Assasination Vacation by Sarah Vowell

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this book Sarah takes us on a road trip through the history of America’s first three Presidential assassinations. These are Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield and William McKinley. Most Americans are probably more familiar with Abraham Lincoln’s shooting at the end of the Civil War than they are of the others, James Garfield in 1881 and William McKinley in 1901. I am guilty of this and I’m an amateur history buff.
On Sarah’s road trip she delivers history lessons and her unique humorous wit. I can identify with her passion for history and how others with her must feel the same way, even while they roll their eyes at her. Doesn’t everyone else stop and search for historical markers? Who else would search for John Wilkes Booths grave? Who would visit the prison (Fort Tortuga) island where Dr. Samuel Mudd was imprisoned?
Sarah is definitely on my short list of authors I’d like to meet. I love her unique style and prose. You get a history lesson that’s delivered with a sense of humor and in context that’s easy to understand. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to many history books which can be dry for the most part. She makes learning about history fun.



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