The Partly Cloudy Patriot by Sarah Vowell
The Partly Cloudy Patriot by Sarah Vowell is a compilation of essays, stories and anecdotes with a theme of liberal politics and history. I’d been meaning to read Sarah Vowell for a while. She’d been mentioned in the same breath with David Sedaris whom I find hilarious and I’d seen her titles on a co-worker’s bookshelf. She’s got good taste which helped sway my thoughts. Throw in some love from Jon Stewart and it seemed that what I was really missing in my life was reading Ms. Vowell. (And what a great name for a writer eh?)
I enjoyed The Partly Cloudy Patriot, though I’m not sure everyone would, particularly if you have a conservative mindset. No, she’s not anywhere near the Augusten Burroughs nor David Sedaris in the out-in-left-left-field department, but she’s not really a moderate either. Let’s face it, she trekked to the Bush inauguration to show her displeasure for the way in which he was elected. Don’t get me wrong, I lean that way heavily myself and in some ways admire those who have the time and inclination to partake in the political discourse. But … I have things to do too.
Ms. Vowell is witty and amusing, but her writing feels more like she is sitting there telling you about this. That you’ve settled down into a non-corporate coffee shop drinking fair trade lattes and are getting the download direct from Sarah. Sometimes this works, and at others, it just doesn’t translate that well to the page. The historical and political vignettes are strong and fall in line with my politics, but I far more enjoyed some of her personal revelations and observations including her love of Pop-A-Shot and or detailed views on Tom Cruise (no it’s not what you think.)
There are real gems within the pages, in particular ‘Underground Lunchroom’ a discourse on the strange battle over an underground lunchroom in Carlsbad Cavern National Park. The Partly Cloudy Patriot is a satisfying read for any left leaning reader who enjoys politics, history and social commentary.
