These writers are renewing my interest in humour.


Unbelievably Funny!   December 16, 2002
 16 out of 22 found this review helpful

It truly takes a lot to make me laugh, but I learned not to read anything by David Sedaris in public. His skewed inside viewpoints of life are hilariously offbeat and ring true. So true, that you will be laughing out loud. Whether describing his amphetamine induced college "performance art" shenanigans or his childhood abuse by a speech therapist bent on taking glee in his curiously high-pitched lisp, Sedaris knocks you over with a literary feather laced with lead. Commentaries on New Yorkers, southerners or any other ethnic or regional folk are side-splittingly accurate. Always self-depracating, Sedaris is kind enough to include everyone in his hit-list of ridiculous human behavior. As a reference, David Sedaris' wack-job of a sister is also highlighted. It is no surprise that she went on to be a major contributor to Comedy Central's "Strangers With Candy". Don't be surprised however, if everyone you tell this book about has already read it.


This, you call funny?   February 10, 2002
 9 out of 21 found this review helpful

I really hoped this would be a funny book. Unfortunately, after a few chapters, I decided my time would be better spent reading something ... anything ... else.

Sedaris seems to be trying very hard to be funny rather than letting the humor flow naturally. I laughed like a crazy man when I read Santaland. This one didn't even get a chuckle.

Take, for instance, his oft-referred-to account of his French class explaining Easter. It might be funny if it were anything other than a literal translation of what sounds like perfectly good French. If you know nothing about the French language, this might strike you as laughable; if you do know French, it just sounds like Sedaris is desperate for material.

I'm glad that some people find Sedaris' latest work funny. Be warned that you may find it funny ... or, one of the stupidest things you've ever read.


Warning: Not to be read in bed!!   September 9, 2001
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Certainly not recommended when your husband is trying to sleep. Extremely funny use of language - both speech therapy and foreign language class. I have suffered the indignaties of trying to master a second language and the French language students were wonderful. I'm off to read some more Sedaris.


I have a new favourite book   April 7, 2001
 5 out of 7 found this review helpful

Mr Sedaris is a genius. I read one of his chapters in 'The Guardian', decided to buy the book and now I am buying the rest of him.

Do not read this book in a public place unless you want to attract attention. It's a laugh out loud, achingly funny book.

David Sedaris is in turn endearingly modest, outrageously flamboyant, earnest without being melancholic, warm and very human.

BUY THIS BOOK AND TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS. I HAVE!