Lord of the Fliesonce Again the Island Is Engulfed in Flames Explain What Happened

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Start your review of When Y'all Are Engulfed in Flames

Jun 10, 2008 Imogen rated it really liked information technology

When I am not reading David Sedaris, I am thinking: David Sedaris, man, at that place is a pop guy whose books are kind of just ever around and not very interesting. But when I *am* reading him, I'yard e'er like, there are v or six admittedly brilliant punchlines in every 1 of this guy's books, and the other parts are, y'know, enjoyable enough.

I think it's a testament to my always forgetting how much I like him that I guess I've read all his stuff, merely I absolutely never think of him as an au

When I am not reading David Sedaris, I am thinking: David Sedaris, homo, there is a popular guy whose books are kind of just e'er effectually and non very interesting. Merely when I *am* reading him, I'grand always like, there are v or six absolutely bright punchlines in every one of this guy's books, and the other parts are, y'know, enjoyable plenty.

I think it's a attestation to my always forgetting how much I similar him that I guess I've read all his stuff, only I admittedly never think of him as an author I like when I'm thinking about authors I like.

I definitely appreciate that he'southward a large human being- there's a bespeak in this book where he says that something he's eating tastes kind of like penis- who absolutely kills the Barnes & Noble excursion. Kind of like Chuck Palahniuk, except more explicit.

I also like that 1 time at the Strand he was reading and he asked, 'who hither is totally stoked about the new George Romero zombie motion picture?' and I was all WOOOOOO and the whole rest of the room was silent, so we had a moment. That was good.

Anyway, I don't know if I'd pay twenty-five dollars for this as a new book, just I don't know if I'd pay xx-five dollars for anything as a new book, so that is the incorrect question to ask me.

...more

Jul 31, 2008 Selena rated information technology did not similar it

Recommends information technology for: people who like shitty jokes

I'one thousand i of the few people in this world who does non think that David Sedaris is funny or deserves the critical acclaim that he has received for his various endeavors.

His stories are not peculiarly funny or clever. I experience like anyone could exist a David Sedaris. Sit down some asshole down and tell him to write something remotely funny in a memoir kind of manner, and in that location you take it: David Sedaris. The New Yorker will publish it at first in short stories and from in that location someone will ask you lot to compile information technology

I'm one of the few people in this world who does non think that David Sedaris is funny or deserves the critical acclaim that he has received for his various endeavors.

His stories are not specially funny or clever. I experience like anyone could exist a David Sedaris. Sit down some asshole downward and tell him to write something remotely funny in a memoir kind of way, and at that place you have it: David Sedaris. The New Yorker volition publish information technology at first in brusk stories and from in that location someone volition ask you to compile information technology into a somewhat coherent novel and walk effectually like you lot did something special. He didn't. He doesn't. This book is no better than his previous "novels" just it sure is worse. Why?

You can't truly exist a good author without smoking (if you didn't know, nicotine equals adept writing). And in fact, you shouldn't quit smoking and have a skeleton smoking a cigarette on the cover of your new book. Just a thought.

...more than

October 01, 2017 Rachel rated it it was astonishing

Another exceptional piece of work by Mr. Sedaris. Kept me laughing from beginning to finish.

April 30, 2019 Ross Blocher rated it information technology was amazing

When You Are Engulfed in Flames is a delightful collection of David Sedaris'due south brusk stories. If yous're not already a fan, this is a peachy place to starting time. Sedaris is whip smart, keenly observant, and wryly funny. He is often the butt of his ain sense of humor, and is not afraid to get personal: exist information technology a story well-nigh him wearing a catheter so he tin pee anywhere, giving up smoking (there's a lot about that here), getting his partner to lance a foul-smelling boil on his barrel, coughing up a throat lozenge into When You lot Are Engulfed in Flames is a delightful collection of David Sedaris'due south short stories. If you're not already a fan, this is a groovy identify to kickoff. Sedaris is whip smart, keenly observant, and wryly funny. He is oft the barrel of his own humor, and is not afraid to get personal: be it a story about him wearing a catheter so he can pee anywhere, giving up smoking (there's a lot about that here), getting his partner to lance a foul-smelling boil on his barrel, coughing up a throat lozenge into the crotch of an airplane seatmate who already hates him, showing up naked to a waiting room, or buying a skeleton as a souvenir. While this may all sound rather crude, the openness, unabashed pettiness, insightful notes on human being nature, careful descriptions and pert analogies get in feel like an academic practice. Or at the very least, a peachy comedy routine. Sedaris'due south commitment is and so primal to communicating the tone and humor that yous have one of ii options: read the book and imagine his vox in your head, or cut out the middleman and hear the recording. I had downloaded this i on Audible, since it wasn't on my listing of completed books. I quickly establish that I had heard a few of these stories before... I'1000 non sure if that was because I'd listened to other compilations, or live performances, or what. Either way, it was great to hear them again, and I enjoyed the new ones I'd either never heard or sufficiently forgotten. ...more

Aug 12, 2008 Erin rated it it was astonishing

Some people discover that after reading ane or two of Sedaris's books, he becomes less ha-ha funny. Maybe they get used to his way of humour. Maybe in that location's a gold club in which to read them (personally, I find chronologically by publishing engagement works well). Maybe there is a slight advantage to hearing him speak in person. I tend to read him while imagining how he'd say it, and immediately a dry judgement comes to life.

I could keep about the maturation I see happening in his work, but I won't. Northward

Some people find that after reading ane or two of Sedaris'south books, he becomes less ha-ha funny. Maybe they become used to his style of humour. Maybe there'south a golden society in which to read them (personally, I find chronologically by publishing date works well). Perchance there is a slight advantage to hearing him speak in person. I tend to read him while imagining how he'd say it, and immediately a dry sentence comes to life.

I could go on about the maturation I run across happening in his piece of work, but I won't. Not for at present.

What I will say is that in his past work, he seems to be a sort of bystander in many of his stories. Things happen effectually him. He observes. Takes notes. Then turns them into stories. Just rarely is he at the center of the story - the obvious exception existence "Me Talk Pretty One Day."

This book is different. This is a drove of mostly unrelated stories, and his presence in all of them is more noticeable. More nostalgia, and a night softness pervades these stories. I really appreciate this quality.

Plus, he gets brownie points in my book for using Van Gogh on the cover :)

...more

Apr 26, 2008 Valerie rated it liked information technology

When I start started reading this volume, I found myself disappointedly thinking that information technology was just more of the same from David Sedaris - stories that either make y'all laugh out loud or brand you lot cringe (or more often both). Don't get me wrong - he's yet funny - only I was expecting more from this i... some development in style or content. I liked his earlier books because they were more raw, the stories a bit more unexpected. The beginning of this one felt a niggling recycled, and I was ready to be do When I get-go started reading this book, I institute myself disappointedly thinking that it was just more of the same from David Sedaris - stories that either make yous laugh out loud or make you cringe (or more than oft both). Don't become me wrong - he's still funny - but I was expecting more from this one... some evolution in mode or content. I liked his earlier books because they were more raw, the stories a bit more unexpected. The beginning of this i felt a little recycled, and I was fix to be done reading it.

But and then about 2-thirds of the style through, the stories lost their formulaic feeling, and an unexpected poignancy crept in. I ended up really enjoying the the last few stories, in detail the final, titled The Smoking Section.

I recall the editors started out with the lightest stories and saved the best for the end. I wish I'd read information technology backwards.

...more

This collection of humorous essays, a lot of which are extrapolated from Sedaris' diary entries, is mostly admittedly hilarious with the occasional poignant moment here and there.

I enjoyed this one a lot more than 'Me Talk Pretty One Day' and I recall it'south possibly considering I read MTPOD on my Kindle and listened to WYAEIF as an audiobook read by the writer. Hearing Sedaris deliver his material is a whole dissimilar beast from reading it yourself.

The only reason I haven't given this five stars is becau

This drove of humorous essays, a lot of which are extrapolated from Sedaris' diary entries, is more often than not admittedly hilarious with the occasional poignant moment here and at that place.

I enjoyed this one a lot more than 'Me Talk Pretty One Day' and I call up information technology'south possibly because I read MTPOD on my Kindle and listened to WYAEIF as an audiobook read by the author. Hearing Sedaris deliver his material is a whole different beast from reading it yourself.

The but reason I haven't given this v stars is because there are a few moments where I establish Sedaris' antics more irritating than agreeable. For the most part, though, this is a very funny book.

...more

Aug 07, 2009 Madeline rated it actually liked it

My favorite Sedaris short story collection so far, mostly because it features more of his boyfriend Hugh, who I'm sort of in love with.

"...I headed straight for the vase of wildflowers sitting past the phone on one of the living room tables.
Hugh had picked them the previous day, and it broke my heart to remember of him marching across a muddy field with a bouquet in his hand. He does these things that are somehow across faggy and seem meliorate suited to some hardscrabble pioneer wife: making jam, say,

My favorite Sedaris short story collection and then far, mostly because information technology features more of his fellow Hugh, who I'm sort of in love with.

"...I headed straight for the vase of wildflowers sitting past the phone on one of the living room tables.
Hugh had picked them the previous mean solar day, and information technology broke my heart to think of him marching across a muddy field with a bouquet in his mitt. He does these things that are somehow beyond faggy and seem better suited to some hardscrabble pioneer wife: making jam, say, or sewing bedroom curtains out of burlap. Once I caught him down at the riverbank, beating our dirty clothes against a rock."

