Best-selling author and humorist Sarah Vowell to deliver reading. Thursday, February 15, 2007

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Social commentator and humorist Sarah Vowell will deliver an hour-long reading, with a question and answer session and book signing, on February 15 at 8 p.m. in the Students' Building. The reading is free and open to the public. Vowell is this year's pick for the Alex Krieger '95 Memorial Lecture, which has previously featured humorists such as John Irving, Tom Wolfe, and David Sedaris.

Above: Sarah Vowell (Photo: Bennett Miller)

Known for her edgy commentaries and razor-sharp wit, Vowell is a regular on NPR's This American Life, where she has tackled everything from presidential primaries to her father's homemade life-size cannon. She has also been a regular guest on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and The Late Show with David Letterman. Vowell recently hit the cartoon world as the voice of Violet Parr in the movie The Incredibles.

Currently at work on her fifth book, Vowell's writing has been described as "literary stand-up comedy with a lot of heart and perfect delivery" (Kirkus Review). In the best-selling Assassination Vacation, Vowell visits the tourist sites of famous presidential assassinations. "Like Lincoln, I would like to believe the ballot is stronger than the bullet. Then again, he said that before he got shot," writes Vowell, who has often said the goal of her writing is to show that history doesn't have to be a bore. As a critic and social observer, Vowell's writing has also appeared everywhere from Time and the Village Voice to Spin and GQ.

Vassar College's annual Alex Krieger '95 Memorial Fund Lecture honors a Vassar student who died in a car accident during his freshman year. Krieger's parents established the series. For additional information, and for individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations, contact the Office of Campus Activities at (845) 437-5370.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Thursday, February 8th, 2007.