Jennifer A. (curvymommy) - , reviewed on 11/13/2008 + 59 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

I had SO looked forward to this book, after thoroughly enjoying "The Partly Cloudy Patriot" and "Assassination Vacation". But this book just wasn't as good as her previous books.

I think what was missing from this book was the author! In her previous books she was more an active participant in discovering the history, and she was better able to inject her snarkiness and humor. Her experiences and reactions were what made the books so funny.

Here, however, the book was the author's retelling of Puritan history, but without enough participatory experiences. It definitely had its moments where the author's voice shined through, but it had way too many excerpts from old Puritan texts, that slowed down the narrative just because they were more difficult to read.

I did learn something, and am glad I read the book. I just didn't enjoy it as much as I had the author's previous works. If you've never read Sarah Vowell before, don't start with this one. Pick up "Assassination Vacation" instead. :)

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