When You Are Engulfed in Flames

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It's a hit!

As per usual, I enjoyed the hell out of this book. Sedaris has an impeccable eye for the absurd, and never flinches from taking shots at himself.
... (show more)

As per usual, I enjoyed the hell out of this book. Sedaris has an impeccable eye for the absurd, and never flinches from taking shots at himself.

Overall, I think the standout story was being on the flight with the woman that wanted him to trade seats, however, I found the entire book strong. I was surprised at the length of the final piece, a chronicle of Sedaris' quest to quit smoking, however, it was just as good as the shorter pieces, proving that he can carry a longer narrative. I'd love to see him tackle a single, book-length work.

The other interesting piece for me, was that we are treated to an older, slightly less confident narrator. He seems to be trying to come to grips with his own mortality, now that he's in his fifth decade. I found I enjoyed this equally funny and neurotic, though sadder and more contemplative voice.

As is the norm with Sedaris, highly recommended. (show less)

 

 

by Tobin Elliott

No, it's a flop!

I'm very disappointed in this book. I've read the first few stories, and it's like somebody decided to remove all of the punchlines... I've read ev... (show more)

I'm very disappointed in this book. I've read the first few stories, and it's like somebody decided to remove all of the punchlines... I've read everything else he's written - and even got him to sign this one! - but it pales in comparison to his other works. I am THIS close to abandoning this book, because all of the stories are BORING, monotonous and almost seem written by an alternate, forgettable writer.

Celebrating the mundane only works if the observations are witty, perceptive, poignant, hilarious or any sort of adjective that improves these tepid observations.

If it gets better, I'll change this review. But more likely, I'm just going to read something else instead...

Bobman (show less)

 

 

by Bobby Del Rio

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  The most uneven of his books to date, in my opinion...there were times when I was actually bored enough to lose interest, which has never, ever happened to me reading David Sedaris--I have all his books. Fortunately, these times came and went, and I did feel like the book ended on a high note. I enjoyed the piece where he went to Japan and quit smoking, particularly the bits where he was learning Japanese. I feel like his strongest stories involve other strong characters--in the case of hi... (show more)

  The most uneven of his books to date, in my opinion...there were times when I was actually bored enough to lose interest, which has never, ever happened to me reading David Sedaris--I have all his books. Fortunately, these times came and went, and I did feel like the book ended on a high note. I enjoyed the piece where he went to Japan and quit smoking, particularly the bits where he was learning Japanese. I feel like his strongest stories involve other strong characters--in the case of his other books, his family, but in this book, my favorite pieces were the ones about Helen and his despised childhood babysitter, Mrs. Peacock. I could have definitely lived without the painstakingly detailed story of the boil on his back and Hugh's determination to lance it, though I see why he included it given all the themes of mortality, aging, monogamy etc. The book is worth reading, as anything he writes is, but I would start with another one if you're a first-time Sedaris reader. (show less)

   

   

  by Indra Black on Feb 01, 2009 at 11:52AM

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  This is the first David Sedaris novel I have ever read and I felt like I could hear him reading the novel to me... as I chuckled or smirked or paused in thought... or laughed out loud! I feel like wit is the name of the game with this author as his essays seem to effortlessly drip from the end of his pen, and flow full circle in a profound way. I did not think i could relate to a book in a comical way... I have tried; This author nailed it. I could not sleep beside this book without turning t... (show more)

  This is the first David Sedaris novel I have ever read and I felt like I could hear him reading the novel to me... as I chuckled or smirked or paused in thought... or laughed out loud! I feel like wit is the name of the game with this author as his essays seem to effortlessly drip from the end of his pen, and flow full circle in a profound way. I did not think i could relate to a book in a comical way... I have tried; This author nailed it. I could not sleep beside this book without turning the light on and reading it! I loved several chapters however one of my faves involves pure honesty. He and Hugh are out to dinner and he comes up with several topics before hand just so they have something to talk about.It's really very funny (hey i am not the writer). Oh and then there's the manly pee bag; because apparently men do not have enough accessory options... you just have to read it... (show less)

   

  by Jenny McCardell on Aug 19, 2009 at 01:32AM

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