Helpful Score: 4
An easy to read book. Lovely parallels between these stories (adapted for animals) which could effortlessly be human interest short cautionary tales. Though written with many curse words the chapter with the animals at the DVM line seems like a similar story I've heard several times before. The stories are actually stolen conversation, editorials on lifes' most common indifferences as it were. The most honest tale of the self-centeredness living of consciousness of man, but told with animals. This is likened to many adult type cartoons (Simpsons, Family Guy or King of Hill) in which social sarcasm, current event satire & dark humor were made for. The most enjoyment I have had (after reading this book) is to hear people (who have also read the book) tell me why they disliked or loved it. The explanations almost seem like they could be conversation from this book. Maybe for another sequel at least.
Sarah M. (PastorPeanut) reviewed Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
If you have young children in the house, use caution where you leave this book. The illustrations are by Ian Falconer - the same illustrator of the Olivia books - and they are done in the same engaging style - but many are gory. There are many more illustrations in it than in the average "grown-up" book, which fascinated my five year old daughter when she got hold of the book before I had looked through it all the way. Luckily I noticed and got it away from her before she had flipped through it all - some of the images *I* will never get out of my head!
As for the writing, I enjoyed this far less than Sedaris' other books. If you are fan of Sedaris' autobiographical essays, that by no means guarantees that you will find satisfaction in this book. That said, the title story was haunting - a standout.
As for the writing, I enjoyed this far less than Sedaris' other books. If you are fan of Sedaris' autobiographical essays, that by no means guarantees that you will find satisfaction in this book. That said, the title story was haunting - a standout.
Helpful Score: 1
Entertaining, moments of laughing-out-loud, worth reading, but not his best work in my opinion.
Helpful Score: 1
I sure am glad this wasn't the first Sedaris book I read.
Helpful Score: 1
You know, I am a big David Sedaris fan, but I hated this book! It was so mean-spirited, and full of gore and stupidity; I guess he was going for a horror story.I read a few of the short stories, then I put it down, and will re-list it with the book club. The pictures were awful, too. I am at a time in my life where this ine just didn't cut it.
Anyone else want to give it a try?
Yecccchhhhh!
Anyone else want to give it a try?
Yecccchhhhh!
