"LIVE For Your Listening Pleasure" By David Sedaris

We selected this audiobook because of our success with "Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls". 

Summary: It turns out this is not so much an audiobook as it is a 1-disc collection of recordings from live events in which Sedaris reads to an audience. At least two of the stories were published in other works, and I suspect that the others have as well. It's clear this was not published for the purpose of distributing new content to the world. Instead it is a repackaging of old content. There is some novelty in the live audience bit, but I am just as satisfied with the traditional audiobook, especially if it is read by the author.

What I Liked: This is David Sedaris telling stories. They are always engaging and funny.

What I Didn't Like: It was really short and we recognized some of it from "Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls"

Rating: Honestly, I recommend you go for one of Sedaris' full books.

Also Read by this Author: Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls, Me Talk Pretty One Day.

Reviewed by: Nick

"Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls" by David Sedaris

I selected this audiobook because I am familiar with the author. He has contributed countless times to various public radio shows, and so I've heard him read stories on the radio growing up. This audiobook is read by the author, so the experience is very similar.

Summary: Sedaris has put together another collection of short stories. Each story is a self-contained tale from his life, using real people as the characters. For the most part it is true, with the mis-rememberings and exaggerations of time. He talks about his time in England, France, America and other counties. He talks about travelling for work and leisure. He spends a lot of time reflecting on his father and what it was like growing up with that sort of parent. And it is all presented in Sedaris' calm and relaxing voice. The comedy is dry and all the better for it. He tells you his inner monologue and lets you know you're not the only crazy person in the world.

He also has a special treat at the end of this book where he writes a series of short monologues explicitly for the purpose of providing content for forensics competitions. These essays are not true stories, but funny speeches Sedaris wants high school and college students to recite for audiences. I don't know if any student has used them, but I sure hope they do!

What I Liked: This is a very funny easy-going book. Basically, he is telling you stories. What could be better?

What I Didn't Like: Could have been longer with more stories, I suppose.

Rating: Very funny. Highly recommended, especially the audiobook.

Also Read by this Author:  Me Talk Pretty One Day.

Reviewed by: Nick