I almost didn't write this book review.

I read Sarah Vowell's Lafayette in the Somewhat United States with purpose as the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette's farewell tour is in full swing. And it took awhile. Full disclosure: I read more books on my Kindle (especially utilizing the public library Benjamin Franklin so famously encouraged), than buy for my shelves. This meant I'd check out the book, not finish it, put it on hold, repeat cycle.

That said, there are books I just MUST HAVE copies of to own.

From Thomas Jefferson's Garden Book and Family Letters, to Mike and Jennifer Cecere's Witness series, and of course, my fave as a blogger: Sally Miller's Essential Habits of 6-Figure Bloggers (side note: that's not a common result and she knows it!).

Ok so I'm getting sidetracked, but with purpose.

The books I keep on my shelves, vs. simply check out from the library or donate after reading, have something in common: they keep pulling me back in. Sarah Vowell's book felt necessary to finish, but not one I'd re-read.

Fair? You decide.

Necessary disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.

RELATED: Click here to open a new tab for information and events related to the anniversary of Lafayette's farewell tour, where you may see Colonial Williamsburg's (CW's) Mark Schneider.

Open a new tab by clicking here to read the New York Times feature on Mark as an historian and interpreter.

Mark Schneider portraying the Marquis in CW

By the halfway point, it was a love/hate relationship.

The love.

As I started Sarah Vowell's Lafayette in the Somewhat United States, I loved it. She was conversational in tone, sharing her journey to the places in our country Lafayette had been.

Relatable.

It was relatable; she traveled with family, with other history-lovers. She spoke to people at the historic cities and from Brandywine, where Lafayette was in his first Revolutionary War battle, to North Church, where he said the bust of Washington was a legit likeness. (clear paraphrasing on my part!)

As a history-lover, I could totally relate to experiencing these places and having such conversations.

Conversational.

When I left corporate life to be my own boss (and brand), one of the coolest bits was the fact that I could be unapologetically me. No shirts with logos, no C-suite to review my words and behavior. So opening a book by an author that is truly authentic in her opinions, reactions, and tone had me loving it.

For so much of the book, you truly felt like Ms. Vowell was talking to you. Yes, you're reading a book. But truly, you could easily have been enjoying a chat and a French press with her at your favorite cafe.

Bringing the Marquis to life.

Another bit of love was her experience with CW's Mark Schneider. She was bang-on with the words she used to explain what seeing him portray the Marquis evokes and I was SO excited to see her capturing that experience for readers.

Panache indeed. I'm not sure I could've phrased this better myself! It all keeps me watching for events and performances where I can see Mr. Schneider in action.

Relationships.

Ms. Vowell's use of primary sources and recollections about Lafayette, demonstrate that his relationships are foundational to his impact and role in American history.

Again, making history relatable in our modern day. We all have love, family, friendships, fears... and these are all presented well in the book. People are not just names in a history textbook, they experienced life during the major moments in history.

Accuracy matters.

The final (and vital) bit of "love" is this: she clearly knows her Lafayette history and cares about being accurate to the dates, locations, and events shared in the book. I appreciate her work resulting in something that is not a primary source, but shows she values the importance of them.

The hate- well not really "hate" because that's a strong word.

I used the word "hate" in common context for "Love/Hate Relationship" as a recognized phrase. To be clear, I may have been annoyed, agitated, and slightly disappointed. There's no hate for Ms. Vowell or this book.

Ever hear that phrase about your strongest quality can also be your greatest weakness? Here's where I fell off a bit on this book: it got a little text-bookish. Her attention to accuracy led to quite a bit of detail- for me that may have been a lot, but not too much for others.

And second: the final pages of the book (in my opinion) turned into a political diatribe at the end. It felt a bit harsh and brought on negative vibes, but maybe that was just MY reaction to it. Her strength in being authentic that I cheered on early, became an annoyance to me later.

The verdict.

In conclusion: way more love than "hate." Or annoyance at least! So yes, I recommend it.

There's no arguing the importance of Lafayette, who President Monroe invited to tour the 24 United States in 1824-25. It's possible that Monroe, who served with Lafayette in his first battle at Brandywine, felt deeply the importance of reminding Americans of the common cause that bound us during the 1770s and 1780s.

As the last living Major General, maybe Lafayette could be that reminder.

When I closed out my introduction, I asked if my decision not to re-read Vowell's book was fair and invited you to decide.

Click here and get the book.

Calls to action.

Whether you check Ms. Vowell's book out from your local library or purchase it by clicking here, I'd love to hear your assessment.

My goal with this blog has always been what's in the mission: "create joy and understanding" -- and this book will nail at least half of that with regards to interpreting Lafayette's role in American independence.

If you're on Instagram or Facebook, follow this blog's accounts where we can discuss this and all topics related to history!

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And feel free to shop my must-have books by clicking the links below! (But if you're within reach of Williamsburg, connect with my friend Krista, owner of The Wordsmith, a local mobile bookshop focused on curating classic fiction and the best of the best in historical writings.)

• Thomas Jefferson's Garden Book
• The Family Letters of Thomas Jefferson
• Witness to War, the first in Mike and Jennifer Cecere's Witness collection- historical fiction for kids and adults

...and if you're considering a blog: Sally Miller's book- The Essential Habits of 6-Figure Bloggers

My copy of the Thomas Jefferson's Garden Book

Closing words from history.

On October 31st of 1824, President Monroe let Thomas Jefferson know that he would not be able to join him at Monticello to greet Lafayette. Enjoy and click here for the full letter, with citations on the Founders Archives website.

To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 31 October 1824

Highland Octr 31. 1824

Dear Sir

Finding that Genl Lafayette will not arrive till thursday, and that the Dinner will not be given, on that day, and may be deferrd some days longer, I regret that it will be utterly out of my power, to remain in the county, to unite with you & other friends, in those demonstrations of regard for him, to which he is so justly entitled, & we all so sincerely feel. I have resolved therefore to set out, on my return to the city, early in the morning, wishing you to be so kind as to make the necessary explanations to him of the cause, in aid of those which are hastily suggested in the enclosed letter, which you will be so good as to deliver to him, on his arrival at your house.

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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.