Wilmette Public Library discussion

We will be discussing "Holidays on Ice" for the "holiday season" for November and December. Pick up the print copy or audiobook in the Library, or download the eBook or eAudio from www.mymediamall.net.

Let the group know what you think about the book below!

"Santaland Diaries" is one of my favorite This American Life performances ever, so it was really fun to sit down this morning and read the written version, remembering David Sedaris's delivery as I did so. The story's great, but I think hearing him perform it is even better. I mean, there's no written substitute for his Billie Holliday impression. You can listen online here:

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio...

David Sedaris' voice is amazing-if someone has never heard it, they need to listen to the above link or listen to an audio read by him. In "Holidays on Ice," I can't believe how uncomfortable and outraged I became when reading "Season's Greetings." It was easy to imagine myself in that situation and someone usurping my house. He does a great job of bringing you directly into the story.

I tuned into NPR midway through an interview with David Sedaris a couple of weeks ago, and I thought they were talking to an old woman.

My take on "Season's Greetings" was different. Usurper in her house or not, Mrs. Dunbar is not what I'd call a reliable narrator, and she says some reprehensible, racist things about her stepdaughter and her grandchild (which had me wincing throughout). So by the end of the story, I totally bought the twist. :-)

I totally agree with others that commented about enjoying hearing David Sedaris read aloud on NPR. I really enjoyed hearing him read aloud his "SantaLand Diaries", the first chapter of Holidays on Ice. He is an amazing humorist who has the perfect delivery for radio.

My favorite story from Holidays on Ice has to be Let It Snow because I've shared David's experience. Well, my mother didn't lock me out and hit the gin, but I do recall thinking maybe I'll get hit by a car or freeze to death and THEN she'll be sorry. Ah, youth.

Having finished the book, I've decided that the memoir pieces -- especially "The Santaland Diaries" but also others I've heard on This American Life -- are definitely my favorites. The short stories all tended to touch a really uncomfortable nerve with me. Which, I realize, was the point and means Sedaris did his job well. But still, not my cup of tea.

Two more of my faves as performed by Sedaris:

"Jesus Shaves" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5apZ...

"Six to Eight Black Men" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYdpt...