Assassination Vacation

by Sarah Vowell
Assassination Vacation cover
Good Books rating 3.98
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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  • ID: 8945
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-01-04
  • ISBN: 9780743282536
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2005-04-04
  • Reviews: 4

Sarah Vowell takes readers on an unconventional journey across the United States, visiting sites tied to political assassinations. With her signature wit and honesty, she explores how these events have been memorialized and manipulated in popular culture, from literature to historical tourism. Vowell's travelogue is not just an entertaining adventure but a deep dive into the complexities of American history and the ways we remember and interpret it. Along the way, Vowell delves into the lives of the presidents and their assassins, uncovering fascinating and often overlooked details. She visits locations like the Lincoln Memorial and the Dry Tortugas, blending historical analysis with personal anecdotes and a healthy dose of humor. The result is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of how American death has been used for cultural and political advantage.

Reviews
Cannonball Read · 2016-02-29
thought-provoking 4.00

The book weaves together historical events with personal reflections, creating a narrative that is both informative and thought-provoking. It's a unique blend of history and memoir, offering a fresh take on well-known events.

This book is a series of stories that are interconnected, linking past events to the present. It's not just a list of dates and names but a narrative that shows how history unfolds and impacts our current world. The author's personal reflections add a layer of depth, making the historical events feel more relatable and immediate. It's a book that will appeal to history buffs and casual readers alike, offering a blend of education and entertainment.

Quick quotes

    A series of stories, twisted together and linked past to present, leading us to where we are now.

    It's a disturbing and fascinating story of how American death has been memorialized.

    The story is told in a rather humorous and relaxed way.

Supposedly Fun · 2012-08-17
delightful 4.50

The author's droll and witty writing style makes the book a delightful read. It's a unique blend of humor and historical analysis.

The Supposedly Fun review highlights the author's distinctive voice and humor. They enjoy the witty and sarcastic tone that makes the book both entertaining and informative. The reviewer appreciates how the author balances humor with serious historical analysis, making the book a unique and enjoyable read. They particularly like the author's ability to make history feel personal and relevant, even when dealing with dark subjects.

Quick quotes

    She's droll, witty, and totally sarcastic. I love it.

    You know you've reached a new plateau of group mediocrity when even a Canadian is alarmed.

    A unique blend of humor and historical analysis.

The New York Times · 2005-05-08
compelling 3.50

The book is a serious exploration of a troubling subject, balancing humor with a deep dive into historical events. It's a unique blend of travelogue and historical analysis.

This book is a serious look at the assassinations of American presidents, but it doesn't shy away from humor. The author's travelogue style makes the historical events feel more personal and immediate. It's a book that will make you think about the impact of these events on American culture and history. The blend of humor and serious analysis makes it a compelling read, even for those who might not typically be interested in history.

Quick quotes

    For all its larkiness, 'Assassination Vacation' means to be a serious book about a troublesome subject.

    It is a serious book, although I'm not sure how serious it wants to be.

    Superb and often funny insights into three major presidential assassinations.

Goodreads · 2005-03-29
engaging 3.90

The book is a witty and engaging exploration of American history, blending humor with insightful commentary. It offers a unique perspective on presidential assassinations, making history accessible and entertaining.

This book is a delightful mix of humor and historical insight. The author's irreverent sense of humor makes the subject matter approachable, while their deep dive into the lives and deaths of presidents adds a layer of gravitas. It's not just a retelling of events but a thoughtful examination of how these historical moments shape our present. The blend of personal anecdotes and historical facts makes it a compelling read for anyone interested in American history or political intrigue.

Quick quotes

    Sarah Vowell exposes the glorious conundrums of American history and culture with wit, probity, and an irreverent sense of humor.

    It's a serious book, although I'm not sure how serious it wants to be.

    The resulting narrative is much more than an entertaining and informative travelogue.

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