As the nation recovers from what can be called our National Day of Sanctioned Bingeing or our National Day of Sanctioned Gratitude, depending upon your perspective and number of years spent in talk therapy, I must take this moment to confess that my knowledge of American History is woefully vague. I curse Sarah Vowell for forcing this realization upon me. I just finished reading her newest book, The Wordy Shipmates, about those very folk who Hallmark credits with having created yesterday’s holiday.
Usually, I adore Sarah Vowell’s work, whether it be in literary or auditory form. For those who haven’t heard her recite… well, anything really… check out This American Life for archived recordings of her. Of her books, my favorite is Assassination Vacation; the book made me laugh out loud, shake my head in wonder, and strongly consider an immediate road trip. This latest work, however, just makes me feel stupid.
I love reading, even (theoretically) about Puritans in 1630. Spending a day curled up in my favorite chair with a book and some form of refreshment nearby is a true pleasure. But not when said book requires a PhD in American History, or at least the desire to acquire one. I am mortified to admit I was overcome with a frighteningly strong impulse to subscribe to US Weekly after finishing The Wordy Shipmates – simply to feel erudite once again, even if only about the latest Fashion Police report. Luckily, the voice of sanity spoke up, suggesting that I pause, recover from yesterday’s food coma, and take another crack at decoding the political intrigue of the Massachusetts Bay Colony before chucking my hardcover onto the donate pile.
Maybe Sarah will at least give me an A for effort?
Mandy Blake
/ November 30, 2008Brilliant, Em! I love This American Life, and will look up Sarah Vowell’s work. I will not, however, be reading this book. I will be reading gossip blogs while in a slight food coma. xoxo
emmajames
/ December 9, 2008Thanks, Mandy! If you are still in a coma, grab one of Sarah Vowell’s audio books – as I said, my favorite is Assassination Vacation. That way, you get the benefit of her fantastically unique voice and intonation, truly an enriching add-on to the whole experience.