And so in that location's the lengthy part most Sedaris's effort to quit smoking (while living in Japan), which probably should have offended me beyond belief but, every bit is the case with nearly things like this, just made me express mirth.
[Sedaris is being quizzed on Japanese by his sisters:] "'All right,' Lisa might say, 'How do you ask me if I'thou a 2nd-grade reading teacher?'
'I haven't learned that yet. If it's non written down, I don't know how to say it.'
'Oh, really?' She'd then pull a bill of fare from the stack and frown at it. 'All right, say this: "Equally for this afternoon, what are you lot going to do?"'
'Gogo wa, nani o shimasu ka?'
'"What did you lot do this afternoon?" Tin you say that in Japanese?'
'Well, no -'
'Tin can you say that you and your sis saw a bad movie with a dragon in it? Can you at least say "dragon"?'
'No.'
...Information technology was even worse when Amy quizzed me. 'How practise you lot ask someone for a cigarette?'
'I don't know.'
'How exercise you say, "I tried to quit, but it's non working"?'
'I take no idea.'
'Say "I'll requite you a blow job if you'll give me a cigarette."'
'But stick to the index cards.'
'Say "Goodness, how fat I've become! Can you believe how much weight I've gained since I quit smoking"?'
'Really,' I said, 'I recall I'll just exercise this on my own.'"

A final note that has nothing to do with the actual story simply I will share anyway: While reading this, I learned that if ane must eat chocolate while reading, it'south best to straight one'south face away from the volume when i has to sneeze. At present pages 278-279 of this book have little chocolate flecks on them, and I feel bad.

...more

I call back the honeymoon is over. Or, maybe I'1000 just too hard to please. Await, I don't retrieve those are mutually sectional. In any event, I was let downward. This collection of stories/anecdotes seemed more web log-worthy than book-worthy to me. It gave me the sense that he was under pressure to put another book out. To say something. So he follows the formula that's worked for him so well only this fourth dimension the content'southward not about as entertaining, or noteworthy. Ane chapter is about a boil he had that his pa I think the honeymoon is over. Or, perhaps I'thou only also hard to delight. Await, I don't think those are mutually sectional. In any result, I was allow down. This collection of stories/anecdotes seemed more weblog-worthy than book-worthy to me. It gave me the sense that he was under pressure to put some other volume out. To say something. Then he follows the formula that'south worked for him and so well only this time the content's not nearly equally entertaining, or noteworthy. One chapter is about a boil he had that his partner, Hugh, ended up popping for him. While I like gross, at that place'due south not much else to it. Speaking of Hugh, there was manner also much of him. He'due south not nearly every bit entertaining or interesting equally any of David'due south family members, particularly Amy.
The book's ending chapters accept identify in Tokyo. Which I institute refreshing, it's a much needed modify of scenery. And there are some really funny scenes that take place here. But for the nigh part this section drags. It's similar a SNL skit that starts off funny and you're hoping will just get alee and end on a good joke merely instead it just keeps going--unable to effigy out how to wrap information technology up.
I hate that I was disappointed. I really practice dearest David Sedaris. This volume just under-whelmed me. I will forever enjoy his p.o.v., and sense of humour-- just I call back all his skillful stories have been chronicled so far. ...more

Jul 02, 2018 Roshni rated information technology really liked it

I will never read another Sedaris book again. I'll only mind to the audiobooks...;-) Sedaris's narration is on point...

Apr 30, 2009 Tatiana rated information technology really liked it

This is the second book by Sedaris that I've read at the insistence of my co-worker (first was Naked). And although I enjoyed information technology more than Naked, I still don't empathise why he is called one of the funniest writers out in that location. Based on the reviews, I am not the only one who thinks that way. Yeah, sometimes he tin can be quite ironic or sarcastic, merely laugh-out-loud funny? I don't think so.

Once again we are presented with an album of autobiographical essays. Several of them are funny, some are sa

This is the second book by Sedaris that I've read at the insistence of my co-worker (showtime was Naked). And although I enjoyed information technology more than Naked, I still don't sympathise why he is called one of the funniest writers out there. Based on the reviews, I am non the only i who thinks that way. Yes, sometimes he tin can be quite ironic or sarcastic, simply laugh-out-loud funny? I don't think so.

Once more we are presented with an album of autobiographical essays. Several of them are funny, some are sad, some I just didn't bother to stop.

I am surprised Sedaris does not venture across these life stories about his family, his sexuality, his bizarre youth and adulthood. After all, if anything, he is a bully observer. This is why I enjoyed so much his concluding essay in the book nigh his attempt to quit smoking in Japan. I didn't treat the smoking part, but his notes about Japanese culture were clever and witty. Why tin't he write more than of that?

