Rating: 
Summary: Running on Empty
Review: I love a funny read more than anything. But this is too distracting. Okay, he wants to go to Paris-- big deal. The first half of the book almost lost me. I don't think a story has to be so mindless to order to get a rise. There are a lot of other funny writers who still have something to say. Take Orozco's "Delano." It's funny in the tradition of Catch 22, and it makes some important observations about society and education.
Rating: 
Summary: Twisted
Review: Crazy friends, nutty family... and a way of talking about them that will leave you laughing. The stories regarding French language lessons in France are especially funny. Even the Big Boy (turd) piece is a riot, though a bit gross. Not for everyone, but definitely for those whose sense of humor is a bit tweeked. Reminds me of two other books with a somewhat twisted sense of humor - "No One's Even Bleeding" and "Delano".
Rating: 
Summary: Fast funny read
Review: I like the fact that this book was a fast read, and easy to pick up if you stop reading it for one reason or another.
Rating:
Summary: Save your Money!
Review: To say I was horribly dissappointed would be an understatement. I bought this book because I am interested in moving to France to study. That and it came REALLY highly recommended.I honestly don't know what other reviewers are talking about. See, I think this is like 2 books in one. In the first part he talks about his family and his childhood. Really I think this book should give some sort of warning. Something like...............warning: extreme use of offensive language. This guy swore all over the place. It really didn't contribute all that much -- it just felt like sweraring for the sake of swearing. I didn't find the first part funny AT ALL I felt sorry for him and his family. It was terrible. The second part of the book was MUCH better. I would give that 2.5 stars. This is the part where he talks about moving to France. Although, even then I will admit that certain chapters could be boring as well -- like the one where he talks about going to see movies in Paris. Point is I really didn't enjoy this book. If you are looking book full of funny anecdotes about France -- buy A YEAR IN PROVENCE. Save your money and spend it elsewhere!
Rating:
Summary: Laugh-out-loud funny
Review: This is the first book I've read by David Sedaris. Nearly every chapter made me laugh out loud, and it takes a lot for a book to do that. The first quarter to half of the book was noticeably funnier than the last, however. Also, I could have done without the chapter, "Big Boy", which David spends describing in great detail a bathroom episode. Some chapters flowed logically to the next chapter, and some were oddly disjointed. However, the end result is still a very entertaining book as David Sedaris uses his dry wit to describe strange events from his life. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Rating: 
Summary: Not As Good As Naked
Review: I would have given his book "Naked" four stars, because the stories were well written and funny. This collection, however, left a lot to be desired. Attempts to attain a level of profundity fell far short, and I think the author realized this because he threw in a fart joke (or something of the like) every time in a shameless attempt to distract the reader from the mediocrity. It is a tragedy that many good writers have to self publish their work and struggle to get it read by a handful of people while works like this win awards. I give it two stars because of the story of the American in France who listens to a group of people talk about him in French while he sits and understands every word. That scene was handled with grace...then came the fart joke.
Rating:
Summary: Thimply Thilly
Review: I have found a new favorite author! Although I have never read any of his other books, I will be sure to now. Where do you start with a book that is funny all over! Starting out at a young boy with a series of speech classes, to the unique and crazy family life, you will be giggling not only to yourself but loud enough for all around you to see and hear. If you are easily embarrassed in public...I would advise only reading this book at alone. You can not hold the laughter in. Moving on in the book it takes you through his college years and odd jobs...up to his move with his significant other to France. Most favorite chapters would be "Big Boy", which is solely dedicated to a turd! Other chapters that were among my top picks were all the chapters regarding the move to France. David tries so hard to learn the language and battles with the sexes of all nouns. David Sedaris is a brilliant author! I found myself reading bits and pieces of this book to friends and family...encouraging them to buy the book. I even bought the audio book as a xmas present for my mom.
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious, insightful, real -- what more can I say?
Review: This has got to be one of the funniest books I've ever read. David Sedaris's essays are full of insight and wit. His comic timing is precise when he describes his childhood, his family and his eccentric friends. I have been told that the audio version of this book intensifies the humor and that I ought to give it a whirl. If the audiocassette is as funny as the book, then I look forward to listening to it.
Rating:
Summary: Asthmatics and heavy smokers beware!
Review: Bottom line: This book will make it difficult to catch your breath regardless of your current lung capacity. I first heard Sedaris on NPR one morning and found myself choking on my toothpaste from laughter. Months later I saw this title while perusing a local bookstore. I picked it up to have some fluffy reading on the beach not realizing I'd tear through it before I ever reached my vacation spot. My husband thought I was mildly deranged from all the hooting and giggling on that road trip. Since then, I've consumed the rest of Sedaris' work with breathless enthusiasm while impatiently waiting to attend his local appearance this coming April. I purchased several of his books for folks on my holiday shopping list to share his gift for distilling the utterly hilarious from the painful and/or embarrassing moments of life. Four days after Christmas and I'm already receiving thank-you notes about it. David Sedaris is a comic treasure. And who couldn't use a little levity after spending the holidays with dysfunctional relatives? Order this book now and request express shipping! Just remember to breathe every page or so.
Rating:
Summary: Me laugh out loud
Review: This collection of essays is hysterical-truly laugh-out-loud material. I sat in an airport waiting area reading the piece titled, "Big Boy" and didn't realize people were staring at me until the man next to me finally said, "what on earth are you reading that's so damn funny?" The stories are simple, well crafted and worth every minute. Submitted by the author of I'm Living Your Dream Life
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