Unfamiliar Fishes

By: Sarah Vowell

Narrated by: Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, John Hodgman, Catherine Keener, Edward Norton, Keanu Reeves, Paul Rudd, Maya Rudolph, John Slattery, Sarah Vowell

Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Many think of 1776 as the most defining year of American history, the year we became a nation devoted to the pursuit of happiness through self-government. In Unfamiliar Fishes, Sarah Vowell argues that 1898 might be a year just as crucial to our nation's identity, a year when, in an orgy of imperialism, the United States annexed Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Guam, and invaded Cuba and then the Philippines, becoming a meddling, self-serving, militaristic international superpower practically overnight.

Of all the countries the United States invaded or colonized in 1898, Vowell considers the story of the Americanization of Hawaii to be the most intriguing. From the arrival of the New England missionaries in 1820, who came to Christianize the local heathen, to the coup d'état led by the missionaries' sons in 1893, overthrowing the Hawaiian queen, the events leading up to American annexation feature a cast of beguiling, if often appalling or tragic, characters. Whalers who will fire cannons at the Bible-thumpers denying them their god-given right to whores. An incestuous princess pulled between her new god and her brother-husband. Sugar barons, con men, Theodore Roosevelt, and the last Hawaiian queen, a songwriter whose sentimental ode "Aloha 'Oe" serenaded the first Hawaii-born president of the United States during his 2009 inaugural parade.

With Vowell's trademark wry insights and reporting, she sets out to discover the odd, emblematic, and exceptional history of the 50th state. In examining the place where Manifest Destiny got a sunburn, she finds America again, warts and all.

Read by the author a cast that includes Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, John Hodgman, Catherine Keener, Edward Norton, Keanu Reeves, Paul Rudd, Maya Rudolph, and John Slattery. Music by Michael Giacchino with Grant Lee-Phillips. The score contains excerpts from "Hawai'i Pono'i" (words by David Kalakaua and music by Henri Berger) performed by Grant-Lee Phillips.

©2011 Sarah Vowell (P)2011 Simon and Schuster

Critic reviews

"Vowell makes an excellent travelling companion, what with her rare combination of erudition and cheek." ( The New York Times Book Review)

Fascinating

The narration started out a little monotone but give it time, she hits her stride. The overall story of the acquisition of Hawaii is so well presented that although it is a history book, it sounds more like a novel. The emotion and the logic behind the motivations of the characters almost seems like fiction. Sometimes I just really enjoy a book without specifically knowing why. This is one of those books.

Sarah Vowel as Reader - Love her

Sarah Vowel reads her own books, a plus for many, a negative for a few. I love her distinctive voice and wouldn't have it any other way. She knows when the words are intended to be ironic, facetious, sarcastic, etc. and I think that influences her inflection. I can't imagine actually reading one of her print books if it's available here. Her approach to history is entertaining, informative and eclectic.

Not captivating

I learned few things about Hawaii, author reading the book was articulate and understandable, but I felt as if I was at the funeral and it was an ode to a dead monarchy Hawaii was. I rarely do these reviews, and maybe it's best that way, but this time I had to. The guest speakers were not as legible as the narrator and they spoke a word only here and there, or few sentences at most, a bit annoying and child like theatrical presentation.
The subject only interested me mildly, since my son went to their honeymoon to the islands last month, and I'd like to go to visit too. Now I feel bad what happened to native population and fear that it will be like going to Disneyland.

Good book, narration is a little tedious.

I really liked the book and the "guest" narrators with famous names and good voices. I am sure the author liked reading her creation, but her voice is not her best asset. Not to sound harsh, but a professional narrator would enhance the experience. The author sounds like a very young woman and hard to take seriously

Sarah Vowell at her best

Sarah Vowell delves into the period of Hawaiian history where royalty came to an end, and Hawaii became annexed to the United States. Thanks to Ms. Vowell this very sad chapter of history is well told, and accurately detailed in Sarah's great writing skill. I have read all of Sarah's books, and although this is not my favorite, it's right below first place. Well worth your time to listen to, or follow along with the book.

excellent narration

Great history of Hawaii. Vowell does a great job narrating this fascinating history. Highly recommend.

Hard to follow

Witty and entertaining in spots but all over the place and hard to follow. I am a busy listener and so may have to bear part of the blame. This book probably needs less distracted listeners.

Excellently

Excellent as always! Great story. Good voices. Sad to finish my last Sarah Vowell book!

Sarah's lisp was distracting

Sarah's lisp was distracting, the actors and comedians were fine, but Sarah has to get someone else read the book for her.

When will we get another S. Vowell history lesson?

I love the stories. She gives a great take on history with just perfect touches of irony & sarcasm…