Me Talk Pretty One Day

By: David Sedaris

Narrated by: David Sedaris

Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

David Sedaris' new collection of essays - including live recordings! - tells a most unconventional life story. It begins with a North Carolina childhood filled with speech-therapy classes ("There was the lisp, of course, but more troubling than that was my voice itself, with its excitable tone and high, girlish pitch") and unwanted guitar lessons taught by a midget. From budding performance artist ("The only crimp in my plan was that I seemed to have no talent whatsoever") to "clearly unqualified" writing teacher in Chicago, Sedaris' career leads him to New York City and eventually, of all places, France. His move to Paris poses a number of challenges, chief among them his inability to speak the language. Arriving a "spooky man-child" capable of communicating only through nouns, he undertakes language instruction that leads him ever deeper into cultural confusion. Whether describing the Easter bunny to puzzled classmates or watching a group of men play soccer with a cow, Sedaris brings a view and a voice like no other to every unforgettable encounter.

©2000 by David Sedaris, All Rights Reserved (P)2000 by Time Warner AudioBooks, A Division of Time Warner Trade Publishing

Critic reviews

"At his best, he makes you laugh out loud, which indeed may be worth the price of admission." (The New York Times)

funny

This is the second time I've listened to this book and it makes me cry with laughter.

the audible app is getting worse every day. and it

and it forces me to write fifteen word at least or else it won't let me write it

Delightful

This is a fun book. i have reread this book many times. it nevet gets old. I have traveled over the world since I was young and. could( relate to exciting situations leaning a different culture or language can offer.

Perfect road companion

Loved this book in his own voice.
Thank you David and now onto your next book.

Always the best listen and read 💗💗💗

Just enjoy! I listen to his books over and over again. I always laugh Always root him on through his amazing telling of his life and family.

I've listened to this probably 16 times

Every year I find new writers that I adore--but David continues to be my favorite.

Fantastic

David is just hysterical. His books must be listened to because it is even funnier with his narration!

Is them the thoughts of cows?

I have listened to this book several times during my hour commutes to work it started my day with a smile and helped me decompress with laughter on the long drive back home. Like all of David's book they get funnier every time I hear them. His voice is so pleasing his stories relatable. i just love his writing I would read his grocery list.

Pure Genius

I've listened to David Sedaris on the radio on This American Life. When I found that he had a book out, I jumped at the chance to get it on audio. Usually I find that I am disappointed when I expect so much from an author. I was not disappointed this time. I did alot of walking while I listened to this, and people gave me a wide berth because I was laughing all the time! I looked like a crazy person. Do yourself a favor and get this book. The man is a genius. Honestly the funniest thing I've ever read.

Me Talk Pretty One Day

David Sedaris is hilarious. His experiences growing up gay and obsessive compulsive in the South made me laugh out load. His childhod fantasy that he would some day grow up to be a cabaret star with an act consisting of his impression of Billy Holiday singing ads for local car dealerships was so insane that it made me howl and yet, I still believed it. And, amazingly, when he read the story of his music lessons, he sang the ads like Billy Holiday.

But behind the laughter is the reality and sadness that are often present in great comedy. Me Talk Pretty One Day is more than a collection of funny stories. It touches you. It makes you laugh, but you ache for this child whose elementary school thought it could "cure" his homosexuality with speech therapy.

I am no fan of abridged books. But hearing Mr. Sedaris read his own stories more than made up for anything I may have missed. And since he did the reading himself, I assume he collaborated on the process of cutting his work. This book gave me plenty of laughs on my way to work and, having heard this abridged version, I have put the book on my nightstand and plan to read it soon.