Thoughts on the Book

I finished this book about a month ago in Costa Rica, so forgive me if some points are inaccurate. First, I enjoyed the content quite a bit. She is spot on when she discusses our very limited knowledge of this time period in America and I felt learning about this topic alone made it worth reading. I also enjoyed the picture she creates of the early settlers; one can see their motivations, reservations, ambitions in fears very clearly through her descriptions of their lives.

On the other hand, I did not enjoy her writing style. It felt far too informal for me and made it a bit difficult to get going with the book. Also, her writing and descriptions give the characters a temporary feeling at times, yet they clearly lived in a time and place very different from our own. It would have added to the book if she illustrated the strict morality and bleakness a little more.

I'll post a little more later about what I saw as the connection with the American Identity.

Why we're not reading The Feminine Mystique

Originally the The Feminine Mystique was part of our reading list, but just read this New Yorker article instead.

April: The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell

Suggested discussion topics:
- Vowell's writing style and approach
- The construction of American identity
- "Puritan Modesty" and other lasting influences
- What did you most like about the book?
- What did you dislike about the book?
- What is your favorite passage?
- What most surprised you?