Helpful Score: 13
A different read for me, and if I hadn't have pushed myself to keep reading after the first couple of chapters, I wouldn't have become glued to the book. David Sedaris is able to put thoughts to paper in a way we never could, even though we may have thoughts similar to his. He took every day situations and turned them into humor. It was a nice refreshment read from my usual reads.
Helpful Score: 12
Funny, fast read. Each chapter is a different humorous essay, so it is easy to pick up and put down. It would make a good vacation book or book to read when you are busy.
The different stories that he tells come from different times in his life, so it is a bit hard to sum up quickly. He writes about his childhood, his quirky family, pets, lame jobs, his stupidity, his time in France and learning to speak french.
The different stories that he tells come from different times in his life, so it is a bit hard to sum up quickly. He writes about his childhood, his quirky family, pets, lame jobs, his stupidity, his time in France and learning to speak french.
Helpful Score: 12
I wasn't aware that this was a series of short essays, but I'm glad it was. I found I needed a rest from the authors humor every few pages, and the format enabled me to do so. I actually loved his dry humor, but sometimes found it to be a little overwhelming and I wasn't certain if he was being sarcastic or honest.
Helpful Score: 7
So, it was funny. It was. The humor wasn't as "acid" as the hype suggested, but there were parts that made me laugh out loud. The second half of the book, which takes place after Sedaris moves to France, is definitely funnier, but perhaps that's because I can relate somewhat, having spent some time in France myself. The parts about his Father were hilarious, and I have to admit that he reminded me at times of my own Father.
Often, when reading a memoir, you're reading about someone who has done some extraordinary things. Here, I think we're hearing about a fairly ordinary person, who has not done anything terribly extraordinary, but who writes rather well. He's not as outrageous as many gay writers; in fact he seems rather conservative in outlook.
I've been advised by several that his work is much funnier when hearing him read it, but I haven't had the opportunity yet.
Often, when reading a memoir, you're reading about someone who has done some extraordinary things. Here, I think we're hearing about a fairly ordinary person, who has not done anything terribly extraordinary, but who writes rather well. He's not as outrageous as many gay writers; in fact he seems rather conservative in outlook.
I've been advised by several that his work is much funnier when hearing him read it, but I haven't had the opportunity yet.
Helpful Score: 6
Nothing prepared me for the sheer audacity and frankness of this book. I found myself laughing for days - literally days - after I read some passages and recalled them even weeks afterwards. David Sedaris has a gift for sketching the most bizarrely true events in his life and putting them in spare terms that hit your funny bone 'just so'! This is a perfect book for a savvy college student, anyone who faces a struggle of learning a new language or anyone who likes modern stand-up comedy. This is a book of autobiographical chapters and if you're not prudish, his rapier wit will exhilarate you- even as it stuns you - with sheer insightful humor. Just hilarious!
Helpful Score: 6
It doesn't get any funnier than this book. This is a book of vignettes about the author's lunatic life. He reports his life episodes with side-splitting wit. As it says on the back cover: "If wit were measured in people, David Sedaris would be China: His talent is that huge." He could be the funniest writer alive. If you need to get your endorphine levels ratcheted up - read this book.
Helpful Score: 5
After this book, I would take time to read David Sedaris' grocery list.
Helpful Score: 4
When I take car trips I enjoy listening to entertaining audio books. This one did not disappoint. Sedaris included some hilarious stories on this one. My favorite was City of Angels and is about woman who comes with one of his friends to NYC from Greensboro, NC. That one had me in fits.
Helpful Score: 3
More funny stuff from an amazing writer and performer. Autobiographical in nature. Gives insight into the struggles of young, gay men growing up in our culture.
Helpful Score: 3
A very enjoyable read! He has a funny way of looking at things and he writes very well. Since all of the chapters are self-contained stories, you can pick it up at any time and just start reading, which I like since I'm always reading a few books at once.
Helpful Score: 3
If you have ever taken French with a crazy French teacher, the passages about his experiences will have you laugh so hard, you will cry. I had actually thought this book was about mental retardation when I first saw the cover. Absolutely not ... and David Sedaris is a scream!
Helpful Score: 3
There aren\'t many authors who get me to laugh out loud while reading their works, but David Sedaris has done it again. This is a quick read and very entertaining.
Helpful Score: 3
David Sedaris is always laugh-out-loud, blow-milk-out-your-nose funny.
