Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed I Like You : Hospitality Under the Influence on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
I LIKE YOU isn't a children's book. In fact, unless your parents say you can read it, or you're at least sixteen, I wouldn't recommend it. But if you're a mature teenager who enjoys off-beat humor mixed in with recipes, entertaining tips, and a hodgepodge of other "homey" ideas, then this is the book for you.
"Hello, and I like you." According to Ms. Sedaris, this is what you're saying every time you invite someone into your house. Unfortunately, I had originally thought that when I invited people into my house I was saying, "Hello, sorry my house looks like bohemian children with outrageous hobbies live here." But, whatever. Amy Sedaris, whom you might recognize from roles in School of Rock, Bewitched, Elf, and Strangers With Candy, has given us a slew of ideas, recipes, and helpful hints for entertaining those people we invite into our home.
This over-sized tome is chock full of recipes, from the hors d'oeuvres to the main course to dessert. Mixed in, of course, are witty comments from Ms. Sedaris herself, hilarious photos, and tips on keeping that party spirit alive. If you want to give the perfect gift, for any occasion, to someone you love, show them you like them by handing them a copy of I LIKE YOU. Believe me, everyone will be happy.
I LIKE YOU isn't a children's book. In fact, unless your parents say you can read it, or you're at least sixteen, I wouldn't recommend it. But if you're a mature teenager who enjoys off-beat humor mixed in with recipes, entertaining tips, and a hodgepodge of other "homey" ideas, then this is the book for you.
"Hello, and I like you." According to Ms. Sedaris, this is what you're saying every time you invite someone into your house. Unfortunately, I had originally thought that when I invited people into my house I was saying, "Hello, sorry my house looks like bohemian children with outrageous hobbies live here." But, whatever. Amy Sedaris, whom you might recognize from roles in School of Rock, Bewitched, Elf, and Strangers With Candy, has given us a slew of ideas, recipes, and helpful hints for entertaining those people we invite into our home.
This over-sized tome is chock full of recipes, from the hors d'oeuvres to the main course to dessert. Mixed in, of course, are witty comments from Ms. Sedaris herself, hilarious photos, and tips on keeping that party spirit alive. If you want to give the perfect gift, for any occasion, to someone you love, show them you like them by handing them a copy of I LIKE YOU. Believe me, everyone will be happy.
Ian S. (beaucoupbliss) reviewed I Like You : Hospitality Under the Influence on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
I found this book delightful, fun and interesting. If you are conservative, you may not like...
Helpful Score: 2
I think this is a book without an identity. It doesn't know if it's supposed to be a cookbook or a funny book or an autobiography. It's a mishmash of all three. There are a lot of attempts at cheeky humor, but I didn't think this book was all that funny. Some of the photos and descriptions of food are gross and well..disgusting. I thought Amy Sedaris tried too hard to be funny. Her efforts fell flat.
Erin S. (nantuckerin) reviewed I Like You : Hospitality Under the Influence on + 158 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Amy Sedaris is flipping hysterical. Plus, she can cook and likes to fold origami placesettings for her dinner parties. That, in my book, puts her high on my list of people I'd like to take to lunch.
I her book I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, Sedaris shares some great tips for hostesses, a wealth of menus and recipes, and some great party theme ideas. Even better - she does it with a liberal dose of humor for grown-ups.
It's a book you can read cover-to-cover or in short, easily digested segments. (No pun intended.) And if you love to host parties, she's a lot more palatable than Martha Stewart.
I her book I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, Sedaris shares some great tips for hostesses, a wealth of menus and recipes, and some great party theme ideas. Even better - she does it with a liberal dose of humor for grown-ups.
It's a book you can read cover-to-cover or in short, easily digested segments. (No pun intended.) And if you love to host parties, she's a lot more palatable than Martha Stewart.
Theresa K. (Tesstarosa) -
Helpful Score: 1
Im not really sure what compelled me to buy this book, other than Ive found Ms Sedaris to be funny when Ive seen her on TV.
Im not sure that I can count this book towards my 60 books read in 2011 since there really wasnt a lot of reading to do. I dont read recipes and if I do, its not really reading in my book.
I will say the book was a bit of a disappointment to me. I was really expecting something funny (perhaps Im expecting her to be too much like her brother, David.) Or perhaps the problem is that I quickly realized that Ms Sedaris wanted to impart actual advice on entertaining, being a good and gracious host as well as guest. Which, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. The problem is that she tries to toss humor into the mix and it often doesnt work all that well.
I seem to recall an interview where she expressed her dismay that people werent taking her book seriously. She expressly pointed out that all the recipes were real recipes. And, to her credit, the recipes I did read over looked good and Im sure they are excellent. I doubt that someone who doesnt know much about entertaining will be able to see the line between actually advice and humor. (Like the advice on entertaining the elderly, sick and gypsies.)
I will say, she is right on if someone is drinking too much at your party, offering them more to drink is one of the worst moves you can make if you dont want wet sheets in the morning.
Im not sure that I can count this book towards my 60 books read in 2011 since there really wasnt a lot of reading to do. I dont read recipes and if I do, its not really reading in my book.
I will say the book was a bit of a disappointment to me. I was really expecting something funny (perhaps Im expecting her to be too much like her brother, David.) Or perhaps the problem is that I quickly realized that Ms Sedaris wanted to impart actual advice on entertaining, being a good and gracious host as well as guest. Which, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. The problem is that she tries to toss humor into the mix and it often doesnt work all that well.
I seem to recall an interview where she expressed her dismay that people werent taking her book seriously. She expressly pointed out that all the recipes were real recipes. And, to her credit, the recipes I did read over looked good and Im sure they are excellent. I doubt that someone who doesnt know much about entertaining will be able to see the line between actually advice and humor. (Like the advice on entertaining the elderly, sick and gypsies.)
I will say, she is right on if someone is drinking too much at your party, offering them more to drink is one of the worst moves you can make if you dont want wet sheets in the morning.
Helpful Score: 1
This book belongs in the humor section, not cooking. There are a handful of serious recipes and ideas in the book but the vast majority is tongue-in-cheek. It's more like a parody of Martha Stewart Living than a real cookbook or entertainment resource. I'd recommend it for someone who is a true blue fan of Amy Sedaris and her type of humor (that is not me).
Better in short bits. Listen too long and the combination of over-the-top and useful advice becomes tedious.
Alice F. (Lookinforbooks) reviewed I Like You : Hospitality Under the Influence on + 21 more book reviews
This is so funny. I put it on at work in lieu of music and found myself giggling like crazy. It's a great one for an ipod download for commuting. Amy is hysterical.
Jeanette R. (thebeakeeper) reviewed I Like You : Hospitality Under the Influence on + 167 more book reviews
she is one of my favorite people and this is now one of my favorite books! she is hilarious- i loved this from start to finish. the pictures, the recipes, the craft projects. her entire section on pantyhose crafts had me in tears. and being a flight attendant i go through pantyhose like nothing, so i'll be using her ideas. this is a great book to flip through, but once you get into the details- you will be on the floor laughing- and probably totally grossed out. love love love her!!!
This is awful, I am just posting it because it is on the wish list and I want the credit. But I feel rather guilty as it is not much better than trash. Yuck. Makes you feel slimy for having read it - and I only read a few pages.
