The Partly Cloudy Patriot

Sarah's a bit of a liar; she was not, in fact, the biggest music nerd in high school; at best, she was fourth or fifth in line for that distinction. But aside from that inaccuracy, this audio presentation of her popular essay collection is absolutely delightful. Whether her voice smacks of Lisa Simpson (other reviewer's comparison) or Abe Lincoln (Sarah's own conjecture), her timbre and pacing instantly recall that warm sense of comfort and ease we get each year when Linus starts reciting the story of Christmas to Charlie Brown. Regardless of whether you agree with her politics, this commentary is intelligent, the thoughts insightful, and the timing & prose easily skip between "poetic" and "hilarious".

Sarah has apparently Hit the Big Time, bringing along Conan O'Brian, Seth Green, and... Norman Lear?!?... to provide additional voices. Fortunately, the high-powered talent never overwhelms or distracts from Sarah's content, and perhaps only Conan COULD deliver the "F'ing Meade..." line appropriately. But the real stars of Sarah's guest list are They Might Be Giants, contributing not just funny little transition ditties, but some truly catchy songs as well (Gallows's Hill & Andersonville may seem the obvious favorite, but Pop-A-Shot's hook just won't leave my head...).

Kudos and Thanks, Sarah, on/for this wonderful audio presentation of your work. It's nice to hear an author and publisher taking the time to make their audio book something unique and special.

I usually only listen to the radio for traffic reports so I was not familiar with Sarah Vowell when I purchased this audiobook. I was impressed with the consistency of the reviews and figured I'd take a chance. I only wish Sarah Vowell had many more books to listen to as this was so enjoyable I sat in my driveway finishing one of the 'stories'.

The moronic review of Vowell as a 'female Al Franken' reveals more ignorance on the part of the reviewer than insight into Vowell's politics. But if you think anyone who is not a fan of George Bush is Al Franken (a.k.a. the Antichrist) perhaps you won't like Vowell. She has her own very distinct voice --and her approach to politics comes via a Montana childhood, a gun-loving family, and very unusual taste in vacations for a person of her age. The comparison with Franken would be comical if it weren't so pathetic. Other than the fact that both authors are clearly more intelligent than average--and funnier--only their dislike of Bush unites them . I hardly think one needs to be 'warned' against listening to such a thoughtful and reasoned presentation of ideas--unless your mind is already atrophied and closed.

Sarah Vowell does in fact have an unusual vocal quality--a sort of tiny, sharp voice that makes me think she must be short and delicate-boned; but in fact I loved listening to her voice reading her book. Her thinking is quick but she presents slowly and methodically and builds up to conclusions that somehow seem ineluctable once you've heard them--though she is nothing if not quirky.

She talks a lot about visiting historical sites and landmarks...which are quite a passion of hers. It is this aspect of the book which gives her writing its distinctive voice and flavor.

If you can expand your mind to encompass more kinds of Patriots than the 'my country right or wrong' type, don't miss Sarah Vowell's 'Partly Cloudy Patriot'!!

Sarah Vowell is a unique voice, in more ways than one. She mixes astute observations with historical facts and throws in a lot of wry humor and biographical musings. Idiologues will probably be impatient with the contradictions. Although she is unabashedly liberal, she is also unabashedly patriotic and fervent about the documents of the founding fathers. Not that these two are contradictory, but the way things play out liberals are often seen as unpatriotic because they are not flag wavers shouting "America first no matter what." If you've heard Sarah on This American Life, you know she has a very distinct-sounding voice, which I can only describe as being a little like Lisa Simpson. If you like This American Life, The Partly Cloudy Patriot is a little like listening to 5 hours of it, although it's just Sarah with a few Cameos thrown in narrating quotes from presidents and friends, and of course They Might Be Giants as musical accompaniment.

Sarah Vowell is a unique voice in modern literature. I always enjoy hearing her thoughts, even if I don't always agree with them.

I consider it the greatest compliment that I unequivocally enjoyed this book (including the author's unique voice) despite disagreeing completely with her political leanings. Vowell has a very intelligent and humorous way of making her points, and the stories she tells give a really interesting view of history and patriotism. If you enjoy This American Life, you'll like the Partly Cloudy Patriot.

Not only has she made her name as a radio performer but Disney/Pixar saw fit to cast her (voice) as Violet in The Incredibles. I always enjoy hearing authors reading their own work, even if they don't have James Earl Jones' voice. They add an element that no narrator can; the true intended intonation.

OK, so Ms. Vowell is frank about her political position. Rather that than the stealth bombing insurrection of so many authors. But get over it! I am quite conservative, and enjoyed this book, and her others, thoroughly. Her funny voice adds character, and I cannot imagine another reader. Her quirky sense of humor underscores her detailed knowledge of historic trivia. I would love to spend a vacation with her, and have already mapped out several excursions on the basis of this book. David Sedaris has met his match!

I listened to this book while walking in a premarathon walk...and it was entertaining enough to keep me laughing through 18 miles. Insightful, funny, and intelligent.

I enjoyed the book but was hoping for something more. I've enjoyed her pieces on This American Life. This is really just a collection of stories that will cause you to chuckle or smile. By the fifth hour, I was ready for it to be over.

This is a charming look at America through the eyes of a self-proclaimed nerd and history buff who enjoys reading travel guides. She loves America for all the right reasons; she IS a patriot, although a flawed one. Her flaw lies in her self-imposed liberal guilt. Fortunately, her love for America and its ideals overcome her flaw and makes her praise of America even more poignant.