Happy-Go-Lucky

Another great read. David feels like a friend that comes to visit once a year bringing laughs and sincere, thoughtful moments.If he was so, I’d probably on one night mention how, to much his distaste, he inherited some of his father’s personality. Given, David is much more articulate (I imagine) and light-hearted with his cynicism, but you can see that underlying thread there. (Back me up on this one, Hugh?)Stay happy. Stay lucky. And keep up the good work, Mr. Sedaris.Warren

I love all his books and this is no exception. Even in sadness, this writer can feel and convey humor. He has such a gift.

Mr.Sedaris came to us via his Maher experience. We are midwesterners, often feeling dejected at what we observe or have to live through (or around) in America. His cogent, witty observations, his absorption of what he's experienced are haunting. Really, he evokes the independence of Twain, his peerless perception of the world as he saw it. If one is horrified at the usual reaction of people on antiques roadshows when they learn what they've been allowing their children to play with or used as a doorstop, this is the book for you.

Though I find his work uneven, I am a great admirer of Mr. Sedaris. I know when I read one of his books, I am going to laugh out loud on multiple occasions, and this book was no exception. As a writer who has never been able to write funny, I find myself often in awe of those who can do this.The topics of the essays here are focused on the pandemic and the loss of his father. It doesn’t seem like good fodder for humor, but there is plenty of it here. I am especially taken by what appears to be good relationships with his siblings, despite their typical dysfunction, which is what makes it funny. And there is also his relationship with his long-suffer partner, Hugh. Of course, as always, some of the humor misses but the good outweighs the bad by a solid degree here.I was surprised to learn recently that my own father reads and enjoys Mr. Sedaris. At first, I thought it a strange thing for him to like, but I realized that he likely finds the family interactions as funny as I do. My father and my tastes rarely seem to coincide. In this case, I think it adds an extra recommendation to my own.

Great read. Made me uncomfortable as hell. But just addictive writing. Thank you. I need seven more words to finish this.

I never tire of tire of the tales of the Sedaris family!Hope to hear you in NOLA soon!Thank you David!!

Few writers can make me laugh as hard as David Sedaris. His wry take on, well, just about anything, hits my ticklish fancy every time. Family misadventures, travel misadventures, and even the pandemic are all on topic for this most literate of potty-mouthed raconteurs.Much of this book contains fine examples of his now-classic style. But then he surprises you with sudden, fairly serious ruminations on his family, in particular his fraught relationship with his now-elderly father. I can't tell you much without spoiling the revelations. But, as someone who went through a very difficult late-life chapter with my own father, he turns surprisingly moving and reflective.Part of my joy in reading is enjoying the art of writing itself, and Sedaris is a master wordsmith, despite his delicious predilection for gutter humor. He takes a certain childish glee in the most appalling behavior, his own and others.

David Sedaris has been one of my very favorite authors since I first picked up my college roommate's copy of [book:Naked|4138]. I am always so excited for new material from him - and though two of these essays here had already appeared in The New Yorker, this collection still has plenty of new stuff. The decline and death of his father, Lou, really dominates this collection - along with the pandemic. There are, as always, laugh-out-loud moments, clever turns-of-phrase and intimate candor that is so intrinsically his style. I always enjoy listening to Sedaris read his work - just as I enjoy reading it aloud myself to share with others. I actually listened to this one, as well as read the majority out loud to my aunt. The gunderpants especially got a good laugh. And this was the last book she heard the ending to, as well, so I know that my own grief will always be tied up with this book. He really is my favorite essayist and as always, I am eager to read his next collection!

He’s always good. This was just more of the same. Nothing new or surprising unfortunately.

If the soup has some glass in it, and a reasonably filthy limerick, but still somehow tastes amazing. Although at times you question why you like the chicken soup so much, and if it is a personal failing, and then you get swept back into its creamy…yeah this didn’t workThe same charm and honesty, intelligence and beautiful mundanity as all Sedaris’ books. There is sadness and pain here, and he strives to make the reader feel okay about it, spreading it lightly even as you recognise it’s depth in reality. And of course, so much to laugh at - broadly, wickedly, and cherishably. I leave every book of his fervently hoping my lifetime holds many more. They are a treat.

David Sedaris is unfailingly funny & insightful but, & I may be wrong, haven't I read some of these pieces in his earlier books? I'm all for recycling but......

I love that he was able to capture very sensitive issues in this book and present them in a heartfelt yet hilarious way. Sedaris isn't too scared to say some of the things we were all thinking and I love that.

...this one left a very bitter aftertaste for me. Solid writing as always but nowhere near as funny as any of his previous books. Reading about the Sea Section is now a bore, especially now Hugh & David bought the property behind it so not to have undesirable neighbours. But the biggest gripe I have is how he put the boot into his dead sister (he wrote something that didn't warrant being written) and dead father. It made me respect the man less than I had done.