...more

Information technology is a erect-eyed world out there and who amend to capture some of the insane situations than David Sedaris. Or maybe he is just slightly off kilter since he can brand the near mundane things into hilarious scenarios that will make you laugh out loud. This is another of his wonderful books containing essays that range in topic from his fear of wearing bow ties, to his anile loony neighbour Helen who was ever going to kick someone's ass, to his mother' taste in "fine art", to his pet spiders. Most of It is a cock-eyed world out there and who ameliorate to capture some of the insane situations than David Sedaris. Or perchance he is merely slightly off kilter since he tin make the most mundane things into hilarious scenarios that will make you lot laugh out loud. This is another of his wonderful books containing essays that range in topic from his fright of wearing bow ties, to his aged loony neighbor Helen who was always going to boot someone'south ass, to his mother' taste in "art", to his pet spiders. About of his stories include his partner, Hugh, who keeps him from totally making a fool of himself and helps him retain his sanity when the roughshod world impinges on his life. (Hugh is a candidate for sainthood!!)

If yous love humor that is off the wall and wonder why you are the type of person who would tell your father that y'all were majoring in patricide in college, you will be right at home reading this book. Information technology is sheer madness and very clever. Highly recommended

...more than

Oct 31, 2008 David rated it it was ok

This new collection of essays by David Sedaris is unobjectionable, but fails to come anywhere near the hilarity of his best effort, "Me Talk Pretty Some Solar day". Virtually of the pieces remind one of "Seinfeld", being about goose egg only the author's particular neuroses. Which range from existence moderately entertaining ("Memento Mori", buying a homo skeleton and its aftermath) to weirdly offputting ("April in Paris", in which the author's fascination with spiders is merely grotesque).

Truthful fans may relish th

This new collection of essays past David Sedaris is unobjectionable, but fails to come up anywhere near the hilarity of his best effort, "Me Talk Pretty Some Solar day". Most of the pieces remind one of "Seinfeld", beingness near zip but the author's particular neuroses. Which range from being moderately entertaining ("Memento Mori", buying a human being skeleton and its backwash) to weirdly offputting ("April in Paris", in which the writer's fascination with spiders is merely grotesque).

True fans may bask this. If you are new to Sedaris, commencement with one of his before books. This volume is primarily navelgazing, told with little of the wit that characterized his before work.

It probably didn't help this review that I was reading Sedaris in parallel with Orwell'southward "A Collection of Essays" - the comparing only serves to emphasize the flimsiness of most of the Sedaris pieces.

...more

Sep 01, 2013 Kim rated it liked it

I flummox myself. Onomatopoeically, that totally fits. It happens often and the internal struggle is staggering. This happens out in the open, normally on a crowded sidewalk or motorbus or subway or stoplight. I notice that I will mouth the statement much to the annoyance of people who need to walk around me or stand next to me or wait behind me. Sometimes I call up I'1000 deep...this Denny's bottomless cup of coffee of enlightenment, sometimes I retrieve I'm just fucking basics.

Why do I not like David Sedaris mo

I flummox myself. Onomatopoeically, that totally fits. It happens often and the internal struggle is staggering. This happens out in the open, normally on a crowded sidewalk or bus or subway or stoplight. I find that I volition mouth the argument much to the annoyance of people who need to walk around me or stand up next to me or wait behind me. Sometimes I retrieve I'yard deep...this Denny's abysmal cup of coffee of enlightenment, sometimes I call up I'm just fucking nuts.

Why exercise I not like David Sedaris more I practise? I remember we would exist friends if he weren't 14 years older than me and living in completely different circles. I believe our combined neuroses could make even Woody Allen say 'Hey at present...' I read his essays and nod my head with equally matched comraderie and empathy. Yet, I finish one of his books and I'm like 'eh'. What the hell is incorrect with me?

I read When You are Engulfed in Flames concurrently with Arguably: Selected Essays and I marveled at the feelings each book brought forth. I would smiling and sometimes chuckle with David but exist in awe of Christopher. David is much more kin to me than Christopher ever would be, is that why I expect more out of him? I know, information technology'due south not fair to compare, but that's just my nature.

But, I tin say the same of Sarah Vowell. I adore Sarah. I worship Sarah, yet I'm lukewarm to David? Is that really fair? Practice I spend as well much time thinking nearly my injustices with David? Virtually likely. Again, flummoxed.

Maybe I demand to hear David read. I've listened to Sarah, and her voice grates on me and speaks to me in ways that take me desperatley reaching for my anti depressants. Just the opening reading of Assassination Vacation had me picking out our china pattern, naming our firstborn. Why doesn't David practice that for me? I've said this before, I just want to concord David, press him against my bust and tell him that all will be okay.

He would probably hate that and I would most likely passive aggressively hate him for making me want to do that, but this is life and what can I practice? All the injustices in the world and what accept you...

...more

Jun 07, 2008 Rob rated information technology really liked information technology

Recommends it for: if y'all thought "Clothes Your Family..." was a misstep for Mr. Sedaris (or his publisher)

A solid ★★★★ and damn near shut to ★★★★★ that we'll settle for ★★★★½. But so again, I'g a serious Sedaris fiend.

