David Sedaris Recommendations Needed!
Some friends and I are going to see David Sedaris in October. WOOT! Who’s totally jealous of me?! 
The only problem is, I’ve never read ANYTHING by him. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zip. I don’t even think I’ve thumbed through Me Talk Pretty One Day at a bookstore.
So I need your help! What’s the best book by David Sedaris?? I’m up to my ears in books, so I’ll only be able to read ONE of his books, and I want to make sure I hit pay dirt. What ONE book will make me pee my pants laughing?
| Tags: Books, david sedaris 21 comments »
June 26th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I’ve only read on – Me Talk Pretty One Day. I had a hard time with some of the essays but others – LAUGH OUT LOUD funny! My personal favorite? The one about explaining Easter in French. Maybe you could just read a few random essays from different books?
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June 26th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
“Dress Your Family…” is both funny and sad. It’s my favorite, although I haven’t read his latest.
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June 26th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I’ve heard that Naked is probably his best, but haven’t gotten to it yet – it’s in long-term TBR. My husband is currently reading and enjoying Dress Your Family…, and will probably read Naked after that, and before I do.
I HAVE read Me Talk Pretty One Day and liked it a lot.
I doubt I’ve been much help
.
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June 26th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Oooh, I’m glad you asked. I’ve never read anything by him either but I keep meaning to, and like you I don’t know where to start.
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June 26th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
I can’t wait to hear about meeting him. Unfortunately, I haven’t read anything of his either, although I’ve heard so much about him. But, his sister’s book, I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, is fantastic. Not only is it hysterical, but it has really great recipes, too. I’m not sure that will win you brownie points with him…but I wanted to throw that out there.
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June 26th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I’ve read Me Talk Pretty and Dress Your Family. It’s been awhile, though. I do remember I laughed a lot during Me Talk Pretty, and less for Dress Your Family, then I lost interest in reading any more of his books. He’s funny, but I think I had gotten to the been there, done that point…you know, when the first book you read by an author will always be your favorite?
So I would recommend Me Talk Pretty, but then, according to what I just wrote, it doesn’t really matter.
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June 26th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Oh…and heck yeah, I’m jealous!!
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June 26th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I started Me Talk Pretty months ago and think I read 2 essays. I did not pee my pants. I think I chuckled audibly once or twice. I should probably get back to it. It’s on my nightstand.
It’s very cool that you get to meet him. What’s up with the monkey?
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June 26th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Me Talk Pretty One Day is the one I’d STRONGLY recommend, but I also liked Naked.
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June 26th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I’m horribly jealous…I was jealous in the previous comment, but trying to hide it. Now I can’t.
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June 27th, 2008 at 5:49 am
I’ve read everything by him except his latest, so here’s my recommendation:
Read the first essay on Me Talk, then listen to Dress Your Family in its entirety — Sedaris reads it and his voice combined with his writing is priceless… Enjoy!!
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June 28th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
HEY! Happy RAT! I’ve seen you out&abt commenting…
I have only read NAKED and liked it very much…
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June 28th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I really liked “Naked.” But you could also read his newest book since he’ll likely talk about it at the event.
I went to see him on Thursday and it was hilarious. You’ll really like it, I guarantee it.
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June 28th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Go Trish! For helping Dewey out and visiting me so much.
I’ve only read one Sedaris, and it was a bit dark for my tastes (Dress Your Family…) so I’m no help!
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June 28th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
I have no idea why that second smily face is there, lol
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June 28th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Thanks Trish for all your help in the read a thon. and I havent read Sedaris yet so can’t recommend one but I plan to someday:)
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June 28th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
i haven’t read any Sedaris either – so when you make your pick, be sure to let me know!
thanks for all the work you’re doing on the read-a-thon! i’m having so much fun!
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June 28th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Thank you for all your help with the Readathon. It is greatly appreciated and so much fun!
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June 28th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Any of his books are great, but if you can, listen to the audio version. Something about hearing him (and occasionally, his sister Amy) reading his works makes it that much better. My personal favorite is Holidays on Ice – a theater in Atlanta does a production of “The Santaland Diaries” every Christmas that is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.
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June 29th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I’ve only read Me Talk Pretty One Day and Holidays On Ice all the way through (so far) so of the two, Me Talk Pretty One Day. I totally got to meet him a few weeks ago, he was very nice and hilarious!
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June 30th, 2008 at 11:44 am
My recommendation? Santaland Diaries (part of Holidays on Ice), Dinah, the Christmas Whore (also part of Santaland Diaries) and then the latest — Engulfed in Flames.
I agree with Jessi (above) if you can hear him read, it enhances the experience.
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