This is my boyfriend Michael's favorite book. I am also a big fan. Amy is just at the top of her game here, and this piece is clearly her opus. Part cook book, part etiquette guide, part humor collection, Amy is one of the funniest people in the world, and just kills with this magnificent piece. ( )

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

I LIKE YOU isn't a children's book. In fact, unless your parents say you can read it, or you're at least sixteen, I wouldn't recommend it. But if you're a mature teenager who enjoys off-beat humor mixed in with recipes, entertaining tips, and a hodgepodge of other "homey" ideas, then this is the book for you.

"Hello, and I like you." According to Ms. Sedaris, this is what you're saying every time you invite someone into your house. Unfortunately, I had originally thought that when I invited people into my house I was saying, "Hello, sorry my house looks like bohemian children with outrageous hobbies live here." But, whatever. Amy Sedaris, whom you might recognize from roles in School of Rock, Bewitched, Elf, and Strangers With Candy, has given us a slew of ideas, recipes, and helpful hints for entertaining those people we invite into our home.

This over-sized tome is chock full of recipes, from the hors d'oeuvres to the main course to dessert. Mixed in, of course, are witty comments from Ms. Sedaris herself, hilarious photos, and tips on keeping that party spirit alive. If you want to give the perfect gift, for any occasion, to someone you love, show them you like them by handing them a copy of I LIKE YOU. Believe me, everyone will be happy. ( )

This is not the kind of book where you want to find yourself thinking 'Oh- maybe I'll try that.' And then you think it. ( )

Perfect for : Personal Use, Hostess Gift, General Gift

In a nutshell: When I first opened this book, I laughed because of all the humor (it really IS a fun book), but then I started to read it and found that I was amazed at all the helpful information it contained! Learn to cook with new recipes, learn how to host a kids party (this can be harder than it sounds!), write a letter to a celebrity asking for an autograph, what to wear to the doctor's office, how to bury (or memorialize) a pet. . . you will find these and many other great tips throughout the book! Not only was it fun, but it was helpful too! Plus, many of the recipes include pictures and they look and sound very yummy! I highly recommend that you get a copy for yourself and get a few extras to give as hostess gifts and birthday/Christmas gifts for the woman who enjoys entertaining and has a great sense of humor . . . or needs one!

PS - make sure you set aside your regular menu and add some of these great recipes in - they really are great!

Extended Review:
Content: The book includes a chapter on "The Art of Hospitality," and sections titled: Hospitality in Action, Jackpot Recipes, Pantyhose, Crafts, And Good Ideas.

Amy has shared her best recipes, hints and tips for 23 different entertaining occasions, including: a blind date, an unexpected guest, grieving, ladies night, entertaining the elderly, when you get to play nurse, clubs, gift giving, etc.

Each entertaining chapter is filled with recipes, tips, tricks and a LOT of humor! But on a serious note, when talking about grieving and funerals, I was not previously aware that you should ask a friend or neighbor to house-sit while at the funeral as some robbers will watch the obituaries and try to break-in while everyone is at the funeral. I mentioned this fact to my sister-in-law, who knew about this fact and has done some house-sitting for friends who were at a funeral. I was amazed that I didn't know this common fact and very thankful to have read it in this book!

Format: Filled with pictures, drawings, recipes, notes, tips, explanations, and real ideas for entertaining situations.

Readability: Fun and easy to read!

Overall: This is such a fun and entertaining, not to mention really helpful book! You won't be able to read through this book without cracking a smile! I think it is a must for every kitchen, and a really great hostess gift for a woman with a good sense of humor. ( )

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! ( )