When You Are Engulfed In Flames makes Sedaris' previous collection, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim , seem like a disaster, a complete train wreck. Which is unfair because I think that Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is a potent collection with some exemplary essays. And as well because I get the feeling that it was a more personal werk for him, that he'southward a bit more

A solid ★★★★ and damn near close to ★★★★★ that we'll settle for ★★★★½. But and so again, I'm a serious Sedaris fiend.

When You Are Engulfed In Flames makes Sedaris' previous collection, Clothes Your Family in Corduroy and Denim , seem like a disaster, a consummate train wreck. Which is unfair because I recall that Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is a strong collection with some exemplary essays. And also considering I become the feeling that it was a more than personal werk for him, that he's a scrap more exposed and vulnerable in those essays.

Thematically, When You lot Are Engulfed In Flames is a reprise of Me Talk Pretty One Day -- highly focused on language and style, on the humanity of humiliation and (to repeat some other reviewers) those dark places where our sentimentality tends to get the all-time of us. Only it'due south a counterpoint melody to Me Talk Pretty I Day -- arrogant where the other was modest, chagrined where the other took delight.

Structurally, this collection is an echo of Naked , though a fleck more than mature. As I wrote of DFW'southward Consider the Lobster , the essays are arranged well, jokes from earlier essays recurring, serving to inform your tittering later on on. That said, the private essays seem to follow a rhythm that is new for Sedaris. If this were an simple school music grade, I would say that his earlier essays have a rhyme scheme that goes ABAB, these are turned more toward ABCA.

But if you're reading this, information technology'south probably because you were curious what I thought of When Y'all Are Engulfed In Flames. By now, you (dear reader) accept already made up your listen about David Sedaris and take either worked your fashion through this collection or else long ago discarded him, irrelevant as an expended filter tip.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

When You Are Engulfed in Flames is at present my third David Sedaris volume that I accept listened to on audio. Though I didn't find it near equally funny as Calypso or Dress Your Family unit in Corduroy and Denim, it was still classic Sedaris and I loved listening to him read his volume.

In this collection of essays he quits smoking, goes to Tokyo, and contemplates spiders amongst other things. I idea the funniest parts of the book were towards the cease, and I didn't laugh as much in this one as the other

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

When Y'all Are Engulfed in Flames is now my third David Sedaris book that I take listened to on audio. Though I didn't find information technology near equally funny as Calypso or Wearing apparel Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, it was all the same classic Sedaris and I loved listening to him read his book.

In this drove of essays he quits smoking, goes to Tokyo, and contemplates spiders among other things. I thought the funniest parts of the volume were towards the stop, and I didn't laugh as much in this one as the other books I've listened to. I don't know if information technology was the topics or what, but it just wasn't as funny as I was hoping for. However, I still loved listening to Sedaris tell his stories, and he touches more on his mother's decease in this volume. I thought this one was a little sadder and more serious which is probably why I didn't discover information technology as funny.

I loved the sound effects in When You Are Engulfed in Flames, and there were more in this book than in the other 2 I take listened to. I actually do believe the sound adds something actress to the experience of his books and I highly recommend reading them like that if you bask audiobooks.

Final Thought: I love Sedaris so much and I am on a mission to listen all of his books. If you haven't checked anything out past him yet I would highly advise starting with Wearing apparel Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and going from in that location. This is a good one if you like something a trivial more on the serious side, merely I loved learning more about him and I could listen to him talk almost annihilation.

...more

Apr 16, 2020 Ram rated it really liked it

A collection of essays on various subjects. All well written. They vary in entertainment level from witty to LOL. Some I liked more, and some I liked even more.

Basically, David Sedaris manages to take day to mean solar day situations and make them hilarious.
In adition to that, he manages to get into situations that are not so day to day and are good for a express mirth too.

The humor is the "taking yourself not too seriously" blazon of humour and it works for me bang-up.

My favorites were:

The rude neighbor named Helen.

His

A collection of essays on various subjects. All well written. They vary in amusement level from witty to LOL. Some I liked more, and some I liked even more.

Basically, David Sedaris manages to accept day to twenty-four hours situations and brand them hilarious.
In adition to that, he manages to go into situations that are not so day to twenty-four hour period and are good for a express mirth too.

The humor is the "taking yourself non too seriously" type of humor and it works for me great.

My favorites were:

The rude neighbor named Helen.

His parents collecting art

Ownership a skeleton for Hugh

A cabbie in New York who talks nearly his sexual activity life

April in Paris - Nigh interacting with animals and David's recollections of a spider

Crybaby - David sits next to a grieving man on a plane.

