For a week or two, the book group of which I am a long-distance member (me: southern France, they: northern England) had a bit of an e-mail chat about David Sedaris. He is, apparently, the funniest man alive. So I was almost ecstatic to discover one of his books, unread and indeed previously unnoticed, on our shelves. Well, I've read it. It went down easily enough, but I was in truth slightly underwhelmed after the big build-up he'd had. He snatches at incidents from throughout his childhood and adulthood: there's no sense of a narrative here. However, by the end, there's a vivid picture of a feisty and somewhat disfunctional family at work, providing him with endless material for the incidents he describes. It's fun, easy to pick up and enjoy, but for me, it wasn't a memorable read. One for the holiday suitcase? ( )

If two stars really means "it was okay," then that. Maybe two point four.

I liked him better the second time around, but his humor is still a little strained for me in most places. I think that's very much a personal matter of taste. ( )

Another fun collection of essays by Sedaris. I think my favorite, and most relatable, was the story of his mother locking the kids out of the house after days of being shut up together by snowstorms had driven her a little crazy. The author certainly doesn’t spare himself in examining the failings of human nature, but read in his own deadpan voice is somehow funny even when people are behaving very badly.

Audiobook, borrowed from my public library via Overdrive. As always, the reading by Sedaris is terrific.
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His usual mix of zany, heartfelt, funny stories. I always enjoy reading Sedaris, makes me realize my family isn't the only whacked out one. ( )

Essays inspired by a very quirky family, childhood and singular view of the world. Author reads this and his voice alone makes it delightful. ( )