The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell
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Book Reviews of The Wordy Shipmates
Book Review: American Beginnings
Summary: 4 Stars
Just read this recently. Not bad. I largely disagree with Vowell's commentary on contemproary politics presented within, but it's kept to a minimal amount here. Otherwise, great book, and often very funny. History of the less-renowned Massachusetts Bay Colony, settled by the Puritans in 1630. Shows a depth of research - I appreciated it for it's account of the religious issues in 17th century England, which is often cited as the reason for the Puritan's flight to the new world, but rarely elaborated on. Vowell cites how the bookish and journal-obsessed Puritans laid the foundations for much of America's culture, such as the founding of Harvard, and she profiles key figures such as theological rebel Anne Hutchinson, and Bay Colony outcast and eventual founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams - whose religious tolerance provides a nice counterpoint to the missionairy zeal of colony leader John Winthrop, the coiner of the phrase, 'City on a hill.' As Vowell puts it, contrary to their dour and forbidding image, the early Puritan settlers were often quite feisty; they were not above doing such things as cutting off a person's ears to quell dissent. And then there was the business with the Indians. Interesting times. All in all, a good read, and informative - shows that American history didn't just start in 1776.Book Review: Entertaining History
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
As a descendant of the Puritans I was glad to see Sarah Vowell follow-up her wildly successful Assassination Vacation with a book about these founding fathers. As a fan of Vowell's work on NPR I knew I'd be in for a fun read. But don't go thinking this is just a narrative history book. If kids could learn American history from books like this, they'd be enthralled and never skip class.
Vowel somehow manages to weave present day rock stars such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones into 17th Century New England history. She has become an expert at giving a historical account with a bit of a twist in her own unique voice. Through stories about John Winthrop, Roger Williams, and Ann Hutchinson she gives readers a unusual look at life in 1600s America.
Sarah Vowell has become a master at educating readers on American history while entertaining them. Dead presidents, Puritans - I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
Book Review: The Wordy Shipmates
Summary: 4 Stars
Anyone who appreciates Sarah Vowell's writing is in for a real treat. The Wordy Shipmates is an uncomplicated presentation of history with a heavy dose of stream of consciousness commentary. Vowell grew up in the church, Pentecostal to be exact, and has an amazing grasp of 17th-century American theology for a layperson. Don't be scare though--her presentation is straightforward and easily understood. I feel like I know a great deal more about the Puritans after reading The Wordy Shipmates. Vowell was inspired to write about the Puritans following September 11th. During those hardest of days, Vowell took comfort in Winthrop's words, "We must delight in each other...mourn together, labor and suffer together, always having before our eyes our commission and community in the work, our community as members of the same body."
Vowell's writing is witty and thoughtful. I found myself struck by an innovative thought either of Sarah's or inspired by her throughout my reading. I enjoyed her discussion of Reagan's usurpation of Winthrop's "city on a hill" phrase (from the same speech quoted above). The Wordy Shipmates is filled with the intellectual curiosity, wit, and sarcasm Vowell pours into all her work.
Book Review: Interesting, but a little random
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
This is the first book of Sarah Vowell's writings that I've read. I didn't know what to expect, not having heard much of her on NPR. I found her treatment of the Massachusetts Bay colony and its leaders engaging. She deftly mixes sharp and snarky comments from today's perspective in with her exposition of what the principal issues, religious and pragmatic, confronting the leaders of the colony. However, it also seemed a little bit random at times, as though she would tire of discussing one aspect of the colony and then pick up a new thread without much transition. That made the history a but more desultory than I'd like, but I'm sure everyone's mileage will vary on that point. It might make things less dry for other readers.
Overall, I'd recommend The Wordy Shipmates as an accessible history of the Bay colony that figures so significantly--if not prominently--in our nation's history.
Book Review: "The Brady Bunch" as History.
Summary: 4 Stars
Sarah Vowell has done it again. Her easy style and simple analogies keep the reader interested and the pace moving - in spite of what might be considered a droll subject. The references to TV shows such as "Bewitched", "Happy Days", and "The Brady Bunch" make it clear that Vowell is a product of the modern media generation.
"'Bobby, the Indians were friendly at first,' says Mrs. Brady. 'They didn't start fighting until their land was taken away.'
Bobby: 'You mean the Pilgrims took away all the Indians' land?'
'That's right,' answers Mr. Brady, who immediately looks regretful at this pointblank lapse of patriotic-forefather boosterism and adds, 'Uh, well, at first they didn't take much of it.'"
Later she writes, "There isn't much difference between tall tales that start, 'Listen my children and you shall hear' and 'Here's the story of a man named Brady.' In other words, Americans have learned our history from exaggerated popular art for as long as anyone can remember...."
Sarah Vowell is an American treasure.