I'm a big David Sedaris fan but this one missed the mark. It seemed like he was really reaching to be funny, but much of it came off as dark and depressing. As I was listening I kept thinking, "not that funny." If you're new to David Sedaris, start with his book 'Naked'. Skip this one.

i love all of david sedaris's books. this is another great one to add to the shelf.

Listened and re-listened to this. Very enjoyable. Sometimes you have to wonder if these things actually happened to him or not -- I assume they are based on fact -- however, they are so perfect you can't help believing some of this is made up. The story about quitting smoking is great and the one about his baby sitter is unforgettable.

Everything you want from the guy you love. Lots of laughs.

This is the ONLY audiobook I have ever downloaded that I simply couldn't finish, and I completed part1 so I gave it plenty of chance.
I have like Sedaris in the past ("Me Talk Pretty One Day") but this one has essays about the most boring and obnoxious characters that you wonder why you're wasting your time. And the whiny, whiny voice never lets up. The very worst, however, is occasionally when he appears to be speaking to an audience. It takes only seconds to realize the audience laughter is canned, with people laughing at anything he says, funny or not, and the intensity rising or falling as the controller turns the knob. A dead giveaway is that there is never a cough or sneeze or any other "normal" audience noise. This was so offputting that I just couldn't even focus on what he was even saying anymore. A definite non-recommendation.

I cried from laughter when reading and listening to Sedaris' earlier books. Many parts of Engulfed are humorous in only the way Sedaris can tell a story. The second half was somewhat morose and sometimes downright depressing. But that's not totally bad because it shows the author continues to evolve by showing his inner self. Don't skip this one but don't expect to LOL.

Very funny. Light hearted fun. Especially funny are parts from live shows where the author is particulary animated in his animation.

I'm a big fan of Sederis and this book lives up to expectations although it's not as good as previous ones. That said, the last section, which is about his quest to quit smoking, is full of humor and very entertaining.

I thought this book was very funny. Although I did not enjoy every story, overall, the book was great. I can't imagine anyone else doing the narration.

I loved him in the old days, but now he's a shadow of himself. David: Find something to do. Some people write well about nothing, but you come across as self-absorbed and narrow. If you were in prison, I'd get it. That's a theme, and your narrowness would be understandable. In the beginning, you had your family and work as an elf. Now you have nothing but your big income. Wow. Do you read anything, see anything, think about anything in the world besides yourself? Not funny anymore. I feel ripped off for buying this.