I’m sorry, Sarah, but I think our (one sided) love affair is over. While I’ve loved your other books, this one just didn’t work for me. It was, to be blunt, boring. Not boring all the time, but boring enough that I might’ve tuned out a few times while listening to the audio. Admittedly, that’s my fault. You see, I’ve always found missionaries to be both yawn-inducing and aggravating (I’m not really into spreading the word of a guy I don’t believe in). So I really should have known better. I guess I didn’t realize just how much of the missionaries positions (sorry, I couldn’t resist) you talked about. I was expecting more Hawaiian history, and less America takes over Hawaii history. Maybe if I’d listened to this while I was actually in Hawaii?
Anyways. Dude, don’t think this means I won’t read anymore of your books, because I totally will. Read them, that is. Maybe not listen to, though. I think I’ve listened to enough by now. Your distinctive voice is forever imbedded in my brain.
Also, I keep wanting to call your book Unfamiliar Fishies. I’m sorry.
I read this one and liked it, but I felt a bit bored with some of it too. I think that based on your comments, I would like her other ones better.
Hummmm. I have this on my list ….. I lived in Hawaii for a short stint in the 70s and have high hopes. Maybe read instead of listen?
I’ve never read Vowel but everyone raves about her. I am sort of glad to see a negative review for once. Oh, and every book I have ever read about missionaries has been boring. Sorry.
Well darn, I think that’s the one Vowell book I have.
It’s always so sad when a book by a favourite author doesn’t work…
That cover is creepy.
I got to the end of your post and then had to go back and look the title to see that it didn’t actually say Fishies!
I think I’m steering clear of this one … I’ve heard this said one too many times. I’m going to back up and try to read her Cannoli book. (Or perhaps listen to it.)
I haven’t read any of Vowell’s works so I need to get on this bandwagon. Speaking of missionary books – did you ever read Kingslover’s The Poisonwood Bible? I loved that book!
This was my first try to read Sarah and I didn’t even make it through the first disc. I should probably try another, right?
I COMPLETELY agree. I am a HUGE Vowell fan – have read all of her books but one, and am a big proponent of listening to them (you really can’t beat that voice, can you?). But this one is SO BORING. I love US History and I really enjoy the way that Vowell writes about it, but I went to hear her speak about this one, and she even admitted that it was harder to write about people whose ancestors you’ve met. It’s apparent in this book that that was the case – she was not her usual snarky, witty self. She threw one or two barbs, but otherwise – dry as a bone sitting out for 10 years in the desert. I’m really hoping she goes back to what she’s known for for her next title.
A coworker recommended Sarah Vowell to me, and after reading about her various books, I had high hopes that we were going to become fast best friends. And then I read one and was so let down. I can’t even remember which one I read now, because I didn’t post about it, and I remember nothing about it. Disappointing when your expectations are so high and you’re let down.