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alanp's review
4.0
Due to some confusion about where I had seen this book recommended and because I judged it by its cover - which I'm aware one should never do - I opened this book up looking forward to what I thought would be a highly regarded collection of science fiction short stories. I soon discovered that this was not such a book, and was instead a collection of anecdotal short stories written by an American humourist. Uncertain of what was to come, I ploughed ahead. I was rewarded for not leaving the book down for another time (and maybe starting the second Patrick Rothfuss book instead); I had my first of what would become many laugh-out-loud moments as early as page 13. A few stories in, I was hooked. This was my first encounter with David Sedaris (who is very famous, I'm surprised I'd not heard of him) and I will definitely be reading more. Very enjoyable.
aya_the_papaya's review
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
David Sedaris can do no wrong it seems. Wildly, hilariously, and sometimes uncomfortably relatable.
maddie_reads_stuff's review
3.0
Meh. 2.5 stars
Short essays followed by a longer retelling of his journey to quit smoking. I had heard that Sedaris was hilarious, but I didn't find any of the stories particularly funny. The exception is perhaps the bits about living in Japan (The Smoking Section, Part 2), which I could often identify with as a foreigner in Japan. So, sorry, but I guess I just didn't get it.
Short essays followed by a longer retelling of his journey to quit smoking. I had heard that Sedaris was hilarious, but I didn't find any of the stories particularly funny. The exception is perhaps the bits about living in Japan (The Smoking Section, Part 2), which I could often identify with as a foreigner in Japan. So, sorry, but I guess I just didn't get it.
pizzaplantsandpages's review
5.0
I was sad when this book was over. I wanted to turn back the first page, and immediately read it again. This was my first taste of Sedaris, and y’all...it is so freaking funny, I was actually laughing out loud. So so good. I will definitely be reading this again in the future, and absolutely plan on reading more Sedaris.
deanna_rigney's review
4.0
I love me some Sedaris. This has been one of my favorites of his, full of witty observations & the oddities of everyday life making me laugh out loud several times.