The Smoking Section - David tries to cease smoking in Nihon

...more

I found myself laughing quite a lot while listening to this audiobook. I also found myself saying "gross" a lot, too. Sedaris has a tendency to slip into what I'd consider adult-level gross-out sense of humor, commonly dragging out the story when he knows the listener will be well-nigh overnice. Remember "lancing boils" here. He seems to tell more than stories about his rebel, drug-using, younger years here than in his other books I've listened to, and they tend to the quite humorous. I found this one of his better c I found myself laughing quite a lot while listening to this audiobook. I also found myself saying "gross" a lot, too. Sedaris has a trend to sideslip into what I'd consider adult-level gross-out humor, commonly dragging out the story when he knows the listener will be about prissy. Think "lancing boils" here. He seems to tell more stories about his rebel, drug-using, younger years here than in his other books I've listened to, and they tend to the quite humorous. I institute this 1 of his better collections of stories. ...more

The first time I had ever heard David Sedaris was when he once appeared on Letterman and read an essay about a "Stadium Pal" the perfect accessory for a sports fan or full time trucker. Basically a catheter similar state of affairs that flows into a handbag that is "conveniently" taped to your calf. It is for when yous just don't want to get upwards and go to the washroom, you lot can pee into this sac and deal with the urine at a later fourth dimension.

(Other then the recommendation to non wear shorts apparently the skys the The first time I had ever heard David Sedaris was when he once appeared on Letterman and read an essay about a "Stadium Pal" the perfect accessory for a sports fan or full time trucker. Basically a catheter similar situation that flows into a bag that is "conveniently" taped to your calf. It is for when you just don't want to get up and go to the washroom, y'all can pee into this sac and deal with the urine at a after time.

(Other then the recommendation to not vesture shorts apparently the skys the limit with the Stadium pal)
Sedaris points out that this production was marketed exclusively to men equally woman would have more sense and so to piss themselves in public.
I laughed my ass off.

When You Are Engulfed in flames has this essay and many more than and Sedaris, himself narrates the audiobook. I love Sedaris, his vocalism makes the experience that much more than enjoyable. My favourite $.25 are when he is either outraged about something or when he tells stories that are almost his family. Ane of my favourite stories takes place when he is 11 years onetime and his parents leave him and his sisters with a strange babysitter for a week.
She is an overweight hillbilly who David and his sisters instantly dislike. When she walks around their house, she had "this look as if she was equally proficient as them, if not better " to which eleven year onetime Sedaris states "that just wasn't true" This is what I love! Sedaris trying to not come off as a total snob but in essence the whole story is about how appalled they are by the course of this woman. The children take note of every infraction this woman commits and tape these infractions and then

"As I read aloud from the complaint book during the daily crisis coming together we had in the woods backside our house"

I don't know what I love better the daily crisis meeting or the fact that there was a complaint book. I think its all gold!

I will definitely be getting more than of Sedaris' stuff, truly enjoyed this.

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May 12, 2008 Nate rated it really liked it

Recommends information technology for: Sedarians

I didn't care much for Sedaris' last book, Wearing apparel your family in corduroy and denim. It felt forced, his embellishments more absurd to the point where I felt information technology was obvious which events really happened and which were invented to make the story more than interesting.

When Y'all Are Engulfed in Flames was calmer in tone, more than conceivable and felt less deadline inspired. Nigh of the stories circumduct around the author and his partner, every bit opposed to the Sedaris brood - Gretchen, Lisa, the Chicken and, of cou

I didn't care much for Sedaris' final book, Dress your family unit in corduroy and denim. It felt forced, his embellishments more absurd to the signal where I felt it was obvious which events actually happened and which were invented to brand the story more interesting.

When You Are Engulfed in Flames was calmer in tone, more believable and felt less deadline inspired. Most of the stories revolve around the writer and his partner, equally opposed to the Sedaris brood - Gretchen, Lisa, the Chicken and, of grade, that weird woman whose always on David Letterman talking about her imaginary boyfriend.

The unabridged final quarter is most Sedaris' recent break with smoking and the extended vacation they took to Japan to modify his everyday routine. Like the rest of the book, it felt genuine, seamless, and reminded the reader that Sedaris isn't just wink-in-the-pan popular culture: the human being can write, especially endings, more specifically, the last sentence of an essay...bask:

(from The Smoking Section)
Its not their germs that put me off. I'm simply afraid that on taking one betwixt my fingers, I'll snap to retrieve, with clarity, just how good a cigarette would taste correct now.

(from The Understudy)
Framed through the window, they looked similar figures on a stage, ii characters who seem similar opposites and then detect they have a lot in common: a similarly hard upbringing, a fondness for the jugged Burgandies of California, and a mutual disregard for the rowdy matinee audition, pitching their catcalls from across the parted pall.

(from Of Mice & Men)
The fire spread, the house was consumed, and these are certainly dark times, both for the burning, and those who would prepare them alight.

(from The Monster Mash)
Information technology was the await you go when facing a sudden and insurmountable danger: the errant truck, the shaky ladder, the crazy person who pins y'all to the linoleum and insists, with increasing urgency, that everything you know and love can be undone by a grape.

