Sarah Vowell has perfected a kind of geeky, dry and deadpan humor that is only enhanced by her lispy voice (which is exactly why I had to listen to this on unabridged audio). But, that said, do not think that this tale of America's Puritan beginnings is any less researched and serious than, say, Nathaniel Philbrick's Mayflower.

Vowell explores the Puritan settlement in New England using many of their own words (thus, the title - Wordy Shipmates). She tells us a well-researched story liberally including quotes from journals, letters and documented court cases. On audio, they have used several male actors' voices for the different men she is quoting. She injects her characteristic wit and personal anecdotes along the way. The point of her book, imo, is to show us that "there's nothing new under the sun" and that our national behaviors of today can seen way back in the early part of the 16th century.

It's fascinating ...and very entertaining. I think one would have to have interest in early American history though to enjoy this. ( )

I listened to part of this and really ejoyed the author's sense of humor, but this is just not my style of reading material. Too much historical information and fact. ( )

This wasn't as good as Vowell's other books. While witty, it didn't seem to have the depth of humor that her other titles did. I was also put off by the fact that there were no separate chapters.

Along the way to the creation of Rhode Island, kings die, wars are fought, allegiances switch, and letters abound. Vowell dusts off the trappings of people’s conception of history, and breathes not only life into it, but infuses it with humor and pathos as well. Beware this book: not only might you learn something, you might also enjoy it while you do. ( )

I like Vowell's style and her choice of subject matter here was fascinating, but I felt like she has a tendency to gloss over details and run off on tangents. I'd like to try some of her collections of short works and essays, as she seems more suited to that style. ( )