Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell

If you have not read a book by Sarah Vowell you owe it to yourself this summer to find out. Your local library has several titles available. She is a journalist by trade and has interesting points of view about history and people. She provides a running narrative around a central theme but takes numerous side trips.

Unfamiliar Fishes is about Hawaii and statehood and traditions and people trying to do right but end up causing pain. Her use of the language is wonderful. She is telling a story but using research facts to move from on point to the next. She is the observer but also the editor. She has a point of view and sometimes will even point out her interjections and interpretations.

The territory of Hawaii was out there for many years with peaceful people and great weather. Along came civilization and Christianity and well meaning people. As well as the introduction of some natives and others who were not well meaning but greedy. That leads to a clash of cultures. That eventually leads to statehood with a minor rebellion along the way.

Sarah Vowell is the author of numerous books and most have a sense of humor and a hidden message. Great summer reading.