Having, like David, spent my puberty in Raleigh, I didn’t find his anecdotes about the town terribly amusing. Yes, there is a rivalry between NC State and UNC, yes, North Hills Mall (before they replaced it with a scary “outdoor lifestyle center”) was small and silly… no innovative thoughts or humor in these things, at least not to me. And even past that, yes, the food at fancy restaurants is ridiculous and so on.

I did find the section wherein he was learning French kind of funny, but overall I was not impressed. I have a feeling that he is a much funnier reader than writer, though I’ve never heard his NPR readings.

It’s kind of like if you meet a person and they seem… okay… but you don’t want to become good friends with them. David is okay, but I don’t like him enough to expand our relationship.

One of the funniest books I have read in awhile! There are certain stories that are better than others, but overall I enjoyed the whole book.

Sedaris is a cult comic genius. If you appreciate one of his books chances are good you will appreciate all of them and his wry, and witty, sense of humor.

Instantly if someone tells me they appreciate his work I know that they do not take life too seriously and are not very judgemental – which is good!

He does a wonderful job of making his stories ironic, yet interesting. I would suggest this to everyone reading this review!

This was the first Sedaris book I read, and I must say I was disappointed. I didn’t find it to be particularly funny or well-written. I expected it to be witty or at least have some endearing moments that I could relate to, but I found it to be boring and could only finish about half of it before I gave up. I don’t understand what the big fuss is all about.

I’d say it’s worth consuming as it sparkles in sections, but it loses momentum halfway through the book. It’s almost like the author or editor knows this because there are certain parts where it’s so different, or so funny, compared to what came before it it’s like the electric shock applied to restart hearts.

Some parts are certainly laugh-out-loud, but nowhere near as funny as it’s touted to be. Don’t fall for the hype and build up your expectations, and you’ll be ok.

I am consuming the audio version of this book and I love it. I recommend taking this route. Getting to hear a unique man tell his unique stories… it’s priceless.

*Also, it’s a great commuting companion. The short essays give easy stopping points w/o sacrificing the story… and since the essays are so enjoyable, you’ll be in a good mood once you’ve reached your destination :)

I heart David Sedaris. This was the first book of his that I read- I liked it so much I lent it to friends, who lent it to their friends… three copies later I’ve decided to stop trusting my friends with my funny books. I suppose it takes a certain sense of humor to laugh out loud at this book, and not every story is insanely hilarious, but I still think this is one of David Sedaris’ best books.

worth reading, but not nearly as funny as people made it out to be

I’m not convinced this is as amazing as I thought it would be. I think his fiction might be better. I’ll try that next.

This was funny, but I like “Dress Your Family in Coduroy and Demin” better than this one.

He’s so absolutely hilarious! Yet so real…

Vaguely amusing but not really my sort of thing.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/livredor/87973.html

By far the most side-splitting funny, have to get off at the next train stop because commuters are staring at me, book I have every read.

Laugh-out-loud funny, even the more painful/embarassing stories.

Funny. Funny.

You can’t kill the rooster. Enough said.

Hilarious.

Bought this during Borders’ 4-for-3 Summer Reading special.

i had to return this book to morgan before i could finish it. someday…

Too much of a good thing.. sometimes it seems he’s trying too hard.