Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk

A Modest Bestiary

By: David Sedaris

Narrated by: David Sedaris, Sian Phillips, Dylan Baker, Elaine Stritch

Length: 3 hrs

Publisher's summary

This collection of sharply observed animal-themed tales is a delight, told with David Sedaris's trademark blend of hilarity and goodnaturedness. Though the characters may not be human, the situations in these stories bear an uncanny resemblance to the insanity of our own everyday interactions.

In "The Toad, the Turtle, and the Duck", three strangers commiserate about animal bureaucracy while waiting in a complaint line. In "Hello Kitty", a cynical feline struggles to sit through his prison-mandated AA meetings. In "The Squirrel and the Chipmunk", a pair of star-crossed lovers is separated by prejudiced family members.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2010 David Sedaris (P)2010 Hachette Audio

Sedaris does it again

If you don't have a sense of humor, you're likely not to enjoy this one. Dark humor abounds in the animal world, and I found myself giggling more than once as I realized certain "animals" reminded me of certain people I know. Some were disappointed in their reviews that Sedaris did not do all of the narration for this book, but I say the narrators were perfect for the characters.

I almost wet myself laughing, but then.....

Several, maybe most, of these short stories are very very funny and so witty using the animal characters as people we all know. The first story with the animal hairdresser and her client left me in doubled over, and then others with Sedaris' wit and commentary on all of us humans, oh my! And really.... the twist with the gerbil, just was almost too too funny, this alone worth the credit (although yes hard to swallow, the book was so short).
Sadly, the few short stories that left me feeling cold and uninterested, unfortunately shadowed over the rest. I wanted to give more stars, at least a 3.5, but here is where I must sit.

Wonderful

This is the funniest book I've read in a long time. The voice actors are outstanding. Elaine Stritch in particular. I can't recommend it enough.

Another Sedaris Gem

Loved this audible book!
Great fun poking at human shortcomings through the vantage point of animals!
Also loved the different character voices!
Well done, made me want to hear more of each story!

Aesop's fables gone wrong

What made the experience of listening to Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk the most enjoyable?

I loved the different readers and how they personified the animals. Some of theses stories were very clever, others left me a bit cold.

Quirky collection

Is there anything you would change about this book?

No, it is what it is.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Makes you think.

Which scene was your favorite?

Jazz discussion at the coffee shop.

Do you think Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not really.

Any additional comments?

Sedaris humor is what it is. This is on the edge even for him.

Funny, mean, uneven, great performances

Wanted to like it but the stories weren’t for me. Very funny at times, but overall a bit too mean spirited and grim. The narration was top notch though, especially loved Elaine Stritch.

Cute & fun

The only thing bringing down this audiobook is the annoying music between stories/chapters. I wish I had gotten the print or Kindle edition instead. The variety of narrators is nice and their talent is on point.

Cheeky moral commentary!!

David Sedaris is an acquired taste and not everyone will find his irreverent humor amusing. Although some of the stories are thinly veiled moral judgments of small minded and stupid people, they are all entertaining. The actors were well chosen and did an excellent job portraying their characters POV. Well done Sedaris.

Skip this one

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

This is the only book by David Sedaris that will disappoint.

Has Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk turned you off from other books in this genre?

I'm a huge fan of David Sedaris. His witty humor works well when he's addressing his various family issues and personal oddities. But, when personifying animals...something is lost entirely. These stories are like modernized parables, but Sedaris should of left the animal fables to Aesop and just stick to what he does best.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

There are several different narrators, which works well, but the content just doesn't work. Even best-selling authors produce a dud every once in a while.

Did Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk inspire you to do anything?

This book inspires me to write a negative review, although I wish I had something more positive to say.