From impersonating Sigmund Fraud in a department store or climbing a mountain in inadequate footwear David Rakoff’s Fraud: Essays is collection of essays with a theme. Rakeoff is in the mold of David Sedaris—each story often has a point or lesson to be learn—but edgier. Rakoff's writing is witty and comical but also one many of us can relate to, especially what it is like to feel like we don't belong.

I found this collection to be pretty humorous but I think most of the essays were probably articles written for men’s magazines or similar? The set up: David goes to to Buddhist retreat; David goes to a Survivalist camp; David has a role on a Soap Opera; etc. I have also, no doubt, heard some of Radkoff’s contributions to This American Life without realizing it.

I particularly liked the essay titled “Lush Life” about his early days as a publishing assistant. It would make a great companion/supplement to My Salinger Year by Joanna Rakoff (hmmm, any relation?). The strongest essay IMO was the one titled “The Best Medicine” about the 2001 U.S. Comedy Arts Festival held in Aspen, CO.

I really enjoy Rakoff's shorter pieces on This American Life so I thought I would like this book just as much. There are very funny bits in Fraud--not so much laugh-out-loud funny, as smirking funny. He is dry and wry as ever but some of these essays go on for too long and have too many difficult references to draw you in properly and keep you interested. Still, it was a great listen for our recent road trip.

First of all, I am a big fan of sarcasm. And this book had its funny moments, but it definitely seemed like he was trying way too hard to be the Über-hip, urban, intellectual. I like him much better on This American Life.