The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Vowell takes readers on a historical trip to the days of the Puritans, from their voyage to North America to their struggles to create a civilized society in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Focusing on primary resources from John Winthrop, Roger Williams, Cotton Mather, and other prominent Puritans, Vowell writes a history that explores the Puritans in a witty, and sometimes cynical, way. Ever think there could be a connection between the Puritans and The Brady Bunch? Read the book…there is. Vowell paints a very broad sketch of Puritan life, highlighting the major events, such as Roger Williams’ and Anne Hutchinson’s banishment from the Massachusetts settlement, up to before the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Maybe not the ideal book to use for a report on the Puritans, but this serves as an excellent starting point in learning a little history and gaining a new insight and perspective on a group of people who would never win a “life of the party” award.

My first encounter with Vowell’s writing was her 2005 Assassination Vacation, which I highly recommend. Assassination Vacation acts as part history, part travelogue; Vowell tours important spots related to president assassinations while giving a witty history about each assassination. I anxiously awaited the arrival of The Wordy Shipmates, which did not disappoint me. It is a fast read full of historical information and strange links to contemporary issues and social customs – I was personally amazed by the genealogical connections between current political leaders and Massachusetts Bay citizens.

Many readers may find her humor a little off the mark or flippant, but I find her to be quite entertaining. However, Vowell has lots of opinions, and she is not afraid to lay them out in the book; her political opinions may turn some readers away. Whether you agree with her or not, this is an entertaining historical nonfiction read which I recommend to anyone who loves history!

Reviewed by Jessica