Holidays On Ice by David Sedaris
, a collection of 6 short stories, was just a meh read for me. I heard that Sedaris was really funny so I had high hopes. I really wanted to like it.I enjoyed SantaLand Diaries, the first story, for the most part. I was never an elf but I did work in retail at Christmastime and I can tell you it is hell. You see the worst of people and it takes you right out of the Christmas spirit. So I could relate to that story. There were funny moments, strange moments and moments where I questioned humanity.
The other 5 stories were odd and often on the macabre side. Sometimes they got a snort out of me but dead babies just aren't funny. I felt that he was trying to beat me over the head with a 'Christmas message' stick when all I really needed was a laugh.
Anyway I also bought Me Talk Pretty One Day so I hope that one goes better.
Bought at library book sale.
I've never read any of Sedaris' books, but I've listened to a couple of them and when he reads them, they are really funny to me. I loved The Santa Land Diaries!
ReplyDeleteThis was the first Sedaris book I ever read and I've been a big fan ever since. Santa Land Diaries was definitely the funniest of the bunch, though. And if you're looking for a fairly uncomplicated laugh, "Me Talk Pretty One Day" is definitely the book for it. His later books are a bit more introspective, but still very, very funny.
ReplyDeleteThis was the first Sedaris book I ever read and I've been a big fan ever since. Santa Land Diaries was definitely the funniest of the bunch, though. And if you're looking for a fairly uncomplicated laugh, "Me Talk Pretty One Day" is definitely the book for it. His later books are a bit more introspective, but still very, very funny.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of his books, although I have heard good thing. I am really picky about comedy and what I find funny, so I fear something like what you described. It's why I keep on passing.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's unfortunate! I, too, have never read Sedaris but hear he's hilarious. Here's hoping that Me Talk Pretty One Day is better!
ReplyDeleteYou didn't like 6 to 8 black men? My family thinks that's a holiday classic already!
ReplyDeleteSedaris can be really funny, but I think he's also easy to burn out on.
ReplyDeleteKathy- Maybe listening to him might have been better.
ReplyDeleteJS- I'm looking forward to reading it.
Nicole- Comedy is hard to convey in a book I think.
Natasha- I read your review after I wrote mine. I felt a lot like you did.
Aarti- I hope so too!
Jeanne- That one wasn't in this collection. I think I got the early version.
Jill- I'll wait a little one to read the next one.
Sorry this one didn't jive for ya. I actually just started reading it yesterday, and Santaland Diaries was making me giggle. I loaned it to a student who needs it for a research paper, and I hope to have it back tomorrow so I can continue.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that you bought Me Talk Pretty One Day. I've read several of Sedaris's books, and it's by far my fave so far. Good luck!
i just picked up a sedaris (dress your family...) while in florida visiting my parents. i actually bought so many books while i was away that i left all of my clothes behind for my parents to bring home at christmas so i could fill my suitcase with BOOKS! :)
ReplyDeletesorry this wasn't a favorite--i prefer his other books to this one too.
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ReplyDeleteI'm really not a fan of Sedaris in print, I have to hear his voice for his stories to be funny. Even then they are more amusing than laugh-out-loud funny.
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many good things about Sedaris and I saw excerpts in Esquire magazine a while back, but nothing grabbed me. It looks like from a few of the comments that I should try the audios.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any Sedaris, but I'd been considering this one for the holiday season. Sorry to hear it is Meh. I'll probably try something else instead!
ReplyDeleteOooh, you are right! Working in retail at Christmas TOTALLY takes away all of your Christmas spirit! I had to do that for years, and it was NEVER fun!
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