Sarah Vowell
Sarah Vowell is an American author, journalist, essayist, and social commentator known for her distinctive, monotone voice and her humorous yet insightful commentary on American history, politics, and culture. Here are some key points about her life and career:
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Early Life: Born on December 27, 1969, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Sarah Jane Vowell was raised in Bozeman, Montana. She has an older brother named Jonathan.
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Education: Vowell attended the Montana State University before transferring to School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History.
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Writing Career:
- Books: Vowell has written several books, many of which explore American history through a personal lens:
- "Radio On: A Listener's Diary" (1996) - A collection of essays about listening to the radio.
- "Take the Cannoli" (2000) - Essays on travel, family, and popular culture.
- "The Partly Cloudy Patriot" (2002) - A collection of essays reflecting on American identity and patriotism.
- "Assassination Vacation" (2005) - Details her visits to sites related to presidential assassinations.
- "The Wordy Shipmates" (2008) - Explores the Puritans' role in shaping American identity.
- "Unfamiliar Fishes" (2011) - Focuses on the history of Hawaii and its annexation by the United States.
- "Lafayette in the Somewhat United States" (2015) - Chronicles the life of Marquis de Lafayette and his involvement in the American Revolution.
- Voice Work: Vowell is well-known for her voice work, particularly as the voice of Violet Parr in the Pixar animated films "The Incredibles" (2004) and "Incredibles 2" (2018).
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Media Appearances: She has been a regular contributor to This American Life, a popular radio program hosted by Ira Glass, where she often narrates stories with a blend of personal experience and historical context.
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Public Persona: Vowell is known for her dry humor, unique voice, and her ability to make history accessible and entertaining to a modern audience. Her commentary often reflects a liberal political perspective, but she also critiques both sides of the political spectrum.
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Personal Life: Vowell has been open about her struggles with hearing loss, which has influenced her career choice towards writing and voice work.
For further reading:
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