I've said it before and I will say it again: I cannot get enough of this author! In this particular book, her most recent, she takes on the history of Hawaii from it's first known contact with white men through the annexation of Hawaii as a United States territory. Part of Vowell's brilliance lies in her ability to take a topic that I never realized I was interested in and present it in a fun yet educational manner.
Focusing primarily on the effect that New England missionaries and their prodigies had on the islands and their people, Vowell examines the implications of the culture clashes on both the ancient and contemporary Hawaii. Her irreverent style of writing and ability to see beyond the black and white history in order to present a subject through her very unique perspective are gifts that not many non-fiction writers possess. If you are even a little bit interested in history, Hawaii, or just looking for a quick way to feel smarter, give Sarah Vowell a try.
Focusing primarily on the effect that New England missionaries and their prodigies had on the islands and their people, Vowell examines the implications of the culture clashes on both the ancient and contemporary Hawaii. Her irreverent style of writing and ability to see beyond the black and white history in order to present a subject through her very unique perspective are gifts that not many non-fiction writers possess. If you are even a little bit interested in history, Hawaii, or just looking for a quick way to feel smarter, give Sarah Vowell a try.
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