©2000 by David Sedaris, All Rights Reserved; (P)2000 by Time Warner AudioBooks, A Division of Time Warner Trade Publishing
"At his best, he makes you laugh out loud, which indeed may be worth the price of admission." (The New York Times)
"Sedaris is great!"
I was not familiar with David Sedaris before I bought this book, and I absolutely loved it. The stories are heartfelt and funny. The audio delivery is superb. I now keep an eye out for anything Sedaris has written knowing I will enjoy it. Keep the books coming! I can't wait to hear more.
"Me Get It"
A dry sense of humor is required to really enjoy David Sedaris' self-deprecating stories. The sections of tape he recorded in front of a crowd were probably some of my favorites. I'll definately listen to it again to catch what i may have missed. And I'll recommend it to others.
"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.
"Some parts slow, some okay"
The material in this book is excellent as usual, but Sedaris as the narrator is much better performing live than he is in his monotone, low-energy, non-emotional reading of this book. At times I could not believe how non-engaging this book was, and I couldn't wait for certain stories that were inserted from live performances. Again, the material is classic Sedaris, but you may fall asleep several times as you struggle through much of this narration.
Listen to all his book samples, compare his live performances and ones on This American Life to this, and you'll see what I am talking about.
"He write and read pretty good today"
The author reads a hilarious account of his life. From lithping thchooldays, to hith thomewhat eccentic parentth and thiblings. Life in New York, to the French countryside and Parisian cinemas. Some of it is plain funny, some is funny-serious while much is laugh-out-loud stuff, so the folks sitting near you during your commute are going to give you some strange looks. A comparison with Woody Allen is valid, although David Sedaris is no mere clone. If you enjoy really good humour (and there's precious little of it on audio), don't hesitate!
"Funny in a pathetic roadkill kind of way"
This is my first book from Sedaris and I think I'll try another. It was entertaining throughout with many parts that made me laugh out loud. He is kind of a modern, politically incorrect, cigarette-loving, drug-addled, openly gay, extra-pathetic Woody Allen with some of the clever and biting observations of George Carlin or Chris Rock. There was one or two low points where his stories dragged, and especially the one on the metro where the ending was a major letdown. His phrasing and comic timing are excellent. His live bits were the best ones. As a narrator his voice was thin and high-pitched but it fit here... especially since these was his own true (hah, probably not without some small exaggerations) life story.
"Very Funny"
Simply put this is one of the funniest books I have ever had the pleasure of hearing! I just wish his other books lived up to this one.
"Funny, poignant"
As always, David Sedaris shares his wry, funny, and poignant views of the world. He has an ability to take note of common experiences and find something funny in them. His deliverance is excellent and we prefer to listen to him tell his stories in his own voice as opposed to reading them ourselves.
"Cynical but Cute - Better than reading the book."
A friend recommended this book to read. It is even better on audiobook read by the author. I would not say that it made me laugh but there are some really well written and cute stories that will keep you interested.