• Holidays on Ice

  • Featuring Six New Stories
  • By: David Sedaris
  • Narrated by: David Sedaris
  • Length: 4 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (3,765 ratings)

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Holidays on Ice  By  cover art

Holidays on Ice

By: David Sedaris
Narrated by: David Sedaris
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Publisher's summary

David Sedaris's beloved holiday collection is new again with six more pieces, including a never before published story. Along with such favorites as the diaries of a Macy's elf and the annals of two very competitive families, are Sedaris's tales of tardy trick-or-treaters ("Us and Them"); the difficulties of explaining the Easter Bunny to the French ("Jesus Shaves"); what to do when you've been locked out in a snowstorm ("Let It Snow"); the puzzling Christmas traditions of other nations ("Six to Eight Black Men"); what Halloween at the medical examiner's looks like ("The Monster Mash"); and a barnyard secret Santa scheme gone awry ("Cow and Turkey").

No matter what your favorite holiday, you won't want to miss celebrating it with the author who has been called "one of the funniest writers alive" (Economist).

©2008 David Sedaris (P)2008 David Sedaris

Editorial Review

You didn’t think I was going to be *all* doom and gloom, did you?? Last night I picked up a bottle of brandy from the corner wine store, poured it with a splash of eggnog into my Fishs Eddy Turnt tumbler, and settled in for an evening of wrapping gifts and listening to David Sedaris’s Santaland Diaries from Holidays on Ice. His hilarious account of working as a department store elf is an absolute classic (shenanigans, obviously, ensue), and I hope you’ll love it as much as I do. —Rachel S., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Holidays on Ice

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Not Even As a Daily Deal :(

MY CONTEXT & WHY I BOUGHT (IN SPITE OF THE REVIEWS)

I’m not a die-hard Sedaris fan, but I’ve listened to two of his other books, and really enjoyed them, so bought this one in spite of the mixed reviews because it was a daily deal. I figured those who didn’t enjoy it must’ve largely been a part of the crowd who is turned off by his distinct style and voice; sadly, this collection just isn’t very enjoyable.


ABOUT THE STORIES THEMSELVES:

The lead story about working as a holiday elf at Macy’s is good, but personally I didn’t find it as funny as the other material I had read previously. And then it’s downhill from there, the stories get dark, are largely unfunny, and it’s not clear to me what exactly he was aiming for when he wrote them: they seem like a confused attempt at social commentary and humour, which instead comes across as a rather dark shade of cynical and morbid humour.

Especially if you are hoping to find something humorous and festive for the holiday season, this is probably not what you’re looking for, unless you have a very dark sense of humour; i.e. it ain’t jolly! If you’re a die-hard Sedaris fan, then you’ve probably heard most of this collection and/or will still enjoy it (though it’s worth noting the number of other reviewers who felt they fell into this category, only to be disappointed by this particular collection!).

Anyhow, I certainly won’t re-listen and would’ve preferred not to have bought this particular daily deal, just not worth it.


ALTERNATIVE SUGGESTIONS:

If you are looking for something lighter, festive and funny, I’d suggest any collection by Stewart McLean that includes one or more of his Christmas specials.

If you are looking for a first taste of Sedaris, I’d recommend “Me Talk Pretty One Day” - it still has some dark humour (which I normally enjoy, myself), but not the extra dark flavour created by the contrast with holiday themes.



Really hope this helps you a bit with your choice! Please let me know by marking the review “helpful.” Happy listening!

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Self Indulgent Brew of Holiday Sneer and Cheer

Good-hearted satire is part of the season. This lacks heart. I also found the authors' snide narrative style as annoying as one two many supermarket hearings of have yourself a merry little Christmas.

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What in the world, save your money!

This is without a doubt, the worst expenditure I've made in years! Do yourself a favor and set fure to you money! The supposed humor contained within is at best morbid, at worst, criminal.

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Don't bother

Tasteless! Not worth listening to. The stories are not funny, not touching and in poor taste.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Sedaris' holiday winner

A short listen; some great fiction as well as Sedaris' timeless account of working as an elf at Macy's. For someone who's become jaded about the holidays, Sedaris really gave me something to laugh at.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Christmas Tradition

A must listen to every Christmas. Move over Rudolph, this book is the real joy of the season.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Worth his weight in gold.

David Sedaris is a SCREAM. I love him. Treat yourself to this pleasure cruise of fun.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Hilarious yet Dated

Another compilation of absurdly comical stories (fiction and non) by Sedaris - this time, with a realiist holiday twist. His way of seeing the world never gets old - it's downright enchanting; though, his references to "retarded" people and unsavory depictions of people of color leave a bit of an awkward taste in one's mouth. Maybe a sign of the times?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Racism isn't funny anymore!

That's the schrewish review that inspired my purchase. This won't disappoint. Very Funny. Worth every dollar

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    5 out of 5 stars
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quirky and wonderful as ever

if you love David Sedaris, then of course you will love this. if you don't know him, be prepared not for sweetness and light -- heavens no! -- but for deliciousl, wicked humor.

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