Review – When You Are Engulfed in Flames

I think what I like best about David and his books is the idea that he goes each day, not knowing what he might find that may be his next big passion, the next thing that totally enthralls him, because I feel that way. Before I started on the whole Podcasting and blogging thing, before I went to the first Podcamp, I had no idea it would change my life forever. Each day holds so much promise, and his optimism tinged with sardonic humor speaks to me. And I agree- as much as the books are fantastic, the audio is always the best, which is why I love hearing him speak in person, and try not to miss an opportunity.

I went to one of Sedaris' readings last month, and bought and read Engulfed. For me, the reason he “nails it” is because of the way he connects our vanity and self-serving pettiness to the stories we tell ourselves about how high-minded and righteous and justified we are. He does this with such ant's level (spider's level?) detail that we're captured in the texture before we realize we're stuck in the muck with him and laughing with him, at him and with and at ourselves. You're right…every Sedaris book delivers.

I read Engulfed in Flames recently as my first Sedaris experience. I have no idea why this is, but in any event I absolutely loved the book and continually forced people to listen to me read bits out loud to them from the book. Any new person who came into my house would be subjected to my reading/laughing to the point of tears most times. The very first chapter where Hugh abandons him in the crowd, the Japanese/English translations, and the swimming chapter were some of my favorites. Upon your suggestion I will try audio for my next Sedaris experience.

Thanks for the book review. This is very useful!

FWIW: Mr. Sedaris is visiting Boston (correction: Cambridge) tomorrow for a book signing in Porter Square. I am in total agreement that listening to his essays is an experience much more conducive to his dry yet caustic wit. If you ever listened to him on This American Life, you get the feeling that he is a man who is who is unsurprised at anything, yet he finds contradiction and wonder in the most basic of things.

The essay on befriending the spider appeared in an alternative format in the New Yorker. I laughed out loud when I read it, on a crowded bus. I'm sure David Sedaris could find an essay in that.

Thanks. I haven't read any of his work but will hunt him out. I love diarists and authors who find humour and whimsy in everyday life. I too have a house full of (harmless unless you're a fly) spiders who I've befriended believing we can absolutely co-exist quite happily.

Just saw this. You are 1000% right. And Sedaris out loud is the only thing better than Sedaris in print.

If new to Sedaris, do check out “Me Talk Pretty One Day” and “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.” And don't miss him when he comes to town. He often reads new works in progress. Bring kleenex and Depends.

http://www.barclayagency.com/sedaris_appearance…

I actually met David last week at a book signing. He was exactly as I expected, calm, deliberate and odd. I, however, was not. Check it out on my blogg – littlebit-mt.blogspot.com

I have been waiting for a new David Sedaris book for a long time. I read the entire book yesterday afternoon and I could not stop laughing. His descriptions, dialogue, and demented details are uniquely Sedaris. This book did not disappoint; I knew what I was getting into the moment I read through the table of contents. Some critics are saying that there is nothing new here, blah, blah, blah. What do they want from a David Sedaris book? Romance? Epic Adventure? YA Fiction? I am a huge fan of Mr. Sedaris (David, not Lou), and his essays on his life leave me laughing. The section on smoking was not only funny, but very truthful. I could taste the menthol while reading. Very descriptive-very hilarious! Thank you David Sedaris.