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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
This was my first foray into David Sedaris. I was challenging myself to read more nonfiction this year, and I think this was a very fun and funny start. At the same time, Sedaris does a really good job of balancing his tone in serious subjects— not making his humor insensitive about the gravity of the situation but acknowledging the kind of absurdity that feels like it comes with living through tough moments.
I really enjoyed the way he portrays his family's weird but real interconnected relationships with one another. It is refreshingly honest, that they're strange and they fight with each other and have fundamental differences (the patriarch being a staunch Republican versus Sedaris's more left-leaning though still somewhat moderate political views). And at the same time, he can pinpoint exactly the reasons we still love these frustrating blood relatives of ours.
I took off a star because I was a bit dismayed with the narrative around his partner Hugh. Of course, it was just an honest picture, but it almost felt loveless and nasty. I wish there had been some balance to show why they have been together for so long.
I really enjoyed the way he portrays his family's weird but real interconnected relationships with one another. It is refreshingly honest, that they're strange and they fight with each other and have fundamental differences (the patriarch being a staunch Republican versus Sedaris's more left-leaning though still somewhat moderate political views). And at the same time, he can pinpoint exactly the reasons we still love these frustrating blood relatives of ours.
I took off a star because I was a bit dismayed with the narrative around his partner Hugh. Of course, it was just an honest picture, but it almost felt loveless and nasty. I wish there had been some balance to show why they have been together for so long.
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
David Sedaris rarely disappoints me, but I like his sense of humor. He might not be for everyone. If you are someone who enjoys learning about foxes named Carol, tumor eating snapping turtles, houses with punny names, trash pickup in Sussex, and adventures with a Fit Bit, this book may be for you. Sedaris makes me laugh out loud at least a couple of times during each essay and that’s not easy to do. He has a great wit, but he also tackles sensitive issues like alcoholism and suicide. He is a keen observer of the world.
I am a big David Sedaris fan to begin with and I love to listen to his books. This book did not disappoint. I literally laughed out loud from beginning to end. Being a similar age I could totally relate to his stories of getting older, ageing parents and sibling relationships.
This was my first book by Sedaris, so some of the life history may have been lost on me. But, some of his stories were so funny I found myself laughing, out loud, while out for a walk, or driving to work in the morning. Definitely worth listening to in Sedaris' voice as well (i.e. audiobook)!
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
more personal than his last few, and better for it. (unrelated thought: we rarely get an idea of why he and hugh are still together. it seems like they might hate each other?)
A very inside glimpse of Sedaris and his unique famly. A lot of content that was cold hearted, vulgar and gross, but many smiles and chuckles in between.
The dichotomy between dark and light content really did a lot for me. I loved Sedaris’ dark humor and twisted interpretations of the world and found myself laughing out loud at some of his spot-on relatability. Enjoyed this book thoroughly and already snagged a couple more to get started on soon. ☺️