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
I love David Sedaris' work usually, but this wasn't my style. I generally consider myself to have a dark sense of humor, but this one was a bit too much for me. Kinda reminds me of old-school fairy tales (not the disney versions but the dark and gorey ones) rather than a comedy book. While there were a few stories I thought, "yeah I know somebody like that," I never actually laughed at all. The stories are short and easy to read but I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone just looking for some light comedy.
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!
John O. (buzzby) -
I enjoyed the stories I read. It's a little different his other books.
A good book. But not really on the level with Sedaris' autobiographical essays. I don't recommend reading the entire book in one sitting, as the cynicism really adds up by the end. Good stories, still. But I'd rather re-read his other books.
Kind of a silly little book, in my opinion. Lots of quickly-read stories; tidbits of humor & dark lessons learned throughout, but I find it hard to believe that this was a "#1 national bestseller". Seriously? More of a mildly entertaining break from the norm for me.
I really enjoyed this book. Each story is a couple of pages, just short enough for me to get through before falling asleep at night. Like most Sedaris books most of the stories are tongue in cheek but delightful.
I enjoyed this book. the humor was right up my alley.
Quick read. Some images and ideas will stick with me forever. Not the best David Sedaris I've ever read.
Nicole L. (tigerbunny) -
A very entertaining, quick read. THe stories are short and delightful.
It was definitely different, I liked about half of the stories.
Could be humans experiencing any of these tales.
Sedaris never disappoints. This book is not as laugh-out-loud-funny as Me Talk Pretty One Day or When You Are Engulfed in Flames, but I dont think it was meant to be. Sedariss keen eye for observation and BS gives the reader pause to reflect as our pettiness, stereotypes and other character flaws are all unabashedly depicted. This book is humorous and insightful. Those who are guilty of selfishness, jealousy, or any of the other flaws discussed in the book, may find the moral of the story a hard pill to swallow.
Not as funny or insightful as I'd hoped.
Just a bit off the wall but a nice afternoon read.
Wendi B. (bakerwendiw) reviewed Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary on + 69 more book reviews
Funny, quick read. I always enjoy David Sedaris' humor.
