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Book Description:
"As far as I was concerned, the French could be cold or even openly hostile. They could burn my flag or pelt me with stones, but if there were taxidermied kittens to be had then I would go and bring them back to this, the greatest country on earth."Members who requested this book also requested:David Sedaris's new collection, Me Talk Pretty One Day, tells a most unconventional life story. It begins with a North Carolina childhood filled with speech-therapy classes ("There was the lisp, of course, but more troubling than that was my voice itself with its excitable tone and high, girlish pitch") and unwanted guitar lessons taught by a midget. From budding performance artist ("The only crimp in my plan was that I seemed to have no talent whatsoever") to "clearly unqualified" writing teacher in Chicago, Sedaris's career leads him to New York (the sky's-the-limit field of furniture moving) and eventually, of all places, France.
Sedaris's move to Paris poses a number of challenges, chief among them his inability to speak the language. Arriving a "spooky man-child" capable of communicating only through nouns, he undertakes language instruction that leads him ever deeper into cultural confusion. Whether describing the Easter bunny to puzzled classmates, savoring movies in translation (It Is Necessary to Save the Soldier Ryan), or watching a group of men play soccer with a cow, Sedaris brings a view and a voice like none other. "Original, acid, and wild" --said the Los Angeles Times to every unforgettable encounter."
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Genres:
- Business & Investing >> General
- Entertainment >> Humor >> Essays
- Entertainment >> Humor >> General
- Entertainment >> Humor >> Satire, General
Top Member Reviews
Graham G. (So, it was funny. It was. The humor wasn't as "acid" as the hype suggested, but there were parts that made me laugh out loud. The second half of the book, which takes place after Sedaris moves to France, is definitely funnier, but perhaps that's because I can relate somewhat, having spent some time in France myself. The parts about his Father were hilarious, and I have to admit that he reminded me at times of my own Father.
Often, when reading a memoir, you're reading about someone who has done some extraordinary things. Here, I think we're hearing about a fairly ordinary person, who has not done anything terribly extraordinary, but who writes rather well. He's not as outrageous as many gay writers; in fact he seems rather conservative in outlook.
I've been advised by several that his work is much funnier when hearing him read it, but I haven't had the opportunity yet.
Lindsay K. from HAYWARD, CA wrote on 7/27/2007...A very enjoyable read! He has a funny way of looking at things and he writes very well. Since all of the chapters are self-contained stories, you can pick it up at any time and just start reading, which I like since I'm always reading a few books at once.
I love David Sedaris' exaggerated takes on family life and the world, and this is one of his best collections yet.
If you have ever taken French with a crazy French teacher, the passages about his experiences will have you laugh so hard, you will cry. I had actually thought this book was about mental retardation when I first saw the cover. Absolutely not ... and David Sedaris is a scream!
Betty J R. from LEXINGTON, MA wrote on 3/6/2006...More funny stuff from an amazing writer and performer. Autobiographical in nature. Gives insight into the struggles of young, gay men growing up in our culture.
Joan L. (