David Sedaris' writings are always at the top of my "favourite things" lists but I have a particular soft spot for When You Are Engulfed in Flames. I always recommend Sedaris' audiobooks over the print. The portraits Sedaris paints of his…
Jun 30, 2021Hanaskat rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Sedaris killed me when he described the slap on his ears (right in his mimi) by the hairdresser in Japan.
Also, the part where he describes the event that explains the book's title.
The exceptional Italian neighbour lady in his book…
Oct 16, 2018Vero_biblio rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
As usual, Sedaris delivers a hilarious collection of memoirs. Read the one called ''In the Waiting Room' and see what happens when he gives up trying to learn French while living in Paris and to just reply 'D'accord' to every question...
Feb 28, 2017comics_on_craigslist rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
This is a series of very dry, funny anecdotes. Sedaris starts on one topic, but then blindsides you with something only marginally related to the original story. It feels fresh, with a touch of that Kurt Vonnegut charm on the side.
Aug 25, 2016ArapahoeAlicia rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This isn't my favorite Sedaris book, but his witty humor always makes me laugh. This audiobook was good company on a very long flight across the Pacific.
Aug 17, 2014RainyMe rated this title 1 out of 5 stars
The book began with a very graphic description of a woman who was full of worms. The author then described a time when his pubic hair was full of lice.
That was enough for me. What a horrible book.
Sep 12, 2013JOANNA M BLACK rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Consistently great, Sedaris does it again with this group of essays encompassing his skillful wit, humor, and emotion. It is such a joy to hear Sedaris read his own work, as he animates the text like no other, making one feel as if he is…
Sep 12, 2013MarieGaffney rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
David as usual, is far too funny not to be a real person. That he is willing to admit the not just some of things about himself that most of us would be ashamed to but all of them, makes his literature absolutely hilarious!
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Aug 17, 2013kelly9601 rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
I had heard it was good and really wanted to like it, but I found it difficult to identify with Sedaris' privileged life. I put it down after two or three chapters.
Jul 24, 2012TumTumMcPuff rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I found this book laugh-out-loud-on-the-bus funny, but also more reflective than some of his earlier works. Aging has brought up more ruminations on death and mortality, but in the same wry, self-effacing tone as his earlier books.
Jun 29, 2011photogrrlkp rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Be very, VERY careful where you listen to this. In the privacy of your own home or car - go for it. Walking down the street or on the bus through headphones - be careful, you run the risk of either choking from trying to not laugh, or get…
Jun 28, 2011chgarland rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
It's David Sedaris reading his own essays. They're funny, sometimes sweet, mostly witty and intelligent. It's pretty much what you would expect; fortunately, that's pretty darned good.
Feb 10, 2011Nutty rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This book is hilarious. The observations that Sedaris makes are so obvious that anyone could make them, but he recounts stories in a way that will make readers laugh.
Jan 30, 2011marishkajuko rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I find the other comments on this book nearly as hilarious as the book itself - "I never heard of this author, but I picked up the book and found it amusing..." etc.
Another Sedaris classic - fantastically weird and hilarious.
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When You Are Engulfed in Flames