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Unfamiliar Fishes

Name: Unfamiliar Fishes
Price: 12.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (793 reviews)

4.30 of 5 Stars: Travelers & Explorers - Unfamiliar Fishes

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$12.99

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Book Synopsis: From the author of Lafayette in the Somewhat United States comes an examination of Hawaii, the place where Manifest Destiny got a sunburn. Of all the countries the United States invaded or colonized in 1898, Sarah Vowell considers the story of the Americanization of Hawaii to be the most intriguing. From the arrival of the New England missionaries in 1820, who came to Christianize the local heathens, to the coup d'état led by the missionaries' sons in 1893, overthrowing the Hawaiian queen, the events leading up to American annexation feature a cast of beguiling, if often appalling or tragic, characters. Whalers who fire cannons at the Bible-thumpers denying them their god-given right to whores; an incestuous princess pulled between her new god and her brother-husband; sugar barons, con men, Theodore Roosevelt, and the last Hawaiian queen, a songwriter whose sentimental ode "Aloha 'Oe" serenaded the first Hawaiian-born president of the United States during his 2009 inaugural parade. With her trademark wry insights and reporting, Vowell sets out to discover the odd, emblematic, and exceptional history of the fiftieth state. In examining the place where Manifest Destiny got a sunburn, she finds America again, warts and all.

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Embark on a captivating journey through the tumultuous history of Hawaii with Sarah Vowell's gripping book, Unfamiliar Fishes. With her trademark wit and humor, Vowell delves into the Americanization of Hawaii, uncovering a story filled with intriguing characters, scandalous events, and the clash of cultures. Discover the dark and complex tale of Hawaii's annexation by the United States, a narrative that will both entertain and enlighten readers.

From missionaries seeking to convert the native islanders to the overthrow of the Hawaiian queen, every page of Unfamiliar Fishes is steeped in drama and intrigue. Follow along as Vowell unravels the tangled web of historical events that shaped Hawaii's fate, from whalers engaging in battle with Bible-thumpers to the poignant notes of the Hawaiian queen's song "Aloha 'Oe" echoing through the corridors of power.

Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Hawaii's past, illuminated by Vowell's incisive commentary and impeccable research. Unfamiliar Fishes is a must-read for anyone fascinated by American history, cultural clashes, and the enduring legacy of colonialism. Discover a side of Hawaii you never knew existed with this fascinating book.

Ready to delve into the riveting world of Unfamiliar Fishes? Click here to grab your copy and embark on an unforgettable literary journey!

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