It has taken me a long time to write this review because I have forgotten a great deal of what actually happened in this book but do find myself still thinking about moments or feelings from this book. I don’t recommend this as someone’s first foray into the world of David Sedaris as he writes as if you are already familiar with him and his family (luckily, I am.) I appreciate that Sedaris doesn’t try to make himself more likable or more digestible and is willing to show all kinds of funny and disturbing thoughts that I believe we all have, if we are honest. Trigger warning:

there is one very graphic description of a suicide that still disturbs me to think about- read with caution. Still, I do think it was necessary and effective in how it impacted me as a reader.

 

In the usual David Sedaris fashion, these stories were exceptional funny and observants. i especially enjoyed how the stories built on each other, sometimes in unexpected and small ways. At times the subject matter failed to totally engage me and the tone could be off putting. not my favorite of his works but still overall a good and entertaining read. 

In comparison to other works I've read by Sedaris this one tended a bit darker and less comedic. This did not lessen my experience, but it was unexpected. This book deals heavily with deaths in Sedaris' family and it covers these themes in a very real and forward way. Sedaris does not candy coat his familial relationships--sharing less than positive looks at himself in reference to them. He showcases moments of guilt, strangeness, and difficulty, with his wit still present, if not at the helm as it is usually is.