Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Holidays On Ice

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Title: Holidays On Ice
Author: David Sedaris
Pages: 176
Yearly Count b: 80

David Sedaris amuses and challenges his readers with a seasonal delight. I am sure this will become a classic, unless it already is and I didn't even know, as I am generally out of the loop! Each of the 12 short stories has punch of humor and truth as well as fantastically exceptional writing.

There are two of the stories that spoke to me personally, and that I really, really loved. The first is SantaLand Diaries, the tale of a elf, who has many more opinions than she is paid for, and so much insight into the typical holiday portraits taken with Santa that you will laugh till you ache. SantaLand Diaries is so real, so honest, and just so interesting to read.

Christmas Means Giving was my other fave. It is a story of two horridly wealthy families in an attempt to out do each other, at the expense of everything except their most valued possession- their image. The extremes they go to are haunting, and even seriously eye-opening. Sedaris puts out a warning, a warning of what giving should never be about, and yet to a slight degree most of the time it is. This was an incredible story.

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All the stories were amazing, really. I can give this my full recommendation. Sedaris is an expert storyteller, but not only that, he is a realist with a touch of pessimism which is for some reason not a turn off, but a refreshing voice to hear. I enjoy his humor that is almost a mocking of things that are held dear, but not to tear them up but to help the reader see the negative aspects and to get rid of them. A stunningly funny and sincere read, exactly what we need during the holidays.

I didn't even notice that the cover was funny until after I had finished the book, but it is....look up at the top of the post and let me know what you see that is funny. I like that you wouldn't even notice until you think to look. The one below is really good too!

This is a great book to pick up for the holidays...let me know what you think of it!



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11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Haha. Love the little guy falling through the ice.

Anonymous said...

I think I'm the only person who hasn't read any of Sedaris's work. Someone suggested I start with Naked, so I've got it on my wishlist.

bethany (dreadlock girl) said...

christine- I know! funny.:)

bermudaonion- this was my first, and I loved it. I have three of his others on my shelf but haven't read them yet. Let me know what you think of Naked when you read it!! :)

Anonymous said...

I already saw reviews about it :) it is on my wish list ... unless i win it somewhere ... i dnt think i can get it soon :)

but i definitely want to read it :)

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

I received this one from Miriam and can't wait to read it (well, i can because I've been waiting until it gets a little closer to the holidays) but I'm really excited for it!! Glad you liked it! (oh, and I have a chistmas village like that...except no guy falling in the ice. That would be hilarious, though!)

Anonymous said...

I haven't read anything by Sedaris but have just put this one on hold at the library.

bethany (dreadlock girl) said...

veens- I read it during the read-a-thon and it was such a good choice. I hope you are able to read it.

trish- I know, I can't wait to read what you think of it!

natasha- I hope you like it!!
Oh, I have been trying to get to your blog but I am not able to access it!! I don't know if everyone is having that problem, but I have tried several times today and haven't been able to get in.

I want to see your disclaimer!!

beastmomma said...

I saw the play, Santaland diaries and laughed so hard that I almost fell out of my chair.

bethany (dreadlock girl) said...

beastmoomma- ITS A PLAY!?!?! I had no idea! I said I was out of the loop :)

that would be awesome to see! I am glad you liked it, Sedaris really makes me laugh.

beastmomma said...

Bethany-- I did not realize until recently that the essay is in a book. There are different loops to be in and I just try to not be too loopy :) I crack myself up!!

Alea said...

I've always wondered if the SantaLand Diaries was an actual memoir or just a story. Since the rest of his books are memoirs, it could go either way. Anyone know for sure?