Staff Book and Media Recommendations

Assassination vacation

Sarah Vowell

If you’re a history nerd, as I am (and proud of it!), then you’ll absolutely love Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell.  Sarah’s clever wit and intelligent observations drip off the page to make this one of the most enjoyable works of non-fiction I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

While not a complete tour of all assassinations and assassination attempts (Kennedy, Ford, and Reagan are not included), Vowell leads us through a comprehensive explanation of the assassinations of Presidents Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley. But this book is not only an explanation of the events that surrounded the presidential murders, it’s a tour of American landmarks dedicated to our fallen leaders.

This book is educational, witty, and hilarious- Sarah Vowell definitely has a skill for narration and story-telling.  You can tell you’re in for a good read from reading the dedication:

In Memory of Carlile Vowell (1904 – 1995).  Grandfather, principal, history teacher, Muskogee County Commissioner, wiseacre, and Democrat.  What I wouldn’t give to hear him cuss that a book about three Republicans has been dedicated in his name.

Trust me, this excellent book with leave you grinning over the macabre, wondering at the hubris of the assassins, and enjoying this modern history lesson.  Check it out today! ~ Emily Z. Brown

Reviewed April 2013