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bergsteiger's review against another edition
2.0
I apologize for being old-fashioned, and I realize this is a collection of vignettes, but I really prefer to have a point to books. It is difficult for me to pinpoint a current in this one. Perhaps death, dying, acceptance of your place on Earth is the theme as I have heard mentioned, but I have to admit I found the stories to be pretty aimless from my initial reading (please give me more here as I am likely missing something!). I've found aimlessness is something I am more accepting of in a tv show--perhaps because in that setting I am looking to unwind and not really think. Modern day meditation if you will :) In a book I like there to be something we are driving towards. Yes, stodgy, I know.
Admittedly, there were a few parts that had me laughing pretty hard. I particularly enjoyed the art collection chapter as this has been a source of debate for me with several people (don't take me into a Modern Art Museum unless you are looking for me to comment). Overall though a lot of the jokes fell flat for me. Think they were overdone and grasping for your amusement as a whole. I would be curious to maybe read another collection if he has something more subtle/dry out there.
It was definitely a quick entertaining read. Nothing that would bog you down and because of the short chapters easy to pick up and put down as you go throughout your day. If you like stand-up humor and have some extra time then give it a try otherwise leave this one on the shelf.
Admittedly, there were a few parts that had me laughing pretty hard. I particularly enjoyed the art collection chapter as this has been a source of debate for me with several people (don't take me into a Modern Art Museum unless you are looking for me to comment). Overall though a lot of the jokes fell flat for me. Think they were overdone and grasping for your amusement as a whole. I would be curious to maybe read another collection if he has something more subtle/dry out there.
It was definitely a quick entertaining read. Nothing that would bog you down and because of the short chapters easy to pick up and put down as you go throughout your day. If you like stand-up humor and have some extra time then give it a try otherwise leave this one on the shelf.
devindevindevin's review against another edition
4.0
my second sedaris, after OWLS. I should probably pick up one of his earlier works soon.
atebbe's review against another edition
4.0
I have been reading this book on-and-off for several years now and what I love about Sedaris' style is the ability to pick up one of his books wherever and whenever. Whether it be for a plane ride or a dentist office wait room. The essays range from morbid to hilarious and force the reader to confront themselves with their own hypocrisy.
dialhforhgai's review against another edition
4.0
“Given enough time, I guess anything can look good. All it has to do is survive.”
eyress's review against another edition
4.0
I actually "read" this as an audiobook. I'm typically not into audiobooks (my mind tends to wander) but listening to Sedaris recount his stories was definitely a better experience than just plain reading them myself. His tone and pronunciation adds to the hilarity. I found myself laughing out loud and listening at every chance I got. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys Sedaris--whether you read it or listen to it.
n0niim's review against another edition
4.0
The first book to make me laugh out loud while reading it. So, if you don't want attention, don't read this around others. My favorite book by David Sedaris.