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Any book by David Sedaris is funny, but this one is simply hillarious. I read it on the plane and laughed so hard that the stewardess asked me if I was alright. "Me Talk Pretty One Day" is a collection of autobiographical essays written by David Sedaris, which is even funnier than his earlier undomesticated make belief "Naked". Unless you don't find frenzied bouts of laughter embarrassing, I would not recommend reading this book in public. I waved her away, suffering from uncontrollable fits of hysteria.
Simple observations and family related memories are delivered with wit and enthusiasm. I've never laughed out loud while reading before finding this gem and became addicted to Sedaris' storytelling. Luckily, he reads his stories in the audiobook versions, which adds another dimension of character to what is already sublimely funny. This was the first David Sedaris book I came across. After reading Me Talk Pretty One Day, I immediately needed more Sedaris. The only thing better than reading Sedaris is listening to Sedaris.
Seven of the stories in this collection are recorded live. And his humor is extremely caustic - and that may not appeal to everyone. Other stand-outs include: Shiner Like a Diamond and Learning Curve.In Canada we have a popular story-teller named Stuart McLean who is probably unknown outside the Great White North (we also like hockey and drink coffee at a place called Tim Horton's). McLean is strictly G rated entertainment; sentimental and charming. Sedaris' stories (or essays, as they are often referred to) are amusing, real-life, anecdotes about the mundane. (I on the otherhand, appreciate caustic humor)All in all, this is a highly entertaining collection of stories.
David Sedaris is similar to McLean in that he tells amusing anecdotes'; however there is a distinct difference. He speaks openly about his drug abuse and his homosexuality, which may be off-putting to some. Sedaris' deadpan delivery is priceless. As with any collection of essays, some are better than others.
Overall, I found the variety and quality of stories told in When You Are Engulfed in Flames to be a little better, but Me Talk Pretty One Day makes for enjoyable reading and/or listening. This collection gets off to a strong start with Go Carolina. Reading is good, but when it comes to material like this, audio is the way to go.
These stories are among the best in the collection, and they are enhanced further by the live audience (those pregnant pauses, the anticipation, and the delirious laughter that follows each punch-line). Many of the standout stories are the ones that were recorded live, in particular The Youth in Asia, I'll Eat What He's Wearing, and See You Again Yesterday. Sedaris, while not R rated, is delivering PG material. There are moments that are almost certain to have you laughing out loud.
I listened to David Sedaris' When You are Engulfed in Flames as an audio-book (read by the author) and enjoyed it so much that I special-ordered Me Talk Pretty One Day into my library as an audio-book. These are the stories told by the funniest guy at a dinner party. Readers and listeners should be prepared for coarse language, sexual content, and references to recreational drug use.
David Sedaris will make you laugh, as he makes fun of himself, and the people he meets along the way. This is especially great to listen to on long road trips when you need more than music to get you through the drive.
I did not receive the books I ordered, but I did get a full refund.
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