Calypso

Cover Calypso
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Genres: Nonfiction

I'd heard most of these stories when he tested them during live readings in recent years, and - like any great story - was happy to sit through them again. (I listened to the audiobook, which in my opinion is the ONLY way to truly experience Sedaris's magic, since he reads the essays himself.) Not surprisingly, the most hilarious story of the collection is the one that starts out with a stranger shitting himself on an airplane. And once again, Sedaris has reserved a seat at my table if I ever get to arrange a dinner for 10 interesting strangers of my choosing
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Fans of David Sedaris will not be disappointed with his latest collection of essays. In typical fashion, he regales the reader with his humorous and witty observations on situations he keeps finding himself in…often time at the hands of his quirky family or longtime partner. After reading his essay “Leviathan”, snapping turtles may forevermore conjure images of a tumor! You will soon know what I mean. But as we e

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nter new stages in life, our stories take on different perspectives, and Sedaris is an example of that. Here, his work is affected by late middle age and mortality, and it’s really quite touching, at times tragic. Sedaris’ work is well-loved around here. Check out our reviews of Theft by Finding, Holidays on Ice, and Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls!

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Calypso
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User Reviews:

Guest 3 years ago

I did not find this book overly funny. I learned a lot about Sedaris' odd family. There were amusing moments. Toward the end he descended into potty humour.

Guest 3 years ago

I actually bought this book during quarantine, but did not start reading it until after reading an excerpt of one of Sedaris' pieces in my Creative Writing class. The only other memoir I have read is The Glass Castle, which always kept me engaged, yet something was missing from the narrative: humor. Dave Sedaris examines the dark aspects of himself as he dwells in the past in the wake of middle age with a sense of humor that allows the reader to sympathize with his experiences. He voices the fears and idiosyncrasies that you might think about, but have never said to anyone because you thought you were alone. His writing inches its way into your mind, acting like its own internal thoughts as he passively observes the mannerisms, traumas, and the coping mechanisms intertwined throughout his family dynamic. I love reading about other people's unfiltered life because sometimes it is hard to remember that you are not the only mind experiencing the opportunities and oppressions of this life. It allows you to see the world from a different uncensored perspective, get infested in another's life, and then cope with the knowledge and actions that the writer and said and done.

Guest 3 years ago

Sedaris has perfected the art of telling serious stories with humor. I love his audiobooks because he narrates his own stories, adding emotion and depth and meaning.

Notes on this particular book:
His story of the FitBit hit so close to home. How many of us jog in place or pace just to get the "activity bar" to clear or to make it to our allotted number of steps? He perfectly captures the obsession that takes over without calling it an obsession.

Guest 3 years ago

It's hard to know what to say about David Sedaris that hasn't already been said. He's a brilliant writer. He's one of the best storytellers around. And he makes me laugh out loud. This book of essays hits the mark on all three fronts. They are, as always, essays about his life--much of which seems to take place in an airplane. He has a keen eye for the foibles and quirks of humanity, especially if those humans happen to be related to him. But he also deals with darker themes: the suicide of his sister Tiffany, as well as his longing to be recognized and loved by his father. In my experience, all great humor springs from deep pain, so this is not surprising. There is real pain here, but plenty of laughs too. Kind of like life.

Guest 3 years ago

best review section 10/10

Guest 3 years ago

what is this book even about anyway, i looked through the comments and saw tumbleweeds flying through my screen.

Guest 4 years ago

Rip my icon, Kobe Bryant thanks for sticking with us while you lasted. Also, fuck you TMZ you stupid whores, reported it before even authorities could tell Kobe's family that he and Gigi passed away.

Guest 4 years ago

No thank you for your sticking with the rest you are just wondering why I don’t want you anymore and I’m not sure what if you ever ever forget that I’m gonna is your birthday so you don’t wanna talk

Guest 5 years ago

everyone is saying hi soooo... "Hi?" *I gess* "ya, sorry i'm *a lil bit* weird anyway
Love ya pups (;

Guest 5 years ago

wat iz up
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