I decided to buy Barrel Fever because I had read three other books by David Sedaris and absolutely love how he writes. This book wasn't any different. That is one tip I can give about buying books, if you've read at least two books by the same author and enjoy their writing style or their common plot characteristics, then you will most likely enjoy others by the same author. I HIGHLY suggest ANY book by David Sedaris if you enjoy reading about the common humour of everyday life and uniquely lovable, and utterly relatable families. It is also an easy read and each chapter is set up as a different story so you can go back to it anytime without any fear of confusion. So if you enjoy reading, or even if you simply enjoy laughing, buy any book by David Sedaris and you will definitely be satisfied.Read full review
Barrel Fever, the first in long line of books was my introduction to the tortured and hilarious soul of its author, David Sedaris. Short stories to make you laugh out loud concerning his homosexuality, his mother, father, sisters, brother...some imaginary, many real...his memories have made me laugh many times over. I purchased this book to relive the stories and to round out my collection of well over TWO other David Sedaris' books.
Les Edgerton (look him up) in his book: "Finding Your Voice", claims to have read this book straight through -- ten times -- and laughed every time. I could barely get through it ONCE. To each his own, I guess. If you are a straight male, looking for a book to make you laugh, look elsewhere. Badly written? No. Entertaining? Amusing? Laugh out loud funny? No. Not even close. But, hey, David Sedaris is famous, in certain circles. So, what do I know?
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
quick shipping; completing my david sedaris collection. this next part has nothing to do with you The frantic woman Walter called “mom” was doling out the guidelines of he and his sister Josephine’s short but apparently well managed life. “No snacks with sugar, they will never sleep!” she said with a serious tone quickly undercut with a snicker. Karen’s consciousness drifted towards the earring that her current nuisance was fumbling with, a beautiful piece that she had found two weeks before…needless to say she regretted that Mrs. Kristnip returned home early. Her sister would have been overcome with jealousy had she had spied the blue sapphire emanating from behind her golden locks. “…are by the phone. Karen, honey are you even listening?”
I was first introduced to David Sedaris in thanks to NPR, and 'this American life'. His stories were -- and are -- like none other I've heard before ... so actually the first book I read was Naked (which I highly recommend as well -- as I do with all his books, actually). Immediately after reading this, I sought out his earlier book, Barrel Fever. Totally hooked, I'd been waiting with much salivation, for all his books since. I don't know that I can say who you can compare him with -- he stands alone, as far as I'm concerned. And if you're looking for some human satire, and comical relief with a high, yet low-brow effect, you've found the man. Enjoy!
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