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)

Love David Sedaris!

He’s hands down one of my favorite authors. Used to just read his books, but love his performances so much I’ve taken to getting the audiobooks, as well. Modern Mark Twain.

I’m on my third listen - fantastic

I adore every essay in this collection. So much so that I keep going back. Highly recommend!

Me Talk Pretty - Funny Moments & Observations

Ever since I heard David Sedaris on NPR many years ago tell his “Santaland Diaries” I’ve been a fan of his observational essays. The author is one who enhances his writing by telling the stories in person. This collection has a number of new essays & observations on his travels & experiences living in the UK & France. I especially found his sharing of the book signing experience insightful. I have stood in line for several authors signatures & I especially remember David making sure he personalized our brief interaction.

Easy to listen to. Fun. Touching. Everything and a bag of chips.

I love his humor. His writing. His voice. What’s not to like. I want to meet him,

You will ROFL

In spite of being leery about books read by their authors, I listened to this book read by
Sedaris himself. My concerns were ungrounded as I quickly realized he was as good a narrator, or maybe I should say performer, as he was an author: he kept me in stitches throughout this whole book. It is a collection of memoirs based on Sedaris' life, but told through exceptionally good writing and with insightful humor, making his drug addiction and other excesses seem forgivable. Throughout the book, I had no doubt that Sedaris accepts responsibility for his mistakes, and that somewhere along the way he decided to get clean, or at least cleaner, and make something of his life. His ability to poke fun at himself and his slightly strange family is evident as he turns event after average event into reasons to laugh out loud. Decidedly gay, he is nevertheless entertaining to all kinds of audiences.

On a personal note, although clever, the only part of the book I did not enjoy were the dog poems. Others will say that is the best part, and I understand. They just came across as smutty to me. My favorite parts were "learning to speak French," and "disdain of computers." So funny!

Perfect

If you are at all familiar with David Sedaris, then you know how funny he is. I think of him as a monolaugist more than a writer, so this presentation is perfect. Not a bad moment, and great insight. If you are looking for an entertaining diversion for a drive or commute, this is it.

funny and insightful

This collection of essays keeps you laughing. The main purpose seems to be humor, but the essays also offer insight into some serious topics. Overall a good listen. My only complaint would be that I wanted more.

Totally great book!

I was looking around for a neat book and everyone was buying this one...must be good. No, it was great. There is just something about the way he reads it. He writes alot how I think and it really inspired me to write a book. That book has now turned into a independent-type film I'm working on. A great author inspires others...thank you David.

Not what I was expecting

in the best way this story was totally new to me! I was unfamiliar with his story and it was truly fascinating to learn these random tid bits about someone in a digestible and entertaining way. I listened alone and was caught off guard by some jokes that got a good laugh out of me. I'd recommend this book to fans of his and newbs alike, it is a very enjoyable listen

Hilarious entertainer!

I enjoyed listening to the author read this book with his intended intonation and dry sense of humor. Can wait to listen to another.