When opening your home to a guest, you are saying “I like you, I want you to be comfortable and happy. I like you.” And how would you accomplish this if you've got a twisted sense of humor and have your irony meter set on 'High' all the time? You'd get the book that Martha Stewart would have written if she could take the stick out of her ass and not take herself so seriously.

This is the sentiment that runs through Amy Sedaris’s cookbook. As you read, though, it’s important to keep in mind, Ms. Sedaris is the same woman who brought the world Strangers with Candy and who works frequently with her brother, David (I would love to take a peek at that family’s DNA). If Martha Stewart is too prissy for you, Paula Deen too properly Southern, Rachael Ray too peppy, and Alton Brown too smart, Amy’s book is perfect. If you get all your news from the Daily Show, Amy’s book is perfect.

Though I’m sure siblings hate being compared to each other, it’s impossible not to here. Just as David tells witty stories about everything, Amy tells them about cooking and being a good hostess. Sometimes, you have to wonder “Is this part the joke, or the real suggestion.” And the fun is in not knowing.

She peppers the book with Girl Scout-y suggestions and pictures that look right out of a 1970’s Ladies Home Journal. But she gives damn good recipes for pie crusts and actually tells useful suggestions on how to get all kinds of stains out (urine, blood, vomit). Her menu plans and suggestions are great, too. While I seriously doubt I’ll ever play host to a group of lumberjacks, I can see making the Lumberjack Dinner on a winter night for a large group. The party plans should probably be viewed as ways to relax while planning a party, though. I’m not sure how well the game “Gypsy” would go with real children, but it is quite cathartic to think of leaving kids somewhere new and having them find their way home while planning a 6-year-old’s birthday party. Her recipes tend to be very Greek, so I’m not sure I’ll actually cook much of her suggestions, but now I know how to store meatballs in the freezer!

This book covers everything needed for planning a party, from the guest list (with suggestions not to invite the newly divorced couple or other unwise pairings), how to write a good invitation, and what to bring as a hostess gift (NOT flowers). She also considers special occasions, such as having (or being) a houseguest, what to do when your rich old uncle stops by, how to deal with the grieving, and how to take care of the sick and old.

If you were too busy reading Me Talk Pretty One Day to pay attention to your home ec teacher, this book is for you! ( )

If you have a somewhat twisted, demented, obscene, nutty sense of humor(or know anyone else that does) you will enjoy this book. Amy Sedaris opens the doors of her home to give the reader a peek of what kind of hostess she is. If you've had a chance to view her episode on the Martha Stewart show I recommend it, it's painfully awkward and hilarious to watch. It really highlights the tone of the book well. Amy Sedaris states that this is not a funny cookbook and it's true you could churn out many of the recipes that are included. Although I have to admit I imagined every word in a bit of a Jerri Blank type of voice in my head. I enjoyed reading all of her funny if not insane suggestions and got a kick out of all the pictures which were reminiscent of some zany cookbook from the 1970's. ( )

Meh. I read this thinking she would be as funny as her brother [author: David Sedaris]. Not so good, I'd skip it. ( )

Amy Sedaris is so funny! She spoke at Book Expo 2006, and we got free copies of her book and the audio book. That was a star-studded event -- Barack Obama was there, too! ( )

This may prove to be the most difficult book I've ever reviewed. It's a cookbook with recipes such as Split Pea Soup, Yogurt Spaghetti, Southern Fried Chicken, Yorkshire Pudding, cakes for special occasions, assorted drinks, as well as instructions on party planning, conversation starters for blind dates, how to give yourself a breast exam, the art of putting on panty hose, and gift ideas for the elderly. Also included are craft ideas such as how to make a needle wallet, a paper clip necklace, brick bookends, and several other useless items. Anecdotes are sprinkled throughout. This might make a unique idea for a quirky hostess gift. Note: contains profanity. ( )