When You Are Engulfed in Flames
by David Sedaris
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Book Reviews of When You Are Engulfed in Flames
Book Review: Book about nothing
Summary: 1 Stars
This was my first encounter with David Sedaris. Sorry to say it was also my last. "Seinfeld" was a show about nothing - so too, was this book. The difference is the TV sitcom was funny, entertaining, even poignant. This book is just nothing. I don't appreciate his gayness being force-fed and am not impressed by what seems to be an independently wealthy, obnoxious, never-satisfied, pointless life gadding about the globe doing - nothing.
I set it down many times and found it more difficult to pick up each time. I felt relief in finally finishing it and did so only hoping that sooner or later I would begin to enjoy it.
Don't waste your money or your time.
Book Review: Sedaris is very charming
Summary: 5 Stars
I read somewhere that this was a good book to read if you are just starting off with Sedaris. I don't know if that is true, since I have never read any other Sedaris books other than this. But I will say that now that I read this one, I want to read them all. I read a lot of reviews saying that this book was hilarious. It was not hilarious - not all of it. There were a lot of parts that are very funny for their honesty; and others that are funny but not in that 'HAHA' way. Mostly I was just charmed by Sedaris' writing style and stories. No matter how strange the situations are - and believe me, some of them are really strange - he finds a way to make them relate-able.Book Review: From one perplexed Japanese tourist to another
Summary: 5 Stars
Much of this book is based on David's experiences in Tokyo. Ironically, I bought this book to read on a flight TO Tokyo. Fortunately, I did not start it until a couple of days into my trip. That was a couple of days of being completely immersed and baffled by Japanese culture, gadgetry, mass transit, etc. Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love Tokyo and its gracious people. But he really nailed so much of what I felt. I nearly soiled myself several times from laughing so hard. I have read it over and over and it just doesn't get old. Thank you, David, for making me feel that even if I thought I was losing my mind, I was not alone!Book Review: Beyond Hilarious
Summary: 5 Stars
David Sedaris outdoes himself in this book. I probably I should feel sorry for him because his upbringing was so dysfunctional, but I can't stop laughing. I would have loved to have met his mother. I would love to take a language class with David Sedaris. I would love even more to meet Mr. Sedaris. What else is there to say? The man is brilliant and funny, and you just can't go wrong with that combination. He sees things in a way I could never even dream of.
Everyone should read this book. Even if you hate it, you will learn something, and improve your vocabulary!
Book Review: The last series of essays set in Tokyo are a great career capper.
Summary: 4 Stars
I took "When You Are Engulfed in Flames" with me to the hospital as I needed to have neurosurgery to remove what was ultimately a benign tumor. Mr. Sedaris' essays on smoking cessation in Tokyo kept me completely engaged during the entire check-in process until I was wheeled into the operating room. I couldn't wait to pick the book back up when I was in my hospital room post-operatively. His little tale of morality and mortality paralleled the immediate events in my life with wry observations and wise conclusions. I strongly recommend this book.