Helpful Score: 3
This was a nicely humorous book. Parts of it had me laughing under my breath, and it seems that Sedaris has seasoned a bit since "Naked", since his writing seems more polished. It is somewhat astounding that so much has happened to the man, though. His life has certainly been one of adventure...
Helpful Score: 2
Some chapters were hilarious, particularly the ones about Sedaris's crazy family. Other chapters I found whiny and annoying, such as the ones where he refuses to paricipate in French culture, while living in France. While he's an interesting writer, Sedaris is definitely not someone I would want to spend time with.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a great compilation of essays by the witty writing David Sedaris, a great bath time read. Easy and amusing would highly recommend if a light read is what you are after. David's view on the French, his family and dating life is comical insight on the every day life of a person many can relate to.
Helpful Score: 2
I couldn't get through the whole book. I don't think he's that funny and his "humor" is often at the expense of others, mean or critical.
Helpful Score: 2
David Sedaris is an entertaining author... this is not my favorite book of his, but it is enjoyable to read.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is comprised of many short stories, essays, and ramblings. Somewhat autobiographical with liberal use of hyperbole and humor. Perfect for reading short bits at a time or straight through. The Sedaris family is fascinating and they sure make great characters in this book. The author's opinions about society and life are also compelling. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 2
I love David Sedaris' exaggerated takes on family life and the world, and this is one of his best collections yet.
Helpful Score: 2
Hilarious. I cannot believe I have not picked up a Sedaris book until now. Plan to read all of David's books.
Helpful Score: 2
This was the first book I read by Sedaris--- I couldn't stop laughing. (though, I do have a dry sense of humor) Since this book, I have added his other books to my "to read" list!
Helpful Score: 1
This book did not disappoint, it was very funny and entertaining. Sedaris' writing style makes you want to know him and his entire family. I can't wait to read his other books.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book and quite a few times woke up other people in the house by laughing too loudly!
David Sedaris had me laughing out loud on the plane. People stared, some seemed annoyed, but I just couldn't stop. I was crying and had to put the book down several times because I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe. Suggestion: if you really want to start this book laughing, begin in part *Deux and then work your way back from there.
Helpful Score: 1
We love David Sedaris. This book has hilarious stories of his childhood.
Helpful Score: 1
"It's a pretty grim world when I can't even feel superior to a toddler." Welcome to the curious mind of David Sedaris, where dogs outrank children, guitars have breasts, and French toddlers unmask the inadequacies of the American male. Sedaris inhabits this world as a misanthrope chronicling all things petty and small. In Me Talk Pretty One Day Sedaris is as determined as ever to be nobody's hero--he never triumphs, he never conquers--and somehow, with each failure, he inadvertently becomes everybody's favorite underdog. The world's most eloquent malcontent, Sedaris has turned self-deprecation into a celebrated art form, "Go Carolina," his account of "the first battle of my war against the letter s" is particularly poignant. Unable to disguise the lisp that has become his trademark, Sedaris highlights (to hilarious extent) the frustration of reading "childish s-laden texts recounting the adventures of seals or settlers named Sassy or Samuel."
Helpful Score: 1
Sedaris' wit is second to none. This is my favorite collection of his works. Highlights include "Go Carolina" and "Jesus Shaves"
Helpful Score: 1
Odd that so many people think this book is funny. I found it quite pitiful frankly. Can't see the reason for all the notoriety. Have any of the other reviewers read any REALLY good essays-- say, like Mark Twain or Jack Kerouac?
Helpful Score: 1
True to form, Sedaris never fails to make me laugh and cry! He is a one of a kind author.
Helpful Score: 1
Couldn't put it down. Now I'm listening to it on CD while I drive around town (read by the author) and wondering if people think I'm nuts with tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard.
This is such a funny book! David Sedaris has a great way of telling stories.
Helpful Score: 1
This was the first book by David Sedaris that I read, and unfortunately, it now has become the book by which all of his other works are judged. I agree with the majority of the reviews that this is probably his best work. Each essay is funnier than the previous and it's easy to fly through half of this book in one sitting because you don't want to stop.
It seems that most people either love Sedaris or don't get his style of humor. The punchlines aren't 'in-your-face' and require a bit of thought in order to appreciate. Put yourself in his shoes and you'll enjoy the essays even more. If you can handle the subjects and language, then essays like You Can't Kill the Rooster, The Youth in Asia, and I'll Eat What He's Wearing will leave you laughing and gasping for air... unless of course, you don't have the awesome sense of humor that you think you do... in which case, you probably won't be able to finish this book.
Several months after reading this, I had the desire to re-read it, but instead bought the audio book, which is read by the author. It's a completely different experience, but hilarious to hear the stories straight from David's mouth. Whether you're reading it or listening to it, there's no wrong way to consume Me Talk Pretty One Day.
If this is your first Sedaris experience, as it was for me, and you're hungry for more, I recommend Holidays on Ice as the follow up.
It seems that most people either love Sedaris or don't get his style of humor. The punchlines aren't 'in-your-face' and require a bit of thought in order to appreciate. Put yourself in his shoes and you'll enjoy the essays even more. If you can handle the subjects and language, then essays like You Can't Kill the Rooster, The Youth in Asia, and I'll Eat What He's Wearing will leave you laughing and gasping for air... unless of course, you don't have the awesome sense of humor that you think you do... in which case, you probably won't be able to finish this book.
Several months after reading this, I had the desire to re-read it, but instead bought the audio book, which is read by the author. It's a completely different experience, but hilarious to hear the stories straight from David's mouth. Whether you're reading it or listening to it, there's no wrong way to consume Me Talk Pretty One Day.
If this is your first Sedaris experience, as it was for me, and you're hungry for more, I recommend Holidays on Ice as the follow up.
Helpful Score: 1
Hysterical, just plain funny!
This book made me literally laugh out loud! Quick read, with somewhat independent essays so you can put it down and go back later, but you won't want to.
Helpful Score: 1
I love this book and gave my copy to a good friend to read (which she still hasn't read!!) -- but I had to get another copy for my library. This is one I read and re-read because Sedaris' essays really hit home. They paint such a visual picture -- I love reading excerpts to my husband while I am reading it. He wonders what I am reading and laughing out loud!
Helpful Score: 1
Unpopular opinion time: While this book was undoubtedly well written and worth reading, I didn't find it funny at all. In fact, it was quite depressing. I'm not sure why I don't see the hilarity; I usually love cynical humor. For some reason, the way this was written just didn't make the often horrible situations it describes seem humorous or absurd at all. Just...well, depressing.
Wait, I take that back. Some of the stuff about the difficulties of learning French and trying to communicate with a limited vocabular were amusing. But nothing was gut-bustingly hilarious like I'd been led to believe.
Still, Sedaris is a talented writer who paints a vivid picture with his words. This book is definitely an interesting read.
Wait, I take that back. Some of the stuff about the difficulties of learning French and trying to communicate with a limited vocabular were amusing. But nothing was gut-bustingly hilarious like I'd been led to believe.
Still, Sedaris is a talented writer who paints a vivid picture with his words. This book is definitely an interesting read.
Helpful Score: 1
David Sedaris is a funny, funny man, but if you are squeamish or prudish, you might find this book a little distasteful. My advice: get it, read it in private, and laugh your head off. Sedaris writes short essays that are perfect pre-bedtime humor. His stories often revolve around his colorful family and are laugh-out-loud funny. Finally, if you ever get a chance to hear David Sedaris read any of his work (typically on NPR), by all means make the effort. His delivery makes the stories even better.
Helpful Score: 1
This is one book that can always make laugh. I never get tired of it.
Helpful Score: 1
This book surprised me. It's very funny, in a self-depreciating way. It's a collection of very weird situations the author has been involved with and the humorous take he has on his life.
Helpful Score: 1
A great collection of essays that will always leave you laughing.
Helpful Score: 1
It's so fun to hear David Sedaris read this book. It was hilarious. I especially like the piece with Hugh on the metro in Paris with the idiot American tourists! Fabulous!
Helpful Score: 1
Be forewarned: do not read this book in public. Otherwise people will look at you oddly as you break into laughter while enjoying the author's funny, skewed thoughts on language and life.
Helpful Score: 1
A book of essays, some are poignant all are hilarious! Now I will look for his other books!
Helpful Score: 1
This book was okay, but not as good as I expected it to be.
Funny book of random life stories. Good if you're a fan of sarcastic humor.
This is a wonderfully funny book with profound moments and others of hilarity. A must read.
Funny.
This was my first David Sedaris book. I laughed outloud, often and immediately went to the bookstore to buy as many more books as I possibly could. HILARIOUS. He has an amazing gift for recording detail and seeing the absurdities of life, while making you laugh.
This is a very funny book. I was laughing out loud so often that my husband had to read it after me. He thinks it's the humor is great too.
Quick read and very funny. A little crass at times
This book made me laugh out loud! Couldn't put it down, read it in a day!
Sarcasm is one of my favorite mediums,and I think I found the "master." While reading this book I was laughing out loud on an airplane. Besides Sedaris' stories being so painfully funny that I couldn't help but cackle on a silent plane with a stranger less than 2 inches away from me, I can honestly say I've never read a book that has made me laugh out loud. This was my first Sedaris, and it was a pretty good introduction.
"Everyone had taken their places, when I excused myself to visit the bathroom, and there, in the toilet, was the absolute biggest turd I have ever seen in my life - no toilet paper or anything, just this long and coiled specimen, as thick as a burrito."
Yes my friends, everyone poops (some more than others) and I'm pretty sure we've all found ourselves in a similar situation at one time or another, entering an empty bathroom only to find the toilet clogged or filled with the most putrid pile of feces you've ever seen. Immediately, thoughts such as the following cross your mind: Should I flush it? What if it clogs the toilet and causes it to overflow? What in god's name did he eat for dinner last night? If I don't flush it can I escape the bathroom without anyone seeing me flee the scene of the crime? The list goes on and on...and thankfully for us David Sedaris decided to write about his similar experience in the hilarious chapter titled "Big Boy", which turned out to be my favorite short story within this novel.
Now, it must be said that I do have a somewhat sick and twisted sense of humor, and there's a really good chance that this type of subject matter may not be considered humorous by others. What impressed me more than anything else however was not the size of the turd being discussed, but rather Sedaris's ability to accurately and honestly capture the types of thoughts that race through our minds during such awkward and uncomfortable moments in our lives.
I've never been one for short stories, as I tend to gravitate towards meaty tomes that threaten the stability of even the sturdiest of bookshelves, however I decided to give Sedaris a try after years and years of hearing everyone and their brother praise his work. Based off of a friend's suggestion I cracked open "Me Talk Pretty One Day" and after all was said and done I found it to be an easy read, peppered with amusing stories that ooze wit, honesty, and humor from each and every sentence. Sedaris manages to portray even the most mundane situations in an amusing manner, which I found to be incredibly entertaining.
With all of that said however, I wasn't exactly blown away by this book either. Perhaps my general distaste for short stories was to blame, but I found myself growing bored at times. I found the latter half of the book, which focuses primarily on his struggle to learn French while living overseas, to be a bit dry at times. Maybe I'm just a big mean jerk, but I really was not that intrigued to find out if he ever managed to master the language.
All in all though, I did enjoy this book and would consider reading more Sedaris novels in the future. He has a very unique and interesting way at looking at life and is not afraid to blurt out those commonly unspoken thoughts that swirl through our heads on a daily basis. One word of caution though, if you happen to read this book while sitting atop the good ole' porcelain throne, don't forget to flush. Because, well, if you don't it will just make things weird for the next person.
Yes my friends, everyone poops (some more than others) and I'm pretty sure we've all found ourselves in a similar situation at one time or another, entering an empty bathroom only to find the toilet clogged or filled with the most putrid pile of feces you've ever seen. Immediately, thoughts such as the following cross your mind: Should I flush it? What if it clogs the toilet and causes it to overflow? What in god's name did he eat for dinner last night? If I don't flush it can I escape the bathroom without anyone seeing me flee the scene of the crime? The list goes on and on...and thankfully for us David Sedaris decided to write about his similar experience in the hilarious chapter titled "Big Boy", which turned out to be my favorite short story within this novel.
Now, it must be said that I do have a somewhat sick and twisted sense of humor, and there's a really good chance that this type of subject matter may not be considered humorous by others. What impressed me more than anything else however was not the size of the turd being discussed, but rather Sedaris's ability to accurately and honestly capture the types of thoughts that race through our minds during such awkward and uncomfortable moments in our lives.
I've never been one for short stories, as I tend to gravitate towards meaty tomes that threaten the stability of even the sturdiest of bookshelves, however I decided to give Sedaris a try after years and years of hearing everyone and their brother praise his work. Based off of a friend's suggestion I cracked open "Me Talk Pretty One Day" and after all was said and done I found it to be an easy read, peppered with amusing stories that ooze wit, honesty, and humor from each and every sentence. Sedaris manages to portray even the most mundane situations in an amusing manner, which I found to be incredibly entertaining.
With all of that said however, I wasn't exactly blown away by this book either. Perhaps my general distaste for short stories was to blame, but I found myself growing bored at times. I found the latter half of the book, which focuses primarily on his struggle to learn French while living overseas, to be a bit dry at times. Maybe I'm just a big mean jerk, but I really was not that intrigued to find out if he ever managed to master the language.
All in all though, I did enjoy this book and would consider reading more Sedaris novels in the future. He has a very unique and interesting way at looking at life and is not afraid to blurt out those commonly unspoken thoughts that swirl through our heads on a daily basis. One word of caution though, if you happen to read this book while sitting atop the good ole' porcelain throne, don't forget to flush. Because, well, if you don't it will just make things weird for the next person.
I want more!!!
This was my first David Sedaris book, and after reading it, I cannot wait to get my hands on all his others. The short stories that fill this book are hilarious. David Sedaris has a quarky sense of humor that I find refreshing. I found myself laughing out load again and again. I could really identify with some of the thoughts he expresses in the text and that is rare, and a little scary.
I could have flown through this book, but my preference was to savor it for all its worth. I highly recommend this book, and I will be sure to review his others, as I read them.
This was my first David Sedaris book, and after reading it, I cannot wait to get my hands on all his others. The short stories that fill this book are hilarious. David Sedaris has a quarky sense of humor that I find refreshing. I found myself laughing out load again and again. I could really identify with some of the thoughts he expresses in the text and that is rare, and a little scary.
I could have flown through this book, but my preference was to savor it for all its worth. I highly recommend this book, and I will be sure to review his others, as I read them.
Very funny. I keep hearing that this is his best book yet.
Hilarious! I have enjoyed Jen Lancaster novels in the past and David Sedaris was suggested through amazon. Loved some stories, they had me rolling, but others just fell short for my sense of humor. But, would recommend it for anyone looking for a carefree read.
One of David Sedaris' finest (and funniest) works. I have never laughed so hard and so loud.
Reading David Sedaris's books is like watching an episode of Arrested Development. If you like that show you will probably like Sedaris.
Histerically funny specially the chapter "big boy" it made me laugh to tears.
This book is wildly entertaining, hilarious, and insightful. A pleasure to read!
Great read. It is for picking up and reading one pieces then picking up again later. Loved this book!!
Funny, Funny, Funny!
A great, amusing read. The perfect form of non-fiction for the beach.
Funny at times, fast read. Each chapter is a different essay, so it is easy to pick up and put down. It would make a good vacation book.
He writes about his childhood, his quirky family, pets, lame jobs, his stupidity, his time in France and learning to speak french. The stories that he tells come from different times in his life, so it has a bit disorganized timeline.
There were some funny sections, but overall this was below average. The author is a somewhat dysfunctional, spoiled kid (now adult) that failed to achieve any degree of success, his father did. His father was a Greek immigrant who got himself a degree in engineering & became an IBM specialist. Sadly he was his children's target for scorn and belittling. What could have been funny stories turn into hurtful attacks on his lack of "fun factor"
Eventually the patents filled the empty nest (after 6 kids) with pet (dog) which they adored. This dog loved them back unconditionally an became more vital to them then their absent, dysfunctional kids. Which made said Kids resentful. Sadly this is the tragic story of many American families.
Though the stories have some entertaining quality, the writing lacks finesse and is somewhat dry. It is âI'm not sure I want to keep reading it, but it may have interesting paragraph later on, like 15 pages a goâ sort of book. More is the pity since it had the potential to be memorable masterpiece.
He writes about his childhood, his quirky family, pets, lame jobs, his stupidity, his time in France and learning to speak french. The stories that he tells come from different times in his life, so it has a bit disorganized timeline.
There were some funny sections, but overall this was below average. The author is a somewhat dysfunctional, spoiled kid (now adult) that failed to achieve any degree of success, his father did. His father was a Greek immigrant who got himself a degree in engineering & became an IBM specialist. Sadly he was his children's target for scorn and belittling. What could have been funny stories turn into hurtful attacks on his lack of "fun factor"
Eventually the patents filled the empty nest (after 6 kids) with pet (dog) which they adored. This dog loved them back unconditionally an became more vital to them then their absent, dysfunctional kids. Which made said Kids resentful. Sadly this is the tragic story of many American families.
Though the stories have some entertaining quality, the writing lacks finesse and is somewhat dry. It is âI'm not sure I want to keep reading it, but it may have interesting paragraph later on, like 15 pages a goâ sort of book. More is the pity since it had the potential to be memorable masterpiece.
a good book.
David Sedaris is always funny. A must-read!
Loved it! I kept my husband up reading it in bed and giggling, not wanting to turn the lights out. Sedaris is a master of his craft.
Hilarious book by a popular author.
Hilarious!!!
soooooo funny. i always love david sedaris' books, and this one did not disappoint.
Absolutely hilarious! Good for a quick easy laugh.
I wasn't fond of this book at all. It was recommended by someone in my bookgroup who thinks Sedaris is hilarious. I didn't find myself laughing much or make it all the way through the book.
Great author!
Much funnier than "Naked" but still not as "sidesplitting" as I would have hoped for based on other reviews.
This is a wonderful collection of essays written by one of the world's funniest and most insightful people. Very entertaining! The audio is narrated by the author.
hahahaha,teeheehee,gafaw,hic-I still haven't stopped laughing.
Read this for a book club- Fun and funny.
Liked it a lot - not as much as Augusten Burroughs, but close - the stories about his family members are the best - would definately pick up another one of his books.
I laughed out loud! One of my favorite books ever. This book has heart and real humor. Not everyone gets this book, but I'd recommend it anyway, should be shared!!
An important book, but funny in the best way. Youll love this one and have to share it with freinds.
There are many parts of this book I found hilarious; actually laughing out loud. I found Sedaris' story of his childhood where his sister had and continues to have a unique way of rebelling against their father's expectations of her one of the funniest parts of the book. I couldn't put this book down; it was so much fun. Now with all the books I've been getting from PBS I wonder when I'll be able to get my laundry done.
Excellent stories. This author is great
David Sedaris is perhaps one of the most funny and easy to read authors of modern humor. He can even make coming from one of the most dysfunctional families I've ever read about funny rather than bleak. Rather you are reading one of his true essays or one of his fiction short stories (always a treat) you will be howling with laughter from this book.
Definitely different.
Some of his essays are hysterical, others more poignent, but still with Sedaris' sly and twisted sense of humor. A very good read and highly recommended.
I couldn't stop laughing although my husband disliked this book. Interesting.
Hilarious!
A very funny read.
You will laugh out loud. He is hilarious. This book I think is the best one he's written.
A fun read. Love his sense of humor.
HILARIOUS!!!
His first? Don't know, but I do know that this is most likely the funniest book I may ever read.
All the stories in this collection are great, but as a student of languages, I think I ruptured something laughing so hard at the title story.
There were some funny sections, but overall this was about average. An interesting read, but nothing earth-shattering.
I bought this book on a friend's suggestion and took it to read on a cross-country flight. Mid-way through the flight, I was laughing so hard, I was crying. My seatmate demanded to know what I was reading because he said he hadn't seen anyone laugh that hard in a long time. I teach English as a Second Language and I can completely relate to the stories he tells of how strange American culture seems to others, and the stories of how he struggled to learn French were spot on. If you like David Sedaris, his sister Amy Sedaris is equally funny. Thumbs way up!!
This was a great read!!!!
I was just never able to get interest in this book.
I loved this book! It was hilarious and I read it all in one sitting. Will definitely check out more of his stuff!
This book is hysterical. I don't know of a funnier writer than David Sedaris. I've read this book twice and it leaves me in switches every time!
My book club read this book.- Lots of fodder for interesting discussions. It had its funny moments. However, the foul language was a real turn off.
I'd heard this was a "hilarious" book, but I found it to be only mildly amusing. Perhaps I just couldn't relate to the author's experiences.
Hilarious, unsettling, amazing!
brilliant, as usual
David Sedaris is a fab writer....this book is highly recommended
Very funny... David Sedaris' books are basically about about himself and his slightly warped view of the world. They'll make you giggle and knowingly shake your head the whole time you are reading. My favorite essay in this book has to be the first one in which he is relaying his experiences in speech therapy with "Agent Samson," as he calls his therapist, to correct his "s" sound. I was laughing out loud at his descriptions of avoiding using "s" at all costs... to the point of saying about how he'll spend his New Year's Eve... "On the final day of the year we take down the pine tree in our living room and eat marine life." *giggle*
very funny, self depreciating stories. Especially liked his performance art phase
Hysterical autobiographical short stories that can also be very touching.
I have read all of his books and this is one of the best. I recommend it before "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim". This one is excellent.
I bought this book because it was a bestseller. I could not read more than 1/3 of the book. It is not my type of book, but book critics seem to love it. I found it boring and frankly, could not even tell you what it is about becauseI just could not stick with it.
I really enjoyed this book! It's a pretty quick read and perfect for summer.
Well, this was just great! Each one of these essays was fabulous -- funny, witty, wry, and quirky. Sedaris's perspective is unique, and he has a way of taking the most mundane events (going out to dinner with his father, say) and making them seem like epic stories full of meaning and insights into the plight of humanity, and yet taking the most seemingly romantic situations (like moving to Paris) and grounding them satisfyingly in the mundane.
Plus he's freakin' hilarious.
I think my favorite essays were the ones in part two that dealt with his attempts to learn French. He turns culture clash into comedy gold! ("'I hate you,' [the French teacher] said to me one afternoon. Her English was flawless. 'I really, really hate you.' Call me sensitive, but I couldn't help but take it personally.") Hee! How can you not love this guy?
Plus he's freakin' hilarious.
I think my favorite essays were the ones in part two that dealt with his attempts to learn French. He turns culture clash into comedy gold! ("'I hate you,' [the French teacher] said to me one afternoon. Her English was flawless. 'I really, really hate you.' Call me sensitive, but I couldn't help but take it personally.") Hee! How can you not love this guy?
Good read
Entertaining.Fast read -272 pages.
David Sedaris is hilarious! This book is about his travels to France, and his determination to fit in! It's really a bunch of essays...I loved it!
Hilarious!!
An incredibly humorous look at the life of an artist.
Hilarious! Stories of David & what it like to grow up a nerd & a little strange.
I'm kind of over the David Sedaris thing, but if you need something to read while waiting for the dentist, this could work.
Excellent... especially the stories about france and his french lessons...
David Sedaris is one of the funniest people writing these days. This book is a collection of autobiographical essays. The title is his rendition of how he and his fellow students of French in Paris mangle the Gallic language. We meet a hilarious cast of characters from his family and friends. The second half of the book is about his experiences as an American in Paris.
David Sedaris is a great storyteller. He knows how to make each experience a moment to remember. Perhaps the ultimate memory maker.
rolling in the floor hilarious!
This was a really funny and clever book!
So excellently good!!... and a very fast read!
This was an interesting read at times chuckle out loud funny and at times astounding that he could go on about something. I'll read another of his books to make up my mind about Sedaris.
An irreverent book, not for everyone...but David Sedaris makes me laugh out loud!
Raw and real. Very funny!
A fun read! His essays about his family life and everyday experiences are hilarious! A great antidote to the serious news we face each day!
Mr. Sedaris has his moments, but as for hysterically funny? Not to me. To be fair, it's a bunch of short essays which is a genre I'm not fond of.
Funny and easy to read. David Sedaris just keeps writing wonderful books! This book, similar to his others, is a compilation of short stories about various parts of his life. I found myself laughing out loud at some points.
Witty and funny!
very good condition. Great book!!
Hilarious. My husband and I read it aloud to each other and ended up laughing until we cried.
Totally hilarious. and if you are fluent in English and French, you will appreciate it even more.
Wonderful. Very talented writer.
Autobiographical group of essays; some insight into what it's like to come out & eventually embrace your homosexuality, among other things. I thought it was hilarious, but I suppose if you are in the least homophobic, this one won't be your cup of tea. Kind of a window on the world (literally, in a sense, as some of the time is spent in Europe) through the eyes of a gay man.
A hilarious tale of growing up as told by author with a dry wit. Had people looking at me funny when I laughed out loud on the subway : )
Hilarious collection of essays. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
This is a very funny book! You will laugh outloud!
Very funny - I wanted to read more but it ended too soon!!
I found this book to be amusing. I didn't laugh out loud like they say, but he had an intersting life.
Pretty interesting. Some of it is like, should I be laughing at different points of this book. Some of it is shocking but he is a great writer.
Funny and irreverant, as always.
David Sedaris is VERY funny. This was an easy read. One can easily relate to the situations that he writes about and you might find yourself laughing out loud at many of the stories inside the book.
Great book!
Great book!
Hilarious. Laugh out loud, annoy everyone on a road trip or in the waiting room funny! I couldn't put it down.
David Sedaris is one of the funniest writers out there.
hilarious, great summer read. Some of the subject matter may make conservative readers uncomfortable.
One of the funniest books I've ever read.
This was the first book I read by Dave Sedaris. I want to read his other books now. His wit and wisdom give the world a totally different slant. I highly recommend!
Uproarious and hysterical; a great wit.
Very entertaining book. I found the chapters on travel and living in another country to be very funny!
Hilarious!
Hilarious!
I don't think there is a word that David writes that doesn't make me laugh or smile. He is so clever and funny and I highly recommend him for an entertaining read.
