A Review: Me Talk Pretty One Day

Title of Work: Me Talk Pretty One Day
Author: David Sedaris
Format:
Published: 2000
Started:
Finished: 2022-10-11\

Posted: Goodreads
Rating: 4/5

---

I am of the simple-minded folk that find David Sedaris hilarious. I have seen those scathing and exasperated reviews in which the reviewer, probably ivy-educated and with a sense of humor much finer than my own, just doesn’t get the love, adoration, and guffaws showered upon our dear David and even goes so far to riducule the sheep who let fly a bleating chuckle every time he jokes about how gay he is or how grumpy and old or how much of a sissy coward. Well fortunately there is comfort in the crowd and we can rest assured that we, the majority, are far from alone in our adoration of the signature wit and irreverence of DS.

I am also of the opinion that any DS writing is best consumed via the ear canal and it must be read by the author for full effect. This is certainly true for MTPOD despite the “live readings” which rubbed me slightly the wrong way for reasons I can’t quite place. He imparts so much of his character into his writing, the fullness of which can be lost on the reader without the inclusion of his endearing lilt and sass. His dialogue is amusing not just for the outrageous content of interactions with friends, family, and strangers eavesdropped on in airports and trains but equally for the ridiculous voices and mannerisms imparted on his characters.

MTPOD was my first foray into the satirical stories of DS and I’m already back for more in selected volumes of his diaries. The laughs continue. I’m tickled to say the least—I just love the utility of saying “I’m tickled”, can we please bring that back?— and I don’t feel bad jumping onto the bandwagon well in progress. Keep it up David, you silly man.