bermudaonion (Kathy)
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Beth F
Lisa
S. Krishna
When You Are Engulfed in Flames – Book Review
When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
I find David Sedaris absolutely hilarious when he appears on This American Life, but when ever I read one of his books, it leaves me with a profound sense of malaise. His written word just doesn’t work for me. It was with this knowledge that I tried the audiobooks of “When You Are Engulfed in Flames,” in hopes that I just needed Sedaris’ delivery to enjoy his book.
Happily, this was indeed the case. I found “When You Are Engulfed in Flames” to be a very enjoyable collection of essays. I’d say that the title essay, which was the last one and by far the longest, was probably my least favorite. Sedaris does have a tendency to ramble, which is usually mitigated by the short nature of his essays, but it became overly apparent in the long essay. I would forget for long periods that his whole Japan adventure began with his attempt to quit smoking.
A bit slow at the end, but overall the David Sedaris audiobook was a very enjoyable experience.
Buy this book from:
Powells - book or audiobook
A local independent bookstore via Indiebound - book or audiobook
Amazon – book or audiobook
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I agree. I like Sedaris’ writing, but I find it much more funny when he’s reading it.
Lezlie
Lezlie’s last blog post..THE BORGIA BRIDE
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I’ve only experienced Sedaris on audio books and I enjoyed both. I do agree that the title essay on this was my least favorite.
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I like hearing him read his own stuff, but I like reading it on my own, too. And yes, I agree that the title essay got a bit long. Here’s my review of this book: http://necromancyneverpays.blogspot.com/2008/06/when-you-are-engulfed-in-flames.html
Jeanne’s last blog post..Twelve Impossible Things Before Breakfast
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Just to let you know that I’ve awarded your blog with the Kreativ Blogger award – see http://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/resources/newsroom/the-anne-boleyn-files-wins-award/ for details.
I love your blog and think you really deserve it x
The Anne Boleyn Files’s last blog post..Anne Boleyn’s Coronation
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Sounds like a good one for print — easier to skim the less-favorite essays.
Beth F’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday (June 3)
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I agree that this book was a bit long. To fully appreciate Sedaris, I think it’s necessary to have heard him deliver. Every time I read his stuff, I imagine him actually saying it. That’s what cracks me up!
S. Krishna’s last blog post..Last Night in Montreal – Emily St. John Mandel
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I love listening to David Sedaris – I just listened to Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. I like reading his books, too, but I definitely prefer listening to him read his own work.
charley’s last blog post..The Station Agent & Atonement
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I think I should try some sedaris on audio. I read Dress your family in corduroy and denim and couldn’t get on with it all but I’ve had a few people suggest I listen to him,so I might try this.
jo’s last blog post..Booking Through Thursday-Sticky Books
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I’ve been through almost the same process– Enjoy David Sedaris on TAL, but was somewhat disappointed in reading his books on paper. I’m about ready to listen to this one as an audiobook. Your review has really encouraged me to do so, thanks!
Laura’s last blog post..Reflections on Guernsey Literary Society and on-line relationships
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