NOTICE: (Updated March 5, 2010)

Beginning December 19, 2009, Books 'N Border Collies will be posting but only intermittently while I pursue personal goals. I plan to share some reading I'm doing, but there will be no reviews. I will, however, be sharing my exploration of vegetarian cooking and the cookbooks and websites I use to educate myself. I hope you enjoy it!

Lezlie



Friday, August 29, 2008

WHEN YOU ARE ENGULFED IN FLAMES

by David Sedaris



There are no praises I can sing David Sedaris that have not been sung a million times over on the many book blogs that have reviewed this or any other of Sedaris's books. Suffice it to say that I have not laughed this hard since I read Dave Barry's Complete Guide to Guys. But the author is not all fun and games. There are serious, soul-searching moments also, and that is what keeps his work from being frivolous and shelved in the "Humor" section of the bookstore. You'll find yourself laughing until you cry, then trying to swallow the lump in your throat. And some of the little things in life will never look quite the same again.

During my commute, I listened to David Sedaris himself read When You Are Engulfed in Flames on an audiobook. Instead of trying to explain how I was continually having difficulty driving while attempting to clear tears of hysterical laughter from my eyes, here is a clip from David Letterman of Sedaris reading an excerpt from this book. Don't watch this while eating or drinking or your keyboard will be in grave danger. :-)



Now I know exactly which books to look for when I need to ease those winter blues in a couple of months! :-)



10 comments:

Linda/CT said...

Hi Lezlie...thanks for the clip; I will definitely pick him up soon. It's always good to laugh, no matter what. Have a great holiday w/e. I must forward that Scrabble playing kitty to the Director of Literacy as they sponsor several challenges a year and this picture is perfect!! Linda/cT

Lezlie said...

Linda ~ I think seeing the clip is much more effective than me telling everyone I think it's funny. If you like the clip, you'll love the book! :-) You have a great weekend also!

Lezlie

Ana S. said...

"You'll find yourself laughing until you cry, then trying to swallow the lump in your throat."

I just love the fact that his books do that :) I can't wait to read this one.

Lezlie said...

Nymeth ~ You won't be disappointed!

Darlene said...

I have never read anything or listened to anything by David Sedaris. Guess I should hey. I can always use something to ease the winter blues here in good old Canada. lol.

Tasha said...

I absolutely love listening to David Sedaris on audiobook. I have a great respect for authors who take the time to read their own works.

Lezlie said...

Dar ~ If you have a chance, he is great to listen to. But which ever way ou go, it will definitely help with suviving winter! :-)

Charley ~ I plan on trying to find more of him reading his work. I think when you can hear the author read it, you really get the full impact of how it was really meant to sound, if you know what I mean. I don't always get the more subtle jokes when left on my own. :-)

Lezlie

Ladytink_534 said...

Lol. I've seen a couple of his interviews about this book.

Andi said...

I LOVE THIS CLIP! I made my mom watch it, and she loved it so much she read Naked this weekend.

Lezlie said...

Ladytink & Andi ~ I'll be searching You Tube for more clips like this. He's hilarious! The facial expressions are priceless.

Lezlie