Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls

By: David Sedaris

Narrated by: David Sedaris

Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Finalist, Humor, 2014

From the unique perspective of David Sedaris comes a new collection of essays taking his listeners on a bizarre and stimulating world tour. From the perils of French dentistry to the eating habits of the Australian kookaburra, from the squat-style toilets of Beijing to the particular wilderness of a North Carolina Costco, we learn about the absurdity and delight of a curious traveler's experiences. Whether railing against the habits of litterers in the English countryside or marveling over a disembodied human arm in a taxidermist's shop, Sedaris takes us on side-splitting adventures that are not to be forgotten.

©2013 David Sedaris (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Sedaris is the preeminent humorist of his generation." ( Entertainment Weekly)

Same Sedaris, with something people should know:

-The chapters that say 0:00 seem like they're missing but they've all been moved to one combined chapter at the end since these are fiction and would be confusing mixed with the usual Sedaris stuff (and they serve a particular funny purpose which he tells you.) I was going to complain to audible but my laziness payed off when instead I just listened through.

-There's a nice little easter egg at the very end after all the chapters haha

Funny as always

The first stories are about David’s life but there are a few from a different perspective at the end which really took me by surprise. Really fun!

Devout Fan Disappointed

When I discovered David Sedaris I was elated, devouring everything he'd written, preferably in audio format so I could enjoy his delivery. He is a witty genius exploring life experiences for humorous, thought provoking, and snarky effect.

This book however produced fewer laugh-out-loud moments instead turning out the occasional chuckle and a few smiles. Listening is like visiting an old friend who doesn't have much new to share; maybe the well is dry for now. A full length book should have been replaced with an article or two in the New Yorker.

The transition music was long and eerie, not in keeping with the tone for the content. Also, his delivery wasn't as fervent and immediate as in earlier performances.

Still love David, and am not frustrated I used my credit. My advice to those who enter is this...don't expect the same initial high from his earlier work and enjoy the nostalgia. His body of work is phenomenal and am hopeful for future writings.

Thank you David Sedaris!

Would you consider the audio edition of Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls to be better than the print version?

Yes, hearing Mr. Sedaris read his stories is an important part of what makes his stories so wonderful. I usually don't like books read by the author, but when it comes to Mr. Sedaris I always go for the audio version.

What did you like best about this story?

I find his stories to be a wonderful mix of humor, tragedy, and truthfulness.

Have you listened to any of David Sedaris’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I have listened to them all. This one is just as good as the rest. I tend to like the more personal stories that involve his family and childhood, and this book has just that.

Another great set of essays by one of the best

What did you love best about Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls?

David Sedaris' own narration is incredible. I cannot imagine anyone delivering this work any better

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Indeed.

Any additional comments?

...some amusing, some side-splitting, all thought-provoking.

Let's explore dark humor with David Sedaris

I find many of his stories engaging but others push me into the abyss. The passport story is pretty amazing. I'd have written that if it happened to me.

My favorite book

Great book with an interesting story to tell. I've listened to it at least 50 times already.

Never disappoints

Love his writing and story-telling! Have loved his writing for years and this book didn't disappoint!

David Delivers

If you could sum up Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls in three words, what would they be?

Great stories from a twisted view.

What other book might you compare Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls to and why?

All his other books.

Which character – as performed by David Sedaris – was your favorite?

David.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh

Any additional comments?

I never tire of David's stories. It was interesting to know more about how he got to this point in life. I love his love/hate relationship with his parents. He's just a twisted, funny person who has a keen sense of his surroundings. His sarcastic encounters with just about any situation really make me laugh. I hope he doesn't read this because he'd find something sarcastic to say about it. And, he can tell the Billy Holiday story over a hundred times and I'll listen to it again and again.

Inspired my writing gene

While the first few family stories made me cringe, I enjoyed David's writing style. This compilation of short essays made we want to crack my diary open again.