Helpful Score: 13
A different read for me, and if I hadn't have pushed myself to keep reading after the first couple of chapters, I wouldn't have become glued to the book. David Sedaris is able to put thoughts to paper in a way we never could, even though we may have thoughts similar to his. He took every day situations and turned them into humor. It was a nice refreshment read from my usual reads.
Helpful Score: 12
Funny, fast read. Each chapter is a different humorous essay, so it is easy to pick up and put down. It would make a good vacation book or book to read when you are busy.
The different stories that he tells come from different times in his life, so it is a bit hard to sum up quickly. He writes about his childhood, his quirky family, pets, lame jobs, his stupidity, his time in France and learning to speak french.
The different stories that he tells come from different times in his life, so it is a bit hard to sum up quickly. He writes about his childhood, his quirky family, pets, lame jobs, his stupidity, his time in France and learning to speak french.
Helpful Score: 12
I wasn't aware that this was a series of short essays, but I'm glad it was. I found I needed a rest from the authors humor every few pages, and the format enabled me to do so. I actually loved his dry humor, but sometimes found it to be a little overwhelming and I wasn't certain if he was being sarcastic or honest.
Helpful Score: 7
So, it was funny. It was. The humor wasn't as "acid" as the hype suggested, but there were parts that made me laugh out loud. The second half of the book, which takes place after Sedaris moves to France, is definitely funnier, but perhaps that's because I can relate somewhat, having spent some time in France myself. The parts about his Father were hilarious, and I have to admit that he reminded me at times of my own Father.
Often, when reading a memoir, you're reading about someone who has done some extraordinary things. Here, I think we're hearing about a fairly ordinary person, who has not done anything terribly extraordinary, but who writes rather well. He's not as outrageous as many gay writers; in fact he seems rather conservative in outlook.
I've been advised by several that his work is much funnier when hearing him read it, but I haven't had the opportunity yet.
Often, when reading a memoir, you're reading about someone who has done some extraordinary things. Here, I think we're hearing about a fairly ordinary person, who has not done anything terribly extraordinary, but who writes rather well. He's not as outrageous as many gay writers; in fact he seems rather conservative in outlook.
I've been advised by several that his work is much funnier when hearing him read it, but I haven't had the opportunity yet.
Helpful Score: 6
Nothing prepared me for the sheer audacity and frankness of this book. I found myself laughing for days - literally days - after I read some passages and recalled them even weeks afterwards. David Sedaris has a gift for sketching the most bizarrely true events in his life and putting them in spare terms that hit your funny bone 'just so'! This is a perfect book for a savvy college student, anyone who faces a struggle of learning a new language or anyone who likes modern stand-up comedy. This is a book of autobiographical chapters and if you're not prudish, his rapier wit will exhilarate you- even as it stuns you - with sheer insightful humor. Just hilarious!
