Topic is Sleeping.
Jrazz (original poster member #31349) posted at 5:53 PM on Monday, August 25th, 2014
I cannot get enough of this guy, lately.
I find that I need to be in the right mood for certain authors, and I tried him years ago and found him brilliant but a little too depressing. No - realistic is a better word. He was too realistic and I found it depressing at the time.
I just finished "Dress Your Family In Corduroy and Denim" and moved onto "Me Talk Pretty One Day." I read "Holidays on Ice" years ago and will do a revisit when I'm done with this one.
I think I get drawn into his writing because he looks at people the same way I do - innocently at first, then cynicism as soon as they open their mouths, but always some kind of affection - even if they're idiots. It's clear that his mother had significant issues, but he has a loving way of painting how erratic and selfish she was.
He makes you laugh and breaks your heart in the same sentence.
The guy at Barnes and Noble said not to read "Squirrel seeks Chipmunk" until I was ready. I think I know what he means...
"Don't give up, the beginning is always the hardest." - Deeply Scared's mom
nowiknow23 ( member #33226) posted at 10:57 PM on Monday, August 25th, 2014
One year my sister gave me a collection of his audio books. Some read by him, some by his sister Amy. Amazing stuff.
I remember reading "Naked" on a business trip years ago. I was seated next to a very young man traveling out of Salt Lake City. By the time we landed in Chicago, he appeared traumatized by my uncontrollable laughing/tears. Poor dear.
You can call me NIK
And never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be.
― Sarah McMane
dragon1128 ( member #44340) posted at 11:21 PM on Monday, August 25th, 2014
Sedaris is one of my favorite authors! His writing has heart. I especially love his description of his younger brother. Dinah the Christmas whore was one of the funniest things i've ever read!
Jrazz (original poster member #31349) posted at 11:34 PM on Monday, August 25th, 2014
His writing has heart.
Indeed. And a sharp wit that is somehow compassionate and unforgiving in the same breath. I think I relate, a little.
"Don't give up, the beginning is always the hardest." - Deeply Scared's mom
dragon1128 ( member #44340) posted at 12:26 AM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014
Jrazz
Everyone that I've introduced to his work also became (like myself) a fan of The Quotations Page. I like it because it reminds me of the writers whom I read before I was ready. If you haven't, you should check it out. Ever read anything by Dave Barry or Lewis Grizzard? Very light, but both of those gents have that biting wit that you seem to enjoy.
cayc ( member #21964) posted at 4:51 AM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014
I have tickets to see him for his current show this coming November, cannot wait!
Jrazz (original poster member #31349) posted at 5:07 AM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014
@dragon:
Seriously? SERIOUSLY?
I sent my godfather Barry's 2008 article (Miami Herald) about putting off colonoscopies. He had a blurb about how if any of his readership went ahead and did it, he would send them a certificate of achievement and a framed square of TP.
Have not read Lewis Grizzard - but I have a feeling I have to look into that immediatamente.
@cayc:
I have tickets to see him for his current show this coming November, cannot wait!
Ummmm, I might go to that show. Really? Is there more than one? I know of one in the hood is all I'm saying. Maaaaaybe we should PM?
[This message edited by Jrazz at 11:10 PM, August 25th (Monday)]
"Don't give up, the beginning is always the hardest." - Deeply Scared's mom
Jrazz (original poster member #31349) posted at 5:18 AM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014
he appeared traumatized by my uncontrollable laughing/tears.
Crazz always pops his head into the room with a confused expression when I'm reading. I can also get a pretty good "Whaaaaa?" out of the pugs...
[This message edited by Jrazz at 11:18 PM, August 25th (Monday)]
"Don't give up, the beginning is always the hardest." - Deeply Scared's mom
Sad in AZ ( member #24239) posted at 7:40 AM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014
I love Sedaris, but Dave Barry has my heart and funny bone. I had to buy the Book of Bad Songs because I read it in Barnes & Noble and I laughed so hard that I cried and got snot all over it. Not my finest evening
You are important and you matter. Your feelings matter. Your voice matters. Your story matters. Your life matters. Always.
Me: FBS (no longer betrayed nor a spouse)-63
D-day: 2007 (two years before finding SI)
S: 6/2010; D: 3/2011
Jrazz (original poster member #31349) posted at 8:10 AM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014
You booger it, you buy it!
"Don't give up, the beginning is always the hardest." - Deeply Scared's mom
asurvivor ( member #32368) posted at 2:52 PM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014
Audio books with Sedaris...best way to eliminate the annoying seat companion while flying. He is my fav.
I've wiped the shit off. It can be wiped off you know.
Jrazz (original poster member #31349) posted at 5:01 PM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014
"Don't give up, the beginning is always the hardest." - Deeply Scared's mom
lilylilith ( member #44240) posted at 5:39 PM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014
Yes, yes, yes - all the yesses for David Sedaris! His newest book, Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls was not my fave, however. I also saw him read live. Best money I ever spent - left the show with my face tingling from laughing so much.
Crescita ( member #32616) posted at 6:47 PM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014
I know I've read and enjoyed Sedaris. I definitely read "Me Talk Pretty One Day" on a flight, but it's been so long I can't remember much. Off to check out a few more so I can join in on the fun.
“Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning
reflectionnofun ( new member #44139) posted at 9:39 PM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014
Hilarious. A friend gave me his "Squirrel seeks chipmunk" book and now I'm definitely going to read IT.
M 24 years
Me 49
Her 52
3 children, 22, 20, 18
R 8: 28 "And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose, "
Jrazz (original poster member #31349) posted at 10:09 PM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014
Please let me know how it goes... I've dipped my toe in and I think I need to be in a "different" space to appreciate it.
"Don't give up, the beginning is always the hardest." - Deeply Scared's mom
Jrazz (original poster member #31349) posted at 10:11 PM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2014
PS - Welcome to SI, reflection.
"Don't give up, the beginning is always the hardest." - Deeply Scared's mom
Ascendant ( member #38303) posted at 12:26 AM on Thursday, November 6th, 2014
How did I miss this before?
Sedaris awesome. Kind of in the same vein, has anyone read Jon Stewart's "Naked Pictures of Famous People"?
Also pretty awesome.
Jrazz (original poster member #31349) posted at 2:36 AM on Thursday, November 6th, 2014
Perfect timing - I am smack in the middle of "Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls."
It's magnificent.
"Don't give up, the beginning is always the hardest." - Deeply Scared's mom
Ascendant ( member #38303) posted at 3:45 AM on Thursday, November 6th, 2014
That was the first one I read, now I'm working backwards.
Topic is Sleeping.