...more

I enjoyed this one. I'd give this iii ½ stars if I could. David Sedaris is definitely an interesting guy who tin can spin a yarn with the best of them.

The humor here was not, for me, express mirth out loud funny only it was fun and filled with observations about the homo condition. Sedaris either has a very contemptuous view of people or has met more than his share of truly awful ones. I suspect both are true. I haven't come close to meeting and so many unpleasant human beings, simply, then, I've never lived where he's fifty

I enjoyed this one. I'd give this iii ½ stars if I could. David Sedaris is definitely an interesting guy who can spin a yarn with the best of them.

The humor here was not, for me, express mirth out loud funny but it was fun and filled with observations about the homo status. Sedaris either has a very cynical view of people or has met more than his share of truly atrocious ones. I suspect both are truthful. I haven't come shut to meeting so many unpleasant human beings, merely, so, I've never lived where he's lived or traveled the globe the way he has. I appreciate the cocky-deprecating humor. For some reason, it always makes me feel better well-nigh myself. Sedaris either exaggerates his ain faults or he's more self-aware than anyone I've ever met.

One thing I personally can't agree with is his suggestion that banning smoking in public places was a bad idea that spread too fast. I definitely don't miss the stink of tobacco in the air whenever I go out to a restaurant or to shop or to go my driver'southward license renewed. I grew up in a time when cigarettes were as ubiquitous as facial hair on developed men. Both my parents smoked and I had no choice but to be around information technology all the time. I don't miss it i chip. I retrieve the bad idea is ever taking up that pointless and cocky-destructive habit in the kickoff place.

Sedaris does a wonderful job of describing the ups and downs of his fourth dimension in Japan. There is much to admire almost the Japanese and much to scratch your head over too. Aren't cultural differences fun? Some of his insights most the style the Japanese utilise language did a lot to explain to me why I find straight translations of manga and then opaque and unreadable.

All in all, this is a very entertaining book with a breathtakingly ugly encompass.

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Jan eighteen, 2013 Lord Beardsley rated it really liked it

I was pretty disappointed with "Wearing apparel Your Family...". After reading it, I was a fiddling concerned that Sedaris was feeling a bit stuck as to how to proceed with his writing. So, I waited a while to read "When You Are Engulfed," and it was worth the await!

It felt like the writer has grown in confidence and vox, as well in allowing vulnerability in and seems to be extending himself beyond tales of his childhood (although those grow). Information technology's non a huge modify of form (and why should information technology be? His child

I was pretty disappointed with "Wearing apparel Your Family...". After reading it, I was a lilliputian concerned that Sedaris was feeling a bit stuck every bit to how to continue with his writing. So, I waited a while to read "When You Are Engulfed," and it was worth the await!

Information technology felt like the author has grown in confidence and voice, as well in allowing vulnerability in and seems to be extending himself beyond tales of his babyhood (although those abound). It's not a huge change of course (and why should it be? His childhood stories + his tales of being a young fuck-up are amazing), but it's a nice reminder of what made me autumn in love with his writing so much in the beginning identify.

My 2 favorite stories are most his extended stay as a lodger with a woman stuck in the 1930s (seriously had some hilarious shades of Southern Gothic going on there) as well as his moving account of visiting the Hiroshima memorial, which was fascinating. There's more meat on the bones with these stories, and I'g happy to see him growing as an author while nevertheless staying true to his own weird world vision.

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Apr 03, 2020 Sheena rated information technology did not like it

I ever see David Sedaris books around and decided I was in the mood for a express joy and so I picked this one upwards. Granted, I only picked it up considering I honey Van Gogh but I approximate this is why we can't approximate a book past its cover.
I notice Sedaris not funny at all. Through the whole volume I but institute myself wanting information technology to cease. I believe I chuckled only once and I don't even remember what was said. I wouldn't read another book by him unfortunately. I e'er meet David Sedaris books around and decided I was in the mood for a express joy and then I picked this one up. Granted, I only picked information technology upward considering I honey Van Gogh but I judge this is why we can't judge a book by its cover.
I observe Sedaris non funny at all. Through the whole volume I but found myself wanting it to end. I believe I chuckled only once and I don't even remember what was said. I wouldn't read some other book by him unfortunately. ...more

Nov 04, 2013 Laura rated information technology really liked it

I got to listen to this volume this time around and it was a great fashion to go. I got to prevarication back in a dark room feeling comforted by the fact that I am not the only i who feels socially inept but is fatigued in by a need for homo connection and curiosity well-nigh others' lives.

