When You Are Engulfed in Flames

A new book is always a little scary to the author's fans. You've so been looking forward to it and it would just be terribly sad if it stank.


I'm happy to report that there is no stank on this book at all. If anything, I think his writing has gained in depth without losing a fraction of its wit.

And those who believe authors should not read their own work are right about just about everyone except David Sedaris. There's a reason people line up to see him.

I just wish there was more Paul in this book. The brother appears in a perfectly crystalized cameo that just makes you ache for more.

It is otherwise wonderful. Add to cart immediatement.

This was my first exposure to David Sedaris... I've been looking at this book in the book store for several weeks and am very glad I made the choice to listen to it read by the author. I agree with many of the other reviewers, side splitting funny. But if you're homophobic, sexually squimish, don't understand or recognize irony or satire, can't read (listen) between the lines you may fall into the territory of the two or three reviewers who didn't like this book... I was sorry to see (hear) it end and believe that Mr. Sedaris has some of the most unique insight of my generation.

I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time. No other narrator could have pulled it off with such charm. David Sedaris made every word amazingly believable.

David Sedaris is hilarious; never read or listen while eating as choking hazards increase dramatically. Wonderful mind, great reading voice!

David Sedaris' best work yet. Could he be any funnier!? I loved this book so much that I ordered more of his work but this was by far my favorite.

Those who have encountered David Sedaris on Public Radio know that his voice is unique, and hearing it is a deciding factor in enjoying his work. So, when a book comes out, I immediately go for the audio version. It's one of the rare cases in which hearing the author read his own work is preferable to hearing another professional narrator.

Some of his other books are better than this one - notably "Me Talk Pretty One Day" and "Holidays on Ice". But, there are laughs aplenty here and the usual quirky, cynical outlook on life. Cynical isn't always my cup of tea, but Sedaris definitely is!

As a longtime fan of David Sedaris, and as an American with a dear friend who is an ex-pat in France, this book is not something I would have missed. But DS is not at the top of his game here. Anyone unfamiliar with his previous works would probably be turned off by this less-scintillating performance. I mean to say, it was very funny, but only for fans who are familiar with David's style, family and personal history, as this collection all presume at least that level of knowledge. The best essays are the readings recorded before live audiences, of which there are only a few. Worth a credit, but not one I'll be recommending to many other people.

Maybe I love David Sedaris so much because I can see pieces of my family in his stories. This is life delivered with a brilliant satirical wit. If you are "PC", it's not for you but if you have an appreciation for witty storytelling, go for it!

Hysterical in many parts . . . great of course to hear Sedaris reading it himself.

David Sedaris in his collection of essays carries the listner along as only Sedaris can! "When You are Engulfed in Flames," surprises at every turn of word and phrase. The images that Sedaris conjures up and the situations created will make you laugh, cry, and the hair stand up on your neck. This book is not for the faint of heart.