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rinnk's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
The Santaland Diaries was pretty funny but after that one story, the book fell flat. The jokes were not funny and the sense of humor was always negative. To the point of sounding whiny. As the book progressed the weirdness of the stories did as well leaving me confused. I wish I liked it more...but I didn't.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Child abuse, and Child death
Minor: Classism
bella_cavicchi's review against another edition
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
I tried my hardest to enjoy HOLIDAYS ON ICE, and even chuckled aloud at "Santaland Diaries," but none of the stories feel connected so much as jammed together with the loose tie of "holiday"—and so everything falls a bit flat. Onto the next book club selection!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Ableism, and Child abuse
Moderate: Death
lgmelcher's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Racial slurs, Ableism, and Child abuse
linneahbt's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
I have always enjoyed David Sedaris in podcasts and appearances but haven't ever read his work. A lot of these stories held the charm and wit that I associated with him but some quickly crossed the line into offensive, bizarre, uncomfortable... Made for a rollercoaster of a reading experience.
The personal essays I enjoyed so much that I'd honestly rate them higher but some of the stories in this collection crossed the line for me. I know this is n old book but he'd do well to update his language.
The personal essays I enjoyed so much that I'd honestly rate them higher but some of the stories in this collection crossed the line for me. I know this is n old book but he'd do well to update his language.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Child abuse, and Ableism
lani's review against another edition
dark
funny
informative
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Child death, and Child abuse
whichofwords's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
A bizzarre set of short stories. I know they're marketed as "funny" but they leaned too hard on being absurd and not much else. At the very least their pace was fast.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Child death, and Racial slurs
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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