When You Are Engulfed in Flames

By: David Sedaris

Narrated by: David Sedaris

Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Once again, David Sedaris brings together a collection of essays so uproariously funny and profoundly moving that his legions of fans will fall for him all over again.

He tests the limits of love when Hugh lances a boil from his backside, and pushes the boundaries of laziness when, finding the water shut off in his house in Normandy, he looks to the water in a vase of fresh cut flowers to fill the coffee machine.

From armoring the windows with LP covers to protect the house from neurotic songbirds, to the awkwardness of having a lozenge fall from your mouth into the lap of a sleeping fellow passenger on a plane, David Sedaris uses life's most bizarre moments to reach new heights in understanding love and fear, family and strangers.

Culminating in a brilliantly funny account of his venture to Tokyo in order to quit smoking, David Sedaris' sixth essay collection has been avidly anticipated.

©2008 David Sedaris (P)2008 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

2008 Grammy Nominee, Best Spoken Word Album

"Older, wiser, smarter and meaner, Sedaris...defies the odds once again by delivering an intelligent take on the banalities of an absurd life." (Kirkus Reviews)
"This latest collection proves that not only does Sedaris still have it, but he's also getting better....Sedaris's best stuff will still - after all this time - move, surprise, and entertain." (Booklist)

A more sombre Sedaris

I wished I liked this as much other reviewers but the fact is I didn't find this as funny as other Sedaris titles I've listened to. Don't get me wrong there were still plenty of bits that had me suppressing laughs on crowded buses and David Sedaris is a perfect narrator...That said there were lots of essays where I wasn't sure if he was going for humour or more serious writing and if it was supposed to be serious it didn't work for me.
I don't see a lot of humour in his relationship with Hugh, his love of spiders or his friendship with the village pedophile. I would suggest listening to some of his earlier books before this one.

Get ready to lol

Okay, when you are on the subway or listening to this out in public, get ready for people to stare at you... You will be laughing and smiling with out realizing.

No matter the mood you are in, this will make you feel better!

Sedaris' latest book rocks

David Sedaris' latest book is amazing, discomforting, thought provoking, humane, and, of course, very funny. It is a must-listen.

Laugh out loud good.

I loved "Me Talk Pretty" and didn't care much for "Dress Your family..". I think this is as funny as his first book. He goes to Japan to quit smoking. Enough said.

It's a private comedy show on your phone

This audiobook really brought a smile to my face. Hearing Sedaris tell it in his own dry way really adds to it (my own inner reader is so animated, it's a totally different experience). I also LOVED the chapters that were him reading in front of a live audience. It was like the show came to me!

Sedaris has a wonderful gallows humor

Would you consider the audio edition of When You Are Engulfed in Flames to be better than the print version?

I feel that it is, but I think it's because Sedaris narrates it himself.

What other book might you compare When You Are Engulfed in Flames to and why?

His other books are pretty similar, I find his writing style unique so it's hard to compare.

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

His mother is hilarious, and makes me jealous of his childhood, but then again not so much.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Addiction, a journey. Though I think the title is way better.

Any additional comments?

Sedaris is a genius at making everyday life captivating, and childhood trauma funny and heart warming.

Language

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The only part I couldn't listen to was the part of beastiality. Sorry, I couldn't bear it.

My First Audible Listen

Would you consider the audio edition of When You Are Engulfed in Flames to be better than the print version?

This was my first audible listen and took me some time to convert from an avid book reader to a listener.Once I got into the cadence of David Sedaris' telling of these stories, I really enjoyed them and laughed out loud on many occasions. I will listen to this again.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hugh. The cab driver. The cranky lady on the airplane....the list goes on.

Which scene was your favorite?

As most of my favourite scenes weren't PG, I dare not write those here. Suffice it to say, if I ever meet Mr. Sedaris I will ask him if his sister still owns 'that' magazine.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Helen.

Hilarious

I have read much from David Sedaris but nothing beats listening to him read his own work. It is so funny and at times cringe worthy and relatable. It is funnier if you've traveled to Paris and Tokyo.

Longtime Sedaris fan, new listener

I believe I’ve read everything Sedaris has published, but no more. Nothing enhances the brilliance of his writing like hearing him read it aloud.