I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence
by Amy Sedaris
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Book Reviews of I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence
Book Review: Did she write it like this to make herself stay awake?
Summary: 3 Stars
Okay, I find the basic premise of this book (how to throw a successful party) a wee bit dull. About as appealing as sink scum. But I have to grant that Amy Sedaris' truly wacky sense of humor kept me awake through about half the book. It reads like Martha Stewart on LSD. And that may be an understatement.
Little kitschy party decorating, food preparation and entertainment venue tips, details, and full recipe instruction are freely laced and larded with richer and racier snippets and bits which may send you into hysterical whoops of laughter - or maybe a heart attack - at any moment. Keep your eyes peeled for her non-PC hostessing tips for when you have a gay guest (listen up brother David), or her feminine hygiene advice - doorman approved.
Alas, I would have been happier with more readable wackiness and far fewer recipes and pretty, inventive photos.
Book Review: Don't waste your money
Summary: 1 Stars
As the title says - don't waste your money on this book. I do not understand the humor in this book. I thought this was to be an entertaining and helpful book for persons interested in learning the art of hospitality. There is very little useful information in the book and the oddly inserted humor is distracting. The author has a thing about teeth (or one tooth)- I don't understand how this relates to the topic at hand. Also the pictures are from a different era and not inviting nor do they enhance the message. I find dirty recipe cards unappealing - I don't want to make the food when I have to look at a stained recipe card. The vagina information has no place in this type of book and detracts from the hospitality message. I really don't understand the purpose of putting it into this book. The book is not useful as an entertaining guide and not funny as a comedy piece.Book Review: A book without an audience
Summary: 2 Stars
I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I got this book. From the title, it could have been a compendium of funny anecdotes about throwing house parties with lessons to be learned from each. That would have probably better satisfied the apparent intention behind I Like You, as well as have been much more accessible. But instead, I Like You is exactly the opposite: a book of party advice with tongue-in-cheek humor thrown directly and often imperceptibly into each paragraph or list. The result leaves one wondering if this is a humor book or a book about party planning. Knowing Amy Sedaris as a comedienne, and not being of a party planning slant, this book certainly felt to me a lot more like the latter than the former. To a novice party planner looking for some hip modern advice, it will probably feel the opposite. Which leaves me wondering: who is supposed to like this book?Book Review: a great deal of fun! very highly recommended.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is basically a book on cooking, hilarious "crafts" (all doable, but we're talking pantyhose planter holders here), and commentary on how to handle any characters that might show up for a bite or a drink. The recipes are range from the ice cream fantasy cakes of childhood to...comfort food, crazy food, and food to feed a crowd. If you don't like wonky humor, true stories and fuzzy logic, I'd advise getting a "real" cookbook. But if you're up to laugh a whole lot and get the urge to go and bake something for somebody, this is absolutely worth it.
The production value on this thing is lovely, with a lovely 50's style green cover.
Amy Sedaris is the best part of this book. But Paul Sedaris, better known as the Rooster, is the second best: Get the complete recipe of the "F****-It Bucket" as described in brother David's "Me Talk Pretty One Day."
Book Review: A laugh-out-loud cookbook!
Summary: 5 Stars
I haven't quite finished reading this book, but it is a page turner and you're always wondering what kookiness Amy will spurt out on the next page. The photos are Technicolor dreamboats of Amy's culinary creations set amongst uber tacky, but endearing props, and some of the photos have hidden surprises. Look for the worm (or phallic symbol? You decide!) with her fave googly eyes peaking out at you amongst bunny capes or brownies. I also adore the pics of Amy in her wacked out vintage outfits, like some acid dropping Holly Golightly. I have read a few negative reviews of this and am wondering WHY THE HELL DID YOU BUY THIS BOOK? Were you actually expecting some Martha Stewart wanna-be? This is a book for entertaining with an edge. Entertaining for the slacker who still hasn't bought new couches or given up garage sales and the Salvation Army store.