Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Assassination Vacation summary
Brief summary
Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell is a darkly comedic exploration of the historical sites associated with the assassinations of U.S. presidents. Vowell brings history to life in this quirky and insightful travelogue.
Table of Contents
Assassination Vacation
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Dark Side of American History
In Assassination Vacation, Sarah Vowell takes us on a unique journey through American history, focusing on the assassinations of three U.S. presidents: Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, and William McKinley. Vowell's fascination with these tragic events leads her to embark on a series of road trips, visiting the sites associated with these assassinations and the people involved.
As she travels, Vowell provides a detailed account of each assassination, shedding light on the political and social climate of the time. She delves into the lives of the assassins, exploring their motives and the impact of their actions. Vowell's narrative is interspersed with her personal reflections, adding a unique and often humorous perspective to these somber historical events.
Lincoln's Assassination and Its Aftermath
Vowell begins her journey in Washington, D.C., where she visits Ford's Theatre, the site of Abraham Lincoln's assassination. She vividly describes the events of that fateful night in 1865 and the subsequent manhunt for John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln's assassin. She also explores the aftermath of Lincoln's death, including the trial and execution of Booth and his co-conspirators.
Throughout her exploration, Vowell highlights the impact of Lincoln's assassination on the nation's history and the development of the American identity. She also draws parallels between the political climate of Lincoln's era and the contemporary issues facing the United States.
Garfield and McKinley: Forgotten Assassinations
Continuing her journey, Vowell shifts her focus to the lesser-known assassinations of Presidents Garfield and McKinley. She visits the sites associated with these events, including the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station, where Garfield was shot, and the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, where McKinley was assassinated.
Vowell's exploration of these assassinations serves to highlight the volatile political climate of the late 19th century and the rise of anarchist movements. She also emphasizes the personal tragedies of these two lesser-known presidents, whose legacies have been overshadowed by the more prominent figure of Abraham Lincoln.
Reflections on Violence and American Identity
As Vowell concludes her journey, she reflects on the recurring theme of political violence in American history. She discusses the cultural impact of these assassinations, from the creation of national mourning rituals to the development of conspiracy theories. She also examines the ways in which these tragic events have shaped the American identity and influenced the nation's political landscape.
In Assassination Vacation, Sarah Vowell offers a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of some of the darkest moments in American history. Through her unique blend of historical analysis and personal narrative, she brings these events to life, encouraging readers to consider their lasting impact on the nation's past, present, and future.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Assassination Vacation about?
Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell is a witty and insightful exploration of the history of presidential assassinations in the United States. The author takes readers on a journey to various historical sites and delves into the lives of the assassins, providing a unique perspective on these tragic events.
Assassination Vacation Review
Assassination Vacation (2005) by Sarah Vowell is a fascinating exploration of the dark history of American presidential assassinations. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- The author's curiosity and wit make the subject matter come alive, infusing the book with an infectious enthusiasm that is hard to resist.
- Through meticulous research and detailed storytelling, Vowell uncovers lesser-known facts and connections, providing readers with a fresh perspective on these historic events.
- The book effortlessly combines humor and insight, striking a delicate balance between serious historical analysis and entertaining anecdotes that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
Who should read Assassination Vacation?
- Anyone with an interest in American history, especially presidential assassinations
- Readers who enjoy a blend of humor and well-researched facts
- People who like to explore offbeat and unconventional topics through travel and storytelling
Categories with Assassination Vacation
Book summaries like Assassination Vacation
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Assassination Vacation FAQs
What is the main message of Assassination Vacation?
The main message of Assassination Vacation is exploring the historical significance and morbid fascination behind the assassinations of U.S. presidents.
How long does it take to read Assassination Vacation?
The estimated reading time for Assassination Vacation is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Assassination Vacation a good book? Is it worth reading?
Assassination Vacation is a captivating book worth reading for its unique blend of history, humor, and personal journey. You won't be disappointed.
Who is the author of Assassination Vacation?
The author of Assassination Vacation is Sarah Vowell.
What to read after Assassination Vacation?
If you're wondering what to read next after Assassination Vacation, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley