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I waved her away, suffering from uncontrollable fits of hysteria. I read it on the plane and laughed so hard that the stewardess asked me if I was alright. Any book by David Sedaris is funny, but this one is simply hillarious. "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.
Simple observations and family related memories are delivered with wit and enthusiasm. This was the first David Sedaris book I came across. Luckily, he reads his stories in the audiobook versions, which adds another dimension of character to what is already sublimely funny. The only thing better than reading Sedaris is listening to Sedaris. After reading Me Talk Pretty One Day, I immediately needed more Sedaris. I've never laughed out loud while reading before finding this gem and became addicted to Sedaris' storytelling.
(I on the otherhand, appreciate caustic humor)All in all, this is a highly entertaining collection of stories. Sedaris' stories (or essays, as they are often referred to) are amusing, real-life, anecdotes about the mundane. David Sedaris is similar to McLean in that he tells amusing anecdotes'; however there is a distinct difference.
Seven of the stories in this collection are recorded live. 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. Reading is good, but when it comes to material like this, audio is the way to go. These are the stories told by the funniest guy at a dinner party. 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).
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. McLean is strictly G rated entertainment; sentimental and charming. Readers and listeners should be prepared for coarse language, sexual content, and references to recreational drug use. And his humor is extremely caustic - and that may not appeal to everyone. As with any collection of essays, some are better than others. He speaks openly about his drug abuse and his homosexuality, which may be off-putting to some. Sedaris' deadpan delivery is priceless.
Sedaris, while not R rated, is delivering PG material. 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. 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). This collection gets off to a strong start with Go Carolina.
This is especially great to listen to on long road trips when you need more than music to get you through the drive. David Sedaris will make you laugh, as he makes fun of himself, and the people he meets along the way.
I did not receive the books I ordered, but I did get a full refund.
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