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mkstalcup's review against another edition
While it is most likely a good book, it is reflective of the time it was written (90s) and is very dated. The language used was something I struggled with, ultimately stopping because of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Racism
thequeengeek's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.5
This aged SO BADLY. There’s tons of ableism that made me uncomfortable (like the use of the r word and a description of developmental disabled kids as lolling and eyes rolling back in their heads, really awful stuff). There also seemed to be a wild amount of racism, including anti-Asian sentiment disguised as humor, the word Negro, and weird race jokes about St. Nick. It wasn’t even funny to me, either. I rarely react this strongly to something, but yeesh. It was enough to make me wonder how the other Sedaris I had read aged.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Ableism
lani's review
dark
funny
informative
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Child death, and Child abuse
larareads's review
dark
funny
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Gore
Moderate: Ableism and Racism
Minor: Domestic abuse
bilboshadowslayer's review against another edition
medium-paced
0.5
I read this book for a book club, and it’s the only reason I finished it. There is nothing likable about any of the protags in any of the stories which I know is the point; however, it was difficult for me to enjoy a book where everyone is awful. Also, this was written and published in the 90s and viewing some of the content through a 2020 lens made me uncomfortable because of the subvert racism. I’ve heard David Sedaris is a good author and his newer books are funny, but it’s a no from me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Child death
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