Allison’s Book Report

Unfamiliar Fishes" by Sarah Vowell

As a consumer of mostly fiction books, I rarely have the opportunity to review many non-fiction books here in the Book Report. Aside from the occasional memoir or maybe a travel guide, I just don't read very much non-fiction. When I came home from Maui last month, I was having a conversation with my favorite uncle about the history of Hawaii, and he recommended that I grab a copy of this week's book, "Unfamiliar Fishes" by Sarah Vowell. I'm so glad I did, and I think you might enjoy it, too.

In "Unfamiliar Fishes," Sarah Vowell takes readers on a wild ride through Hawaii's history, mixing snarky humor, fascinating facts, and some serious cultural deep-dives. The book focuses on the moment Hawaii went from an independent, sovereign kingdom to being swallowed up by the United States in the late 19th century. Vowell digs into the U.S. missionaries who showed up in Hawaii all wide-eyed and ready to "save" the locals, spreading Christianity and Western ideals like they were the new hot trend.

However, things got a lot more complicated when American businessmen and the U.S. military started making moves in Hawaii. They don't just want to make money—they want to take over. The story shifts from missionary goodwill to corporate greed, culminating in the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1893, marking the end of the Hawaiian monarchy. Vowell introduces a whole cast of quirky historical figures, from Hawaii's last queen to the folks behind the annexation of the islands, and gives them a healthy dose of her signature wit.

Along the way, Vowell reflects on the deeper themes of colonialism and cultural erasure, all while making sure the reader is never bored. It's like reading a history book written by your coolest, funniest friend who's totally into weird facts. Through her personal reflections and the hilarious yet insightful way she connects the dots, Vowell turns the story of Hawaii's annexation into something much more than dry historical events—it's a big, complicated tale that still shapes Hawaii today.

By the end, "Unfamiliar Fishes" doesn't just leave you with a history lesson. It leaves you thinking about how the past affects the present while making you laugh and wanting to book a trip to Hawaii. It certainly made me want to go back,  for both the endless sunshine and to see it through new eyes after reading this book.  I enjoyed Vowell's snarky take on colonialism in Hawaii, as well as on her own experience in Hawaii as a tourist and a researcher.

I hope you read something interesting this week – whether it's fiction or non-fiction – and don't forget to follow me on Instagram @allison.the.reader, where I am always reading and rambling.