Besides the sand, surf and sun, what do you really know about Hawaii? Sarah Vowell, writer and insightful groupie of American history, uses her characteristic wit and knowledge, as well as the affection she seems to hold for her country’s history (the good and the bad), to convince readers that the US colonization of Hawaii solidified the country’s imperialist position in the world. It is part history of the indigenous people of Hawaii, part that of the missionaries sent from New England to convert and colonize, as well as partly about its eventual take over by the United States. By interweaving her family’s history into the text, along with references to pop culture and Barak Obama, you don’t have to be a US history expert to enjoy it – which I certainly did. (submitted by VP)

This book is about the Americanization of Hawaii and the ruination of the people and their culture. The author treats the subject with dark humor, but I didn’t find the issues funny. I found the narration repetitive and a bit difficult to follow at times. On the positive side, I enjoyed learning about Hawaii’s culture, especially how Hawaii’s history informs today’s Hawaiian people.

Just here to agree - it's wonderful, she's whip-smart and funny/droll/precise and rather irresistible. Beautifully integrated telling of the tale - sad though it is.

As one of the blurbs on the back cover stated, Vowell could make a trip to the DMV entertaining. This sad and embarassing story of the US's destruction of a culture was certainly entertaining - and really, when reading about something tragic that is in the past, what can one do but laugh and hope to learn. Hope springs eternal, folks, even in the face of evidence to the contrary. This book was funny, sarcastic, and full of little known (to me) facts and tidbits. I really enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading others of Vowell's.

wonderfully sassy telling of how Hawaii got colonized

Hawaiian history told with a dry sense of humor.

I love Sarah Vowell and the way she presents her knowledge. She has many tidbits of American history and the way (in part) that we shaped the world. She cracks me up and sometimes makes me shake my head at our ability to think we know best.
Her books are always a fun read.

Just like her photo shows on the cover flaps, Ms Vowell is a no-nonsense researcher. I have visited the islands a few times and now know I will bring her newest book about Hawai'ian history with me next time! She is witty, enjoyably thorough, and brings an interesting viewpoint to American religious, secular and political expansionalsim. If you recognize her voice as Violet in the animated movie 'The Incredibles,' you know the determination. Full points for this adventure into history!

I listened to the audio version. I wasn't sure about hearing Sarah Vowell's voice for 7 discs, but it grows on you. And you know the inflections are how the author intended. Also, she has some great cameo readers.

Way back when I was in high school, I thought I didn't like history as a subject. I now realize I didn't like the way history was taught. Vowell's history of Hawaii is one of the most entertaining non-fictions books I've ever encountered. Some of the history is grim, and she doesn't skip that. But she keeps it so interesting.

This book is thoroughly researched and even-handed. At times I laughed out loud and at other times I was just appalled at some happenings. I most appreciated her penchant for including a broader context for all the anecdotes.

Hearing how much water it takes to grow sugar cane might be very good for my diet.

Interesting take on Hawaiian history with a lot of details I was unfamiliar with.