Book of the Month

This month,

SQUIRREL SEEKS CHIPMUNK

By David Sedaris

In his latest book, humorist David Sedaris tackles many of the odd, quirky subjects that he always does, but this time he uses animals to address them. The book contains 16 separate stories that are based on a book of fables that Sedaris found in South African mythology. Along with illustrations by Ian Falconer, each story contains the usual mix of satire, hilarity and awkwardness that one usually can count on from Sedaris. It is as if Aesop has been biding his time for a twisted 21st Century comeback.

I have to say that this is not as enjoyable or laugh out loud funny as some of Sedaris' other work, but after getting through the first few stories, the book picked up and I did find myself chuckling. The Cow and the Turkey, where the barnyard animals pick names for Secret Santa, is one of the high points. It is no surprise that this story was featured on This American Life because it has the best punchline of any vignette in the book. Another of the better fables is The Vigilant Rabbit, which focuses on the need for protection in the forest. It falls to the rabbit to be the guard, and in true Sedaris fashion the story takes an unexpected and bitingly humorous turn.

Don't be fooled by the cutesy drawings of animals, this book is not for kids or the easily offended. It tackles subjects that are near and dear to fans of Sedaris- drugs, sex, relationships, disease, awkward encounters and self serving agendas. Perhaps these stories seem more horrifying because we don't expect animals to behave in such dark and callous ways. That's what humans are known for, and Sedaris adeptly gives our foibles and interactions over to the animal kingdom. I would not rank this as high as Me Talk Pretty One Day, but this collection proves that nobody- man or beast, is safe from the warped barbs of our modern day Aesop.

Book of the Month

This Month,

ME TALK PRETTY ONE DAY

By David Sedaris

I'm annoyed with myself because it took me so long to discover David Sedaris. I was aware of his sister Amy who gained fame as Gerri Blank on the T.V show Strangers with Candy, but had never read anything by him until recently. The short vignettes he writes about his life are laugh out loud hilarious. I literally started crying while reading several of them, so you can now consider me a David Sedaris fan.

The main focus of Me Talk Pretty One Day is Sedaris' quest to learn French while living in France with his boyfriend, Hugh. There are, however, many stories that are unrelated that focus on such random topics as his brother- The Rooster, his job as a furniture mover, his father's penchant for hiding food and an encounter with a giant piece of poop. For those of you who know me, you can bet that I loved the story about poop. I did, but I also enjoyed most of the other charming, witty installments that give you a look inside the creative and sometimes twisted mind of a great writer. The chapter that focuses on his speed and cocaine fueled time as a conceptual artist is the perfect example of how he expertly walks the fine line between somewhat disturbing and riotously funny.

Sedaris is smart and spares no expense when skewering his family, friends and most of all himself. It is refreshing to read something by a person who is so willing to make fun of their foibles and experiences for the benefit of the audience. I am sad that I missed an opportunity to see him live here in Salt Lake City because I can only imagine how hilarious he is in person. I guess I'll have to solace myself with another one of his books, and that's okay with me.