I've started David Sedaris' latest, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, and it is FABULOUS. I'm not even sure how to express how much I love this collection of essays, or why. Maybe it's the stream-of-consciousness narration, maybe it's the irreverently loving pictures he paints of his life and the lives of those close to him. Maybe it's that I truly haven't read a book in a while that makes me not just giggle but let the ugly laugh (similar to the ugly cry) escape in the emptiness of my bedroom, to the point where my dog cocks his head inquisitively and says to himself "this woman is flippin crazy, how did I end up with her?"
So, yeah, needless to say, I can't wait to jump back into this book. Will do a full review when I finish.
Embarrassingly, I haven't read Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim yet. It's now at the top of my Amazon wish list, though.
Any other favorites of Sedaris that I shouldn't miss?
7 comments:
The only thing better than a David Sedaris' book is David Sedaris LIVE!
He's hilarious, yes, in that understated sort of way that you pick up in his writing, but what was fascinating was that sometimes as and sometimes after he read a story, he would make notes on it. HE WAS REVISING AS HE READ!!!! I SOOOoooo wanted to know what he was thinking about! Was it timing? Audience laughter (or lack thereof)? Word choice?
If you can't listen to him live, then get the audio of one of his books. Once I had a 3 hour drive home to TinyTown from Denver (and then immediately back again) to pick up some things and make some arrangements for my mom's suddenly extended hospital stay. I listened to an entire Sedaris book and the time FLEW.
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This guy is a great writer, able to reach everyone in one way or another. I definitely see why you like him.
Me Talk Pretty Some day is scream out loud funny and Dress your family had me laughing out loud like an ass during a transatlantic flight, o.k. maybe the 5 xanax helped but Sedaris is monstrous funny and I have seen his live at here in B-lo which is also outrageously funny. Good taste!
mary-sedaris on the plane, eh? i make a 5/6hr trek cross-country (i won't say in which direction!) to see my brother and his wife every so often, and now i'm brooding over the new in-air possibilities...
enc-there is definitely something for everyone, and i'm sure i'll find the same is true with his other titles. one of my 9th graders last semester was even reading Me Talk Pretty One Day.
justice-i once mistakenly told someone on a flight that i had mescaline, instead of meclizine. i was like 14. oops. they make you drowsy, too, but not exactly in the same wayyy as those xanax...
I read this book last week too! He is one of the only authors I will pay hardback-prices on. Hurray and review it so I can see what you think.
i'm trying to will myself back to adult books, but i've been so busy with planning and ya titles that this one has gone to the wayside!
i mentioned that i bought tangerine, and turns out it's the 8th gr. summer reading, so i'm working on that right now. was tough to get into, actually, but i'm loving the intricacies of some of the relationships, even if they are a bit stereotypical.
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