Ubalblog

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[ Currently: Waiting to eat ]

Assassination Vacation is Sarah Vowell’s record of her obsessive visits to any place associated with the assassinations of three US presidents. We follow the author around as she visits former law offices, vacation homes, museums, even places where autopsies take place. As we get the travel log, we are also treated to an intimate history of the three assassinations and the people involved.

The only criticism I have of this book is that there is similar treatment for Kennedy. I would have loved to have Vowell’s caustic, but very astute eye turned on Camelot and everything around that day in Texas. This addition would have made the book a step above your average historical or humour book.

Now I didn’t actually read this book, I listened to it via my MP3 player, as I am wont to do. Vowell reads her own audiobook, which gives the work a far more intimate feel. In addition, there are guests to read the writings of various players in the stories. Most notably, John Stewart as James Garfield was the best of these. His slightly sarcastic voice captured the intelligence of a little known president.

Worth the time.