Sep 27, 2017 elisabeth rated it information technology was amazing

yep, another Sedaris books that gets a 5 star rating from me...what a surprise! the truth is, cypher right now makes me happier than getting to read one of his books, and this book was no exception to that rule. I know that his writing style and the thing he finds funny aren't for anybody, but damn it! I just detect it all fascinating. why tin can't I go into a forensic pathologist'southward role, or have a slightly mental notwithstanding hilarious neighbor or have nutter birds pecking at the window, waiting to exist s yes, another Sedaris books that gets a five star rating from me...what a surprise! the truth is, null right now makes me happier than getting to read 1 of his books, and this book was no exception to that rule. I know that his writing style and the matter he finds funny aren't for everyone, merely damn information technology! I but find it all fascinating. why can't I go into a forensic pathologist's function, or have a slightly mental yet hilarious neighbour or have nutter birds pecking at the window, waiting to be scared off by pictures of celebrities and series killers? in all honesty, this book fabricated getting older and having to pay for your own house somewhat more heady to me, a teenager who'd rather just have anybody else pay for her things, but because these are the things I guess (or at least hope) you commencement to witness. a lot of his adventures and experiences are due to travel, and this book made me yearn for the time that I can do such trips besides. ...more

David Sedaris ever delivers. I always laugh out loud when I read/listen to his books.

Oct 31, 2019 Niki rated information technology liked information technology

Very fun, really fucking funny at times, but dated (frequent r-words, for example) and sometimes not very likeable (David loves putting people downward, for some reason- the fact that that person is HIMSELF nigh of the time doesn't make it much better). I loved "Information technology's Amore" the most. Very fun, really fucking funny at times, merely dated (frequent r-words, for example) and sometimes not very likeable (David loves putting people downward, for some reason- the fact that that person is HIMSELF most of the time doesn't brand it much better). I loved "It'southward Amore" the most. ...more

Oct 15, 2020 Erica rated information technology really liked it

When life is a bit rough, listening to David Sedaris always thank you me upward!

His stories are hilarious and the style he tells them makes everything even more so. I like that he can find the humor in the struggle, and willingly shares that with others.

Definitely for an adult audition, but oh-and then-hilarious!

I now empathize the appeal of Sedaris. This collection is incredibly eclectic - probably more so that say Dress your family unit in cordaroy & denim - which is predominantly about his family. The usual themes are explored: interactions with his family; being an American in France; his relationship with his partner; and growing upwardly gay in America.
This was an audiobook read by Sedaris, and then information technology is possible to hear his nuances in his writing, the dial line and the puns and sense of humor. It has, for me, a New Yo I now understand the entreatment of Sedaris. This collection is incredibly eclectic - probably more than so that say Dress your family unit in cordaroy & denim - which is predominantly about his family unit. The usual themes are explored: interactions with his family; being an American in France; his relationship with his partner; and growing up gay in America.
This was an audiobook read by Sedaris, so it is possible to hear his nuances in his writing, the punch line and the puns and humour. It has, for me, a New York Jewish quality - the sort of thing Woody Allen presents - self deprecating and slightly whiny. Sedaris isn't Jewish, he is mixed Greek/ Anglo-American but you get what I mean.

Equally noted the scope is broad and covers a lot of ideas. Sedaris might make fun of himself, but non of his subjects - the pedarast with the metal plate in his head is treated with dignity, simply it is Sedaris that is the clown and failure. There are modernistic American concepts - the obsession with some people over germs and the i family member who is a super qualified medical practitioner even though they never attended a medical school. Beginning World problems are given a fair airing and airplane flights & the strangers you share that tin box with are too good fodder for Sedaris.

I laughed a lot - a real lot. I also sympathised with him as I reflected on my own experiences of the 70s & 80s. This is a book that ane dips into rather than reading in one session. I had to stop the CDs after a while because I institute the stories & essays running into each other, which doesn't requite Sedaris justice. I recommend this to anyone who is staring at a greyness sky, or having a crappy week: reading one or two essays volition take y'all feeling uplifted.

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David Sedaris is a Grammy Award-nominated American humorist and radio contributor.

Sedaris came to prominence in 1992 when National Public Radio broadcast his essay "SantaLand Diaries." He published his first collection of essays and short stories, Barrel Fever, in 1994. Each of his four subsequent essay collections, Naked (1997), Holidays on Ice (1997), Me Talk Pretty One Day (2000), Dress Your Fa

David Sedaris is a Grammy Honor-nominated American humorist and radio contributor.

Sedaris came to prominence in 1992 when National Public Radio broadcast his essay "SantaLand Diaries." He published his first collection of essays and short stories, Barrel Fever, in 1994. Each of his four subsequent essay collections, Naked (1997), Holidays on Water ice (1997), Me Talk Pretty 1 Day (2000), Clothes Your Family unit in Corduroy and Denim (2004), and When You Are Engulfed in Flames (2008) take get New York Times Best Sellers.

Equally of 2008, his books have collectively sold 7 one thousand thousand copies. Much of Sedaris' humor is autobiographical and self-deprecating, and information technology often concerns his family life, his middle grade upbringing in the suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina, Greek heritage, various jobs, education, drug employ, homosexuality, and his life in France with his partner, Hugh Hamrick.

Excerpted from Wikipedia.

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