On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

As this book consists of stories or essays, there isn't a separate board for those who have finished it. Everyone can post here but please take care not to reveal information that might lessen other readers enjoyment.

I’ll be listening to this one on audio through Hoopla. Sedaris is co-reader and I enjoy hearing him read his stories.

That is definitely the best way to enjoy Sedaris. Same goes for Rick Bragg's stories.

I will be listening to this on Hoopla as well. NPR always reruns him reading it at Christmas. It's just as much a classic as Night Before Christmas, and started his popularity.

Hi guys, I just realized this is an abridged version on hoopla. I’ve put a hold at my library but I may be doing the abridged since it’s no hold. I don’t have experience with abridged versions of books, are huge chunks missing?

I looked on audible and it’s only a 19 minute difference, so surely I won’t miss too much using hoopla.

I don't believe that what Hoopla has is abridged. They say it is but the cover they have is for the Hachette Audio version and the words "Unabridged - Read by the Author" appear on the bottom of the cover. The same version is on Overdrive as well and it is described as Unabridged and 4 hours, 19 minutes.

Great, I saw abridged when I downloaded but didn’t read the cover. But now I see cover says unabridged and hooplas note said abridged by the run time. Should be in good shape!!!

You guys talked me into the audio version on Hoopla. Great choice! First story had me laughing and rolling my eyes so much!

“That I couldn’t even find work as an elf, that’s when you know you’re a failure.” 😂

YES, Laura!!!! So funny! I also couldn't stop chuckling over the guy who was upset because now he couldn't ever get into law school! Did he get fired? I can't remember but that was hilarious!

Yes I’m sitting in my car listening. That part is hilarious. It’s the training bit on shoplifting!!!! And the girl staring into her empty coffee cup saying how she used to go out with her Macy friends but that’s all gone now.

“The police are right, it just comes down to fingerprints”....we are not unique!!!! He cracks me up!!

This is not my favorite Sedaris but it’s hard to beat the Santa Land Diaries. This one is quick.

I’m still working on it. I’ve got 2 stories left. I agree that the elf story which is the first one has been the best so far. The others such as the Christmas letter read by the woman, have a darker tone.

Yes, this was written 1997/98 so I guess some of his earlier stuff. If you are doing audio, make sure you listen to the very end. He revisits a portion of his SantaLand diaries. He’s best when he’s telling stories from his personal experiences.

Laura wrote: "Yes, this was written 1997/98 so I guess some of his earlier stuff. If you are doing audio, make sure you listen to the very end. He revisits a portion of his SantaLand diaries. He’s best when he’s..."

Yes, thanks for the advice. I’m really glad I chose the audio version. I don’t think the humor would come across as well if I were reading it myself.

I plan to listen to to this while I'm wrapping presents. I hate gift wrapping, so this should sweeten the chore.

Definitely, Diane! Great idea!

This was my first Sedaris book and I listened on Audible. There were moments when I found this funny - the first story was humorous and the live performance. The rest of the book, not so much. I’m a wee bit disappointed.

Calypso Tina!!!! Do audio of this one....sedaris will redeem himself with you, I think. When listening to this one, I even thought first time listeners are not going to understand the following.

Tina wrote: "This was my first Sedaris book and I listened on Audible. There were moments when I found this funny - the first story was humorous and the live performance. The rest of the book, not so much. I’m ..."

Me too, Tina. First Sedaris, loved Santaland Diaries but everything else meh.

I've read the book before, but I'll only listen to Santaland Diaries this time around. Y'all are right, that is the best one.

Don't feel bad, Tina. He is not for everyone. I don't hate his work, but I don't love it either and I have decided to spend my time on someone else who appeals to me more.

I think you have to appreciate the fine art of cutting sarcasm and super wry humor to enjoy David Sedaris overall. And his writing is often fairly self-centered in my opinion. I can handle him in tiny doses. “Santaland Diaries” from this collection was pretty funny. On his serious side, “Now We Are Five” from ‘Calypso’ will slice you to the bone. As Sara mentioned, he’s not for everyone.

Put me down as one of those people who "get" David Sedaris. Wyndy is right about the sarcasm and wry humor. If he wasn't self centered I don't think he would be as funny to me, because he writes like I think, but don't have the courage to express. Offbeat and irreverent is his trademark style. On the other hand, I totally understand those who don't care for him.

Had an enjoyable hour or so wrapping presents this afternoon, (which I hate) because I listened to Santaland Diaries while I wrapped. Great holiday tradition for me.