍 #bookbarn

Lcsmcat What a fun field trip! 7y
77 likes2 stack adds1 comment
blurb
GinEyre22
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

#autumnreads Day 18: Author who shares your name

blurb
GinEyre22
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Major catching up on #backtoreading : Day 20, sock Sunday

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I love ladybug 🐞 7y
BibliophileMomma 🐞 💖 7y
21 likes2 comments
blurb
GinEyre22
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Major catching up on #backtoreading : Day 21, recommendations

Sarah Vowell is my spirit animal.

19 likes1 stack add
blurb
GinEyre22
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

"Hard to believe that the candidate who lost the popular vote could actually become the President of the United States. Luckily, that kind of travesty never happened again"

Hahaha. Oh wait. ?

review
shawnmooney
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Mehso-so

Some interesting historical detail here, but I found the book as a whole a rather uneven jumble, not nearly as interesting as I had expected. And the audiobook was simply dreadful. While I'd enjoyed Vowell's unique voice on NPR, etc., I now realize that such enjoyment is limited to small doses. And the inclusion of celebrity narrators for direct quotes didn't work at all, making this one of the clunkiest audio adaptations I've encountered.

Suet624 I always smile when I think of her pieces on the radio, but I can imagine it would wear on you. Which I find I'm kind of embarrassed to say. (edited) 7y
ReadingEnvy She had so many guest voices that were sorely underutilized. Seeing their names on the cover made me pick the audio... Doh. 7y
43 likes2 comments
quote
shawnmooney
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Conservio I sincerely hope this is true 7y
Conservio If I were to ever found an important institution I would definitely include something like this in my will. 7y
See All 6 Comments
MrBook You're awesome, you know that? If you didn't hear that today, then let it be said every day henceforth. 👍🏻👍🏻 (edited) 7y
TrishB I'm sure this happens at some meetings I'm in 😂 7y
shawnmooney @MrBook Aw shucks - thanks! 😍😍 7y
46 likes6 comments
quote
shawnmooney
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Suet624 Sigh. 7y
saresmoore That's appalling. 7y
shawnmooney @Suet624 @saresmoore Talk about foreshadowing of this disgraceful week in America and particularly its presidency, hey? 7y
See All 7 Comments
saresmoore Truly and devastatingly so. 7y
Megabooks Disturbing. 7y
ReadingEnvy There is a store in my town that sells such things and promotes National Confederate Patriots events. I feel on pins and needles sometimes wondering when our shoe drops.... 7y
Suet624 I have no words to add to yours, Shawn. Disgraceful all the way around. 7y
36 likes7 comments
quote
shawnmooney
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
33 likes2 stack adds
quote
shawnmooney
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

#QuoteOfTheDay

Oooh, I'm going to love this!

LeahBergen Have you ever read this book? It was a total page turner 7y
Suet624 A month ago I visited Robert Todd Lincoln's home in Manchester, Vermont. Found out he had been President of the Pullman Railroad Car Company. There's a beautiful railroad car on the property. 7y
ReadingEnvy Her voice is pretty ... distinct. Are you doing the audio? 7y
shawnmooney @ReadingEnvy Yes. I love her voice. I've heard many of her pieces on NPR, especially This American Life over the years. 7y
36 likes2 stack adds4 comments
quote
shawnmooney
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

#QuoteOfTheDay

This book was written in 2006. An intriguing, uncomfortable resonance to the rage I am carrying in my body today.

ReadingEnvy I think the only thing I've said to my husband that made him do a double take was something along these lines... 7y
43 likes1 comment
blurb
Blaire
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Since these presidents didn't #livetotell their stories, sarah vowell takes on the task and does it with the wit she always brings to her writing. #augustgrrrl

Cinfhen 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💚✔️ 7y
35 likes2 comments
review
monalyisha
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Pickpick

When I told my friend @Megann886 that I was about to start Sarah Vowell's audiobook, she said, "You know what she sounds like, right?" I do. I know she sounds like a babydoll that would kill you in your sleep. I'm okay with it.

"Assassination Vacation" is a morbid romp. Vowell takes you on a road trip to learn about the first three American presidential assassinations: Lincoln, Garfield & McKinley. It's educational & ghoulishly entertaining.

monalyisha The full cast (Conan O'Brien, Jon Stewart, Daniel Handler, Dave Eggers) was a fun addition & I'm happy to see that her other books include this aspect, as well. I'll definitely be listening to more by her. 🙌🏻 Full review @: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2029796026 Drawing by graphic artist Sarah Graley. (edited) 7y
23 likes1 stack add1 comment
quote
monalyisha
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

"The McKinley Memorial...is a domed edifice on top of a hill. It‘s a gray granite nipple on a fresh green breast of grass." I'll be honest, having a tombstone that looks like a boob doesn't even sound that bad. #grlpwr ???

If not though, I just want a fox to lounge around on my book-shaped grave all day. Is that so much to ask? And the epitaph should read, "Late to her own funeral." #timeisaconstruct

Littens: What are your posthumous plans?

8little_paws Burn baby burn! 7y
DivineDiana Perfect stone! Haven't made plan yet! 😳😉😀 7y
monalyisha @DivineDiana That's probably a healthy attitude. 😂 7y
See All 10 Comments
kalinichta I want to donate my body to one of the university "body farms" in the country, like the one in 7y
monalyisha @kalinichta Noble goal! ✌🏻 7y
TobeyTheScavengerMonk Mark Gruenwald had his ashes mixed in with the ink of a posthumous collection of the Squadron Supreme comic book series that he wrote. Now "ashes editions" are super rare collectibles. I have never been able to decide if this is cool or horrifying. 7y
monalyisha Haha I'm with you @TobeyTheScavengerMonk . That's quite a stumper. 7y
kspenmoll @TobeyTheScavengerMonk Somehow too creepy for me😱 7y
monalyisha @TobeyTheScavengerMonk @kspenmoll @DivineDiana @8little_paws @kalinichta I also love the idea of these colorful, darkly funny tombstones @ The Merry Cemetery in Romania. 💖 http://www.slate.com/blogs/atlas_obscura/2013/06/13/cimitirul_vesel_or_the_merry... (edited) 7y
kalinichta @monalyisha It would make cemetery visits so much more interesting to have a view on the person's life like that. So much more personal than a slab of rock with just name and dates. 7y
28 likes10 comments
quote
monalyisha
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

tfw Sarah Vowell is your aunt:

"Owen is the most Hitchcockian preschooler I ever met. He's three. He knows maybe ninety words and one of them is "crypt."

"I have not been particularly shocked by how much I love Owen, but I am continually pleasantly surprised by how much I like him. He's truly morbid."

"Owen climbed on top of it [John Hay's grave] and hollered, "This is a nice Halloween Park!" (That's what he calls cemeteries)."

28 likes1 stack add
quote
monalyisha
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

"She points at a lopsided armchair, says Garfield had it "'specially made for him. He would lean his back up against the high side of the chair and flip his legs over the low side."

“If there is a recurring theme in Garfield's diaries it's this: I'd rather be reading.”

"I have always felt,” Garfield wrote in his diary, “that the ocean was my friend."

Vowell's book has me identifying hardcore with our lackluster 20th President.

blurb
Bookish_B
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Summer treats: Kabobs, California pasta salad and Assassination Vacation! 😊

Viji I love Sarah Vowell! It's fun to listen to her read her books too. 7y
Bookzombie It all looks good, but I love a pasta salad. 🤤 7y
36 likes2 comments
blurb
LauraJ
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image

Sarah Vowell is an amazing writer with a grating voice. No wonder this was the only one of her titles without a waitlist at the library. I'll have to do this one in print.
#24in48

LectricSheep I listened to Partly Cloudy Patriot last month, and when the audio started I was like "you've got to be kidding me." But by the end, I kind of...liked it? It was almost Sedaris-y! ? 7y
28 likes1 comment
review
Melkyl
Assassination Vacation | Sarah Vowell
post image
Pickpick

This is the second book I have read by Sarah Powell, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one. Vowel is a sharp, witty writer who presents things with just enough of a dark tone. I especially found the Ohio connections in this book interesting, and I learned plenty of new historical facts.

AmyG She is wonderful. 7y
Sace I just got a couple of her books this week. 7y
53 likes1 stack add2 comments