Barrel Fever and Other Abridged Stories

Rating:
Summary: skip the audio version
Review: Here's the scoop:

The stories and essays in the book are hilarious, but the audio version is not an exact duplication of the paper copy - some stories are missing, and others have been added. That's only part of the problem.

David Sedaris narrates, and he has a very monotone voice. If you sit there and listen carefully, you'll find the stories quite funny, but if you (like me) do mindless tasks while listening, you'll find yourself tuning out the narration without any effort. Then you'll have to go back and listen over again, only to tune out the next part. Amy Sedaris has small voice parts in the stories, and her voice is much better at grabbing attention. However, her parts are very small. I wish someone with a more enticing voice was chosen to narrate, because then this audiobook would be a gem.

Rating:
Summary: What a twisted character!
Review: I had to give this a 5 star review because Sedaris makes me laugh out loud. Everyone will think you're a nut while you're reading this because you will be unable to stifle your snickers. His character is so twisted that I can't believe he's talking about himself! I refuse to swallow that those stories are even half-way true. Not all of the stories are funny but there are plenty of laughs in this book. I'll read anything he wants to write!

Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: I once saw a very ordinary, unassuming,seemingly meek fellow appear as a guest on David Letterman. I stopped to listen to this mild-mannered gentleman for a few minutes only to find myself laughing harder and louder than I can remember in recent history. I predict I will own a copy of every book this man ever writes. In this troubled world, we all need to laugh as much as we need to eat, and Sedaris provides a banquet. He is truly gifted beyond words.

Rating:
Summary: Be careful
Review: Listen with care. This has to be the best comedy CD I ever bought. I suggest you do not listen to it in the car, for you might get pulled over and asked to blow on a breathalizer. This cd is well worth the money and more. Especially when he talks about him and Mike Tyson. :-)

Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: This is one of the funniest books I've ever read. The best part is the essay "Santaland Diaries," about Sedaris' experience as an elf at Macy's. I read it out loud to my mother in the car and we couldn't stop laughing. The short stories are excellent too, especially "The Last You'll Hear from Me." If you like this, you should also read "Naked," Sedaris' memoir; it's even better.

Rating:
Summary: Hysterical
Review: This is one of the funniest books I've ever read. The best part is the essay "Santaland Diaries," about Sedaris' experience as an elf at Macy's. I read it out loud to my mother in the car and we couldn't stop laughing. The short stories are excellent too, especially "The Last You'll Hear from Me." If you like this, you should also read "Naked," Sedaris' memoir; it's even better.

Rating:
Summary: Hysterical
Review: This is one of the funniest books I've ever read. The best part is the essay "Santaland Diaries," about Sedaris' experience as an elf at Macy's. I read it out loud to my mother in the car and we couldn't stop laughing. The short stories are excellent too, especially "The Last You'll Hear from Me." If you like this, you should also read "Naked," Sedaris' memoir; it's even better.