3.50. I actually laugh aloud (or snicker to myself) while I read his material, which is rare. These essays were much longer than the ones I had read in Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls but no less enjoyable. Also, this book was Christmas themed, so I got to have a bit of Christmas in the early throes of August. Though, let's be real, Christmas is coming so time to start your shopping now. Sedaris is full of sarcasm, cynicism, and wit, which is what I appreciate the most. He makes fun of things covertly, ironically. Too often I read books where the jokes are can be seen a mile away, where everything must be explained to me as if I am an uncomprehending four year old. In the words of Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story 2, "We're not preschool toys, Slinky. We can read." And I do look forward to reading another collection of his essays.

I'm afraid my book-selection privileges will be revoked by my book club for choosing this one.

I enjoy David Sedaris, in part because of his constant vigilance for finding the worst in people. Exploring the darker side of man makes for funny personal essays.

But when he turns to fiction, he has absolute creative control over his subjects. Instead of reporting on someone's shortcomings, he's inventing them. Perhaps this power is too much - he can't seem to help but create the worst imaginable scenario. He has some funny premises, like a fake holiday letter and a game of benevolent brinksmanship between wealthy neighbors. But each of his "fiction" stories devolves from amusing and odd to troubling and grotesque.

My advice is to pick this book up at a book store or library and read this first piece, Santaland Diaries, about his time as an elf at Macy's. That's classic Sedaris and worth reading. Then put it back on the shelf and walk away - the rest is not worth it.

Entertaining and twisted is what someone said. Very much of both. Laugh out loud funny. I really needed this.

David just sounds like such a jerk in the books. Sometimes I have a difficult time getting into these.

Review to come.

Audiobook Comments
Read by the author with his signature dry humor - which made it so much fun to listen.

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