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  • Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim

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In his newest collection of essays, David Sedaris lifts the corner of ordinary life, revealing the absurdity teeming below its surface. His world is alive with obscure desires and hidden motives, a world where forgiveness is automatic and an argument can be the highest form of love. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is another unforgettable collection from one of the wittiest and most original writers at work today.

  • 5 out of 5 stars

  • Fantastic

  • By Dina on 06-24-04
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  • Naked

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Welcome to the hilarious, strange, elegiac, outrageous world of David Sedaris. In Naked, Sedaris turns the current mania for the memoir on its proverbial ear, mining the exceedingly rich terrain of his life, his family, and his unique worldview, a sensibility at once take-no-prisoners sharp and deeply charitable.

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  • By Christine on 02-07-05
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  • Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls

  • By: David Sedaris
  • Narrated by: David Sedaris
  • Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins
  • Unabridged
  • Overall
    4.5 out of 5 stars 7,222
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    4.5 out of 5 stars 6,527
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From the unique perspective of David Sedaris comes a new collection of essays taking his listeners on a bizarre and stimulating world tour. From the perils of French dentistry to the eating habits of the Australian kookaburra, from the squat-style toilets of Beijing to the particular wilderness of a North Carolina Costco, we learn about the absurdity and delight of a curious traveler's experiences.

  • 3 out of 5 stars

  • Always a Sedaris fan, but this isn't his best

  • By Amazon Customer on 04-29-15
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  • When You Are Engulfed in Flames

  • By: David Sedaris
  • Narrated by: David Sedaris
  • Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
  • Unabridged
  • Overall
    4.5 out of 5 stars 7,898
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    4.5 out of 5 stars 5,005
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Once again, David Sedaris brings together a collection of essays so uproariously funny and profoundly moving that his legions of fans will fall for him all over again. He tests the limits of love when Hugh lances a boil from his backside, and pushes the boundaries of laziness when, finding the water shut off in his house in Normandy, he looks to the water in a vase of fresh cut flowers to fill the coffee machine.

  • 5 out of 5 stars

  • Don't Start with this One

  • By Elvie on 04-28-16
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  • Holidays on Ice

  • Featuring Six New Stories
  • By: David Sedaris
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  • Length: 4 hrs and 19 mins
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  • Overall
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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"); and what to do when you've been locked out in a snowstorm ("Let It Snow").

  • 4 out of 5 stars

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  • By Dave on 12-06-11
Calypso audiobook cover art

  • Calypso

  • By: David Sedaris
  • Narrated by: David Sedaris
  • Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins
  • Unabridged
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    4.5 out of 5 stars 8,434
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If you've ever laughed your way through David Sedaris's cheerfully misanthropic stories, you might think you know what you're getting with Calypso. You'd be wrong. When he buys a beach house on the Carolina coast, Sedaris envisions long, relaxing vacations spent playing board games and lounging in the sun with those he loves most. And it's as idyllic as he imagined, except for one tiny, vexing realization: it's impossible to take a vacation from yourself. With Calypso, Sedaris sets his formidable powers of observation - and dark humor - toward middle age and mortality.

  • 5 out of 5 stars

  • Excellent, as always

  • By Ruthie on 05-31-18

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 David Sedaris, All Rights Reserved (P)2000, 2001 Time Warner AudioBooks

Critic Reviews

"At his best, he makes you laugh out loud, which indeed may be worth the price of admission." (The New York Times)

What members say

Average Customer Ratings

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I wept

I am a huge recent fan of David Sedaris, and this book didn't disappoint. My whole family was listening to it on a long drive. At one point I thought my husband was going to run off the road he was laughing so hard. I was weeping with laughter, so couldn't even take over the driving. David Sedaris has the best delivery, and the best self-deprecating humour that comes through even when the subject matter is less hilarious than piquant. We'll listen to it more than once.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

No laughs here

Not funny. The author details the adversity he faced growing up as a young homosexual. Not a comedy at all. Very sad at times. Was not expecting an autobiography.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I thought I would be annoyed.

I thought David's voice would irritate me but no - he is a brilliant reader. His stories are a "slice of life" about growing up in his large family, surviving the education system and bulls****ing his way through various careers, while keeping a firm grasp on his sense of humour. The only irritating bit was the section where he was reading to an audience and we have to hear their laughter - fortunately this is short. I loved the chapter on the family's succession of ill fated pets. The book is well worth listening to.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Hilarious!

Fantastic narration and very very funny. Very easy to listen to and giggle along with the anecdotes.

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it

Where does Me Talk Pretty One Day rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

How does a guy get so funny. Loved every word of this book. Definitely my best so far.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Me Talk Pretty One Day?

Too many to list

What about David Sedaris’s performance did you like?

Everything. The writing, his delivery, his self-deprecation (so refreshing compared to so many people these days), his pathos, his empathy. He is just a great writer across the board.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

His writing about learning French in Paris. That was not only funny but helpful for me because I'm a language teacher and it really helped me to empathise more with my students.

Any additional comments?

I just hope my next audio book will be even half as good as this one.

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
  • kim
  • Australia
  • 05-24-12

Hilarious

Would you listen to Me Talk Pretty One Day again? Why?

David Sedaris' short stories are hilarious, and spoken with his dry wit only adds to the overall experience.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Me Talk Pretty One Day?

It was wonderful to listen to the live segments and hear others appreciate the humour too.

