The Partly Cloudy Patriot

I'm certain I would have enjoyed “The Partly-Cloudy Patriot” more if I'd read it when it came out 22 years ago. It is interesting to take a time machine of sorts to snarky, left-leaning commentaries about George W. Bush's first term when Bill Clinton's Presidency wasn't such a distant memory (Bill doesn't get an easy pass from Sarah either). The thing to know before diving in is that this is a collection of barely-related essays unlike the very cohesive “Assassination Vacation.”

What I always enjoy about Sarah Vowell's pieces are historical footnotes that she expands into observations about the quirks of the political system & figures, how odd the US really is, and human weirdsies. In fact, I have sought out historical sites based on a mention in other books of Sarah's.

I have a somewhat personal bone to pick with Ms. Vowell. There's an essay about the underground lunchroom at Carlsbad National Park, specifically the evils of such a thing. Although I could see discontinuing microwave use or certain types of foods, it was actually pretty cool. Plus, if you opt out of the elevator from the visitor center, having a place to take a break and have a snack is really nice. There also aren't that many places for groups to congregate if the Big Room group seating is in use. How much harm would smashing the cafeteria to bits cause?

The audiobook includes several guest readers in a definition to Sarah's characteristic voice, with music thrown in by They Might Be Giants.

I did not like this one nearly as much as I liked Assassination Vacation. Thank goodness I read AV first. Don't get me wrong, it's not awful, I just like the historical essays better than the personal ones.

I liked that I had listened to one of her other books on tape, it made it so that when I read some particular passages that I heard her voice. At times she has these really great tones: witty, sarcastic, humorous, self-depreciating (but not over done), sensible, and more. I loved the first half of the book more than the second, I found myself nodding in agreement, laughing, and loving the quotes more often. The second half was pretty good too, but I'm not a big Buffy fan, and I found some of her topics were just a bit ‘off'.

Vowell is amusing, entertaining, and enlightening as always. I think she shines in these short essays, which I found funnier than some of her books that focus on one historical moment. It's also interesting to see her evolving relationship with her family - they appear in her writing as supporting characters and the family dynamics are always amusing.

this is probably my favorite book ever and sarah vowell is my role model.

I didn't like this book
at all at first. Vowell
struck me as just another
self-centered Friends
wannabe. But as I read on,
I grew to love her passion
for her country and her
world.