Funny book!
LOVE IT! Love David's writing style full of wit and sarcasm but oh so true to life. Truly a book you will pick up whenever you want a break from the ordinary and need something to put a smile on your face.
Very funny stuff. Witty and wry. Basically a book of short stories based on memoir.
Every glimpse we get of Sedaris's family and acquaintances delivers laughs and insights. He thwarts his North Carolina speech therapist ("for whom the word pen had two syllables") by cleverly avoiding all words with s sounds, which reveal the lisp she sought to correct. His midget guitar teacher, Mister Mancini, is unaware that Sedaris doesn't share his obsession with breasts, and sings "Light My Fire" all wrong--"as if he were a Webelo scout demanding a match." As a remarkably unqualified teacher at the Art Institute of Chicago, Sedaris had his class watch soap operas and assign "guessays" on what would happen in the next day's episode.
It all adds up to the most distinctively skewed autobiography since Spalding Gray's Swimming to Cambodia. The only possible reason not to read this book is if you'd rather hear the author's intrinsically funny speaking voice narrating his story.
It all adds up to the most distinctively skewed autobiography since Spalding Gray's Swimming to Cambodia. The only possible reason not to read this book is if you'd rather hear the author's intrinsically funny speaking voice narrating his story.
Made me laugh out loud! Sassy, irreverant and wickedly funny.
The discussion of "The rabbit of Easter" alone is worth the price of admission.
I really wasn't interested in David Sedaris' books until I heard him on NPR telling the French metro story. It was so funny hearing him tell it that I read the book. Lots of laughs and perfect reading for a commute-- short little sections.
This was the first of his books I have read and it exceeded my expectations. I heard somewhere that this should be the first of his books you read. It was funny.
This guy has a warped sense of humor that happens to appeal to me. I wonder how his mind even thinks up this stuff. very funny.
Funny, witty, a good read.
I was bored through most of this.
BELLY-LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY!!!
I got a couple of chuckles but could have lived without reading this.
David Sedaris is great! This book, like all his books, was hilarious.
I was relieved when this book finally came to an end. Sedaris tries too hard to be funny with his exaggerated truths and dry wit but instead of being funny it is rather repulsive. My first and last Sedaris book.
good book
Just a heads up, the cover has seen better days, but if you are like me, as long as the book isn't falling apart, I'm happy to have it.....
Wait, this was supposed to be funny??
(haha, just kidding)
This was my first Sedaris book. Can't wait to read another.
(haha, just kidding)
This was my first Sedaris book. Can't wait to read another.
"David Sedaris's new collection, Me Talk Pretty One Day, tells a most unconventional life story. It begins with a North Carolina childhood filled with speech-therapy classes ("There was the lisp, of course, but more troubling than that was my voice itself with its excitable tone and high, girlish pitch") and unwanted guitar lessons taught by a midget. From budding performance artist ("The only crimp in my plan was that I seemed to have no talent whatsoever") to "clearly unqualified" writing teacher in Chicago, Sedaris's career leads him to New York (the sky's-the-limit field of furniture moving) and eventually, of all places, France.
Sedaris's move to Paris poses a number of challenges, chief among them his inability to speak the language..."
Sedaris's move to Paris poses a number of challenges, chief among them his inability to speak the language..."
I didn't find this as outrageously funny as the majority of reviewers did. There were only a couple "chuckle moments". I was pretty bored by the book and was glad to have finished it.
David Sedaris continues with his hilarious essays on life,his family and laugh-out-loud experiences. This book,like past book of stories is superbly written and enjoyable.A humorous insight on the life of D.Sedaris as it unfolds for your reading enjoyment.If you need a laugh this book will give it to you 1
Very boring read. Only enjoyed the chapter about the bathroom, otherwise, not great.
Funny and starling interesting. I laughed alot.
Oh so funny, yet again!
HILARIOUS! i laughed throughout the entirety of the book, moves along quickly, never boring
good book
Good, lighthearted, funny beach book.
I guess this book just isn't my type. I read a few chapters, but I just felt like it was droning on about nothing. I never found any humor in it, but maybe I need to have a severe dry sense of humor to find it funny. I gave up on it about midway through the third chapter.
Absolutely hilarious!! If you've ever caught David Sedaris on Letterman, you have a sense of how naturally funny he is. Very entertaining read.
A great, laugh out loud book
Another funny by David Sedaris..love his sense of humor.
Stupid crap.