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Matthew
  • Singapore, Singapore
  • 01-21-14

Not For Me

Why David, why? Why don't I like you? I really tried, honestly I did. After I panned "Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls" everyone told me I'd started in the wrong place. Everyone told me your very best work was actually “Me Talk”, so I dutifully went back for a second round with fresh hopes and a forgiving heart.

Oh David. The uneven but occasionally funny “Diabetes” was actually better than the extremely even (i.e. never-once-interesting) drivel in “Me Talk”.

David, David, David. We really should've hit it off, but I'm afraid your anecdotes are just a little too pointless, laughless and — dare I say — truthless for me to bother with Round 3. If this is the best you have to offer, let's just agree to go our separate ways. It's not me, it's you.

0 of 2 people found this review helpful

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Tracey
  • 01-06-10

Absolutely hilarious

I'd never encountered David Sedaris before this audiobook, and was advised this was a great starting point. And I am so glad I listened to it. David's stories are touching, informative and above all ridiculously funny. His attempts at speaking French had me laughing out loud, while his revealing tale about tourists judging him on the Paris Metro made me want to reach into the headphones and punch the offending ignorami. He is extremely likable, and once you listen to one story don't make any plans for the next few hours, as you won't want to leave him unattended.

8 of 10 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Pamela Mantrippe
  • 06-29-15

This guy is an original

Very entertaining stories and anecdotes . I am working my way through all his audiobooks, they are all good. Try one and see what you think !!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
  • MRS K EVANS
  • 06-21-14

Very funny but very believable

What did you like most about Me Talk Pretty One Day?

The narration

What was one of the most memorable moments of Me Talk Pretty One Day?

The story about the family dog

What does David Sedaris bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

His deadpan delivery

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughed a lot, even in public

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to another Sedaris book

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Phil
  • 12-02-13

Very funny

Having David Sedaris himself narrating in his witty tone is a real bonus. It's perfect for long car journeys or travelling with headphones. Chapters are self contained stories so perfect to dip in and out of.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Carolyn
  • 09-01-13

He talk pretty

I've only recently discovered David Sedaris after stumbling across his Radio 4 show, Meet David Sedaris. I bought this, hoping that it would be as funny as the 30 minute R4 show and I have not been disappointed. I judge how funny an audio book is by how stupid I look when I am listening to it and this one passes the test with flying colours. I have been laughing out loud whilst listening to this when I'm walking the dog and I suspect that I am fast gaining a reputation locally as some sort of laughing halfwit. My favourite line - "is them the thoughts of cows". It will make sense when you get to it. Highly, highly recommended.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Mooma
  • 08-24-13

Glad I stuck with this book...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd definitely recommend this book. It look me while to get used to Sedaris' delivery, but once I had I loved it.

What did you like best about this story?

Loved the bits about speaking French, made me pee. The Youth in Asia had me in tears, very moving.

Any additional comments?

The length of the stories mean that it's a great book to listen to on the bus to/from work.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Amazon Customer
  • 04-14-13

Why is he so funny?

The fact that David Sedaris narrates his own observations on daily life adds comic nuances and pauses that are wonderful. Some would say his delivery is dead pan, but this works. I'm not a 'laugh out loud' person but this did make me smile, chuckle, and infuriatingly for them, call other people in to 'Listen to this!' He really makes the ordinary extraordinary and leaves me thinking, 'There, but for the grace of God....' I'll be reading more.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
  • DEANVEGGY
  • 07-08-18

enjoyed later stuff more

struggled to finish. some gems but i got bored over the many chapters flogging the french culture and language cliches. but had to laugh and agree with david describing the confusing and utterly useless noun genders. i look fwd to later work some of which i heard on bbc radio.

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • C. Searle
  • 05-29-18

Loved it

Funny and charming. His delivery is what makes audible books such a treat. Would recommend for an uplifting listen

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Steve
  • 04-08-18

don't listen in public

it's embarrassing when you're walking, giggling t yourself a little too loudly. great stories, great storyteller.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Margot
  • 07-29-18

David Sedaris is a hilarious delight!

I could listen to David Sedaris tell stories all day long. Thoughtful, funny and entertaining.

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • David Kelly
  • 02-23-18

brilliant

I powered through this book, loving every story. amazing observations and flawless delivery by Sedaris. looking forward to hearing more of his books. Would recommend for anyone who enjoys a humorous and critical view of the world.

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Kylie
  • 07-24-16

Whack whack whack

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and David's reading of it. Makes you smile and laugh. An honest and entertaining account. I'm just glad I'm not related for fear of what might be written about me. As an Australian I was bemused that a Kookaburra and masturbating sound the same. Whack, whack, whack!!!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Steven Green
  • 02-05-15

David Sedaris is wonderful...

Not just his writing but his speaking and narration is a thrill. He has a way with his mannerisms as well as his comic timing that makes his narration of his book even better. This is my first audio book and what a great choice of book it was... I hope everyone that choses this enjoys it as much as I did.

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Qwerty1
  • 06-03-14

As expected

If you could sum up Me Talk Pretty One Day in three words, what would they be?

Amusing, cynical, light

Who was your favorite character and why?

Not applicable

What about David Sedaris’s performance did you like?

If you are familiar with David Sedaris from This American Life (as I am) you will know exactly what sort of humour to expect. If you don't like him on TAL then don't buy it.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It's a comedy book.

Any additional comments?

Not something you would listen to for an extended period, but great for putting on in the car or out jogging. Funny and light.