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bibliobrandie's review against another edition
4.0
I love David Sedaris. It was interesting to go back to listen to his early work after listening to every other thing he's written. I enjoyed the personal essays more than the stories. Just hearing Amy Sedaris read parts of this book and the essay called, "You Can't Kill the Rooster," (where Amy reads for the part of their brother, Paul) was worth it.
lurker_stalker's review against another edition
4.0
I always find plenty to enjoy in David Sedaris books. Particularly if they're performed by him. And even more if his sister Amy is involved. I don't find every story incredibly funny but even those that I don't like a whole lot gives me something to chuckle about.
ankitmamc's review against another edition
3.0
This was my third book by David Sedaris. The first two (Dress your family... And Me Talk Pretty...) left a big impression on me in terms of how 'out of nowhere' an apparent 'no one' sourced his comic commentary from.
This book, however, did not tickle me much, nor did it provide the much sought after Sedaris touch of 'innocent humour'. Parts featuring Amy Sedaris in the narration were not a welcome change either.
Will read one more David Sedaris book later this year, hopefully can rediscover the affinity for his style of humour which is, more often than not, simply brilliant.
This book, however, did not tickle me much, nor did it provide the much sought after Sedaris touch of 'innocent humour'. Parts featuring Amy Sedaris in the narration were not a welcome change either.
Will read one more David Sedaris book later this year, hopefully can rediscover the affinity for his style of humour which is, more often than not, simply brilliant.
majestictrilobite's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Racism, Death of parent, Alcohol, Racial slurs, Drug abuse, Alcoholism, Violence, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Terminal illness, Physical abuse, and Cursing
shorty_320's review against another edition
3.0
I'd give this a 3.5. I definitely enjoyed Sedaris' nonfiction stories than the ones that were not true. I'll check out more of his work.
casspro's review against another edition
4.0
To all of the reviewers who put down this collection of short stories and essays, I say: Give the man a break! Of course this book is nothing like "Me Talk Pretty One Day"--it's Sedaris' first novel and has very little of his own memoirs inside the cover. Authors are allowed to grow and better themselves and change their style as the years pass, so let's all just take a moment to take this book for what it is: a first printing of short stories written by a man who later becomes a great speaker and autobiographer.
Now, with that being said: I quite enjoyed the fact that this was nothing like other Sedaris works that I've read. The stories are disturbing and irreverent and gritty and hilarious and sarcastic and campy and filthy. I read a review who negatively compared this novel to reading a John Waters film--to which I say is the perfect comparison. If you're not a fan of the pretty, filthy world that Waters has the upper hand on, you won't like the words written in these pages. If, on the other hand, you're like me and would willing lick the ground that Waters' walks upon, then you will find a kindred spirit in "Barrel Fever". While reading, I kept making parallels in my head between the stories and Waters' films. "My Manuscript" is reminiscent of "A Dirty Shame", and "Music for Lovers" has a twinge of "Serial Mom". "Barrel Fever" also seems follow the same vein of the writing style of later authors Augusten Burroughs and Chuck Palahniuk, with a little A.M Holmes thrown in for good measure. It's definitely not for the faint of heart. If you can't stomach a little anal sex and lynch mob talk, then I would stick with his more family-oriented brand of neurosis. But, if you want a read that will make you squirm and question your morals, then please pick this up.
Now, with that being said: I quite enjoyed the fact that this was nothing like other Sedaris works that I've read. The stories are disturbing and irreverent and gritty and hilarious and sarcastic and campy and filthy. I read a review who negatively compared this novel to reading a John Waters film--to which I say is the perfect comparison. If you're not a fan of the pretty, filthy world that Waters has the upper hand on, you won't like the words written in these pages. If, on the other hand, you're like me and would willing lick the ground that Waters' walks upon, then you will find a kindred spirit in "Barrel Fever". While reading, I kept making parallels in my head between the stories and Waters' films. "My Manuscript" is reminiscent of "A Dirty Shame", and "Music for Lovers" has a twinge of "Serial Mom". "Barrel Fever" also seems follow the same vein of the writing style of later authors Augusten Burroughs and Chuck Palahniuk, with a little A.M Holmes thrown in for good measure. It's definitely not for the faint of heart. If you can't stomach a little anal sex and lynch mob talk, then I would stick with his more family-oriented brand of neurosis. But, if you want a read that will make you squirm and question your morals, then please pick this up.
ratgirlreads's review against another edition
funny
3.0
Enjoyable, but lacking the element in some of his other writing that causes laughter to the point of helplessness. Though he writes short stories adeptly, I prefer his essays, which were only a small part of this book.
caleigh_g's review against another edition
4.0
Some parts didn’t age so well but overall still a fun read.