Take the Cannoli: Stories From the New World

Overview
"Take the Cannoli: Stories from the New World" is a collection of essays by Sarah Vowell, an American historian, author, and commentator. The book, published in 2000, checks out various aspects of American history, pop culture, and the author's personal experiences. In the essays, Vowell mixes humor, wit, and insight to shed light on the complexities of American society and the struggles of its individuals, using special point of views on politics, religion, race, and more.

Reflections on American Culture
In much of her essays, Vowell explores elements of American pop culture and takes a look at how society shapes and is formed by these elements. One example is "The Godfather", where she discusses her relationship with her dad and how the traditional motion picture informed her understanding of him. In "Take the Cannoli", she discusses her experience of strolling the entire length of the Trail of Tears, remembering the required expulsion of the Cherokee people from their ancestral lands. Through these essays, Vowell encourages readers to analyze the intricacies and contradictions of American culture and the individuals within it.

Politics and American Identity
Vowell frequently delves into political topics in her essays, offering unique point of views on the ways in which politics intersect with culture and daily life. In "Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury", she tells the story of her tough choice to serve on a criminal jury in New York City. Vowell also explores her combined feelings about American patriotism and citizenship in "A New Wave of American Guilt". In "Montana Gothic", Vowell information a visit to her home town of Bozeman, Montana, and utilizes it as a springboard to talk about the inherent contradiction in promoting tourism while regreting the loss of small-town authenticity.

Expeditions of Religion and Spirituality
In several essays, Vowell analyzes different elements of spiritual and spiritual beliefs as they connect to the American experience. In "The First Thanksgiving", she recounts her experiences exploring the Plymouth colony and checking out a Wampanoag people, which leads her to assess the misconceptions and realities of Thanksgiving from both a historic and a modern-day point of view. In "What I See When I Look at the Face on the Barroom Floor", Vowell discusses her own religious journey from Christianity to atheism, checking out the role of faith in her household and in the nationwide consciousness.

Individual Essays and Memoir
"Take the Cannoli" also consists of many autobiographical essays in which Vowell shares her experiences and insights from her personal life. In "The Inheritance of Tools", she fondly reminiscences about her dad, who left her a collection of tools after his death, and the life lessons that she connects with them. Another essay, "How to Grieve So the Arms Fall Off", is a poignant meditation on the obstacles and emotions of grieving following the loss of an enjoyed one.

Conclusion
In "Take the Cannoli: Stories from the New World", Sarah Vowell deftly weaves together history, pop culture, politics, religion, and personal experience to develop a brilliant and thought-provoking portrait of American society. Her blend of humor, intelligence, and compassion invites readers to assess their own understanding of the nation and its cultural values. As one of Vowell's early works, it showcases her distinct voice and storytelling capabilities that have resonated with readers for more than twenty years.