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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5 stars. I laughed out loud more times than I could count. Equally funny and poignant. Many strong entires; a thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommend.
Darkly humorous and entertaining as usual, although now with a deep undertow of wistfulness as the author contemplates the passing of time and one's ever-increasing age. His sister Tiffany committed suicide several years ago, after what had been a turbulent and difficult life. His father, going on into his nineties, lives on in poverty-like conditions (despite being well-off), as Fox News watching and conservative as ever, yet also finally mellowing out to become almost lovable.
The most heartbreaking story, though, was the one about that lovely little fox who became first a regular visitor to his cottage, then his particular wildlife companion. After several years and a final intimate walk together at night, the little fox was never seen again, probably killed in battle somewhere or ran over by a monstrous uncaring car. The author was left calling hopefully for the it every time at dusk, hope being a thing that lives far longer than facts and reality seem to warrant. What a world.
The most heartbreaking story, though, was the one about that lovely little fox who became first a regular visitor to his cottage, then his particular wildlife companion. After several years and a final intimate walk together at night, the little fox was never seen again, probably killed in battle somewhere or ran over by a monstrous uncaring car. The author was left calling hopefully for the it every time at dusk, hope being a thing that lives far longer than facts and reality seem to warrant. What a world.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
ANYTHING Sedaris writes is a HOOT!! especially when HE'S reading it!!
As always, David Sedaris is a delight. His books are hilarious, and worth listening to on audio; his narration makes the work even better. Just know you will snort and guffaw while listening, so chose your listening locations wisely.
This might be his best collection yet. I realize this a bold statement considering his body of work. His books are always funny, always drawing upon his wacky family and hilarious insights into human behavior. But this one also includes a bit more of a glimpse behind the curtain; not everything is hijinx and funny family dysfunction. He talks frankly about his youngest sister's suicide, a sister he had been estranged from and hadn't seen in the eight years prior to her death. He talks about caring for his 92-year-old father while navigating their complicated relationship. None of this feels especially heavy, but it's not handled lightly, either. It all feels honest and open and fully human.
These are interspersed with chapters about his big family spending time at their beach house on Emerald Isle, named the Sea Section. I mean, c'mon. You know this must be a family worth reading about. There are musings on traveling and Trump and in-laws and the very best curses while driving. I'm telling you, it's a delight.
Even though Sedaris and his husband Hugh live in England and France, he is and will always be a national treasure.
This might be his best collection yet. I realize this a bold statement considering his body of work. His books are always funny, always drawing upon his wacky family and hilarious insights into human behavior. But this one also includes a bit more of a glimpse behind the curtain; not everything is hijinx and funny family dysfunction. He talks frankly about his youngest sister's suicide, a sister he had been estranged from and hadn't seen in the eight years prior to her death. He talks about caring for his 92-year-old father while navigating their complicated relationship. None of this feels especially heavy, but it's not handled lightly, either. It all feels honest and open and fully human.
These are interspersed with chapters about his big family spending time at their beach house on Emerald Isle, named the Sea Section. I mean, c'mon. You know this must be a family worth reading about. There are musings on traveling and Trump and in-laws and the very best curses while driving. I'm telling you, it's a delight.
Even though Sedaris and his husband Hugh live in England and France, he is and will always be a national treasure.
I listened to the audiobook. It was quite awkward as I couldn't stop laughing in public.
My favorite Sedaris book in years. The best kind of stories that speak to my soul. My judgmental, snobby, sardonic soul. My favorite stories were probably about shopping in Tokyo, where the line, “Why don’t you do to a museum? Because there’s nothing to fucking buy there.”, was in it. The story which made me realize how much I say the word awesome. The story about how the king of all reality shows Intervention deserves a special place in all the hearts of children, who lived through loved ones with substance abuse issues, and finally the essay about how amazing Romanians are at swearing. I’d listen to it again and again.
dark
funny
fast-paced
When is Sedaris not a five star read? Of course, I downloaded the audio version for our car ride to the shore, because nothing compares to hearing Sedaris in his own voice. This is the darkest of his books by far, but also the most honest & revealing. The last few essays are the funniest. *Check content warnings* because some of his family revelations may be unsuitable for sensitive or young readers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, Cursing, Suicide, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Death of parent
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced