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We oblige, of course, because by now this neurotic maladroit is our friend, his fantasies of being a celebrated and sought-after hero are our own, and we are more like him than we ever dared to admit. With sardonic wit and an eye for the absurd, David Sedaris gives hyperbolic treatment and philosophical consideration to what would otherwise be a mundane life. And just when it seems that his aresenal of experiences is depleted, he invites us to witness from the perspective of his unfettered imagnination.
I skimmed a lot even to get there. Oh wait, that pretty much sums up the first 8 chapters.The book probably belongs to a different class of humor that i can't relate to. This highly overrated book is far from being funny. Out of the first eight chapters, the ones on his speech therapy sessions, guitar lessons, his years as an art school student, his dad's poor sense of humor, his trash spouting brother, putting his family pets down, a Thanksgiving dinner anecdote etc failed to entertain. In any case, a disappointing read. Dreck and dross, that's what it is. I mean, i would have read past chapter 8 if it were at least a remotely interesting book, let alone funny.
You'll understand the comic timing and the absurdity of some of the stories more. Sedaris is an engaging presenter live, and I'd suggest watching or listening to him speak before reading the book. Highly recommended. One mark of a great book is when you laugh out loud alone. This book accomplishes the feat, and my main complaint is that it didn't last longer.
Unfortunately I have found the others similarly disappointing. I've given a couple of his other books a glance - everyone deserves a second chance, no. His little stitched-together anecdotes are weak attempts at humor that don't come off funny and only make him seem more pathetic in the telling. Horrid just about covers it - not funny, very much a waste of time. I think the title is a good clue as to the content - complete drivel.
you will not be disappointed. even my sister, who is not a big reader and prefers more "chick lit" genre books was laughing out loud when she she picked this up out of desperation when we were on vacation. i love this man and this is my favorite of his books (though i will admit i am just now reading Holidays on Ice). he makes me laugh out loud and has a way of putting words on paper that capture things in a way no one else can.
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