And what's funny is, for the longest time, I really couldn't stand him. I'd started reading an essay, I think, without understanding the guy - without "getting to know him" - and I judged him based on that one essay (half of it) that was utterly ridiculous. Which is how his writing is sometimes, although usually he's making a point and having fun at the same time. Not always (making a point), but often --- from what I've gathered now that I've given him a chance, anyway. Like in his current book, when he describes, at length, how he wanted to start accessorizing as long as it was "discreet, masculine, and practical" - so he started wearing the new "Stadium Pal", an external catheter. I'll admit this one didn't completely sell me on Sedaris (as did an essay a few chapters down, one that Adam read to me in its entirety--), but here's an excerpt:
"Was it practical? At the time, yes. I don't drive or attend football games, but I did have a book tour coming up, and the possibilities were endless. Five glasses of iced tea followed by a long public reading? Thanks, Stadium Pal! The window seat on an overbooked coast-to-coast flight? Don't mind if I do!........ What ultimately did me in was the self-adhesive condom. Putting it on was no problem, but its removal qualified as what, in certain cultures, is known as a bris. Wear it once, and you'll need a solid month to fully recover. It will likely be a month in which you'll weigh the relative freedom of peeing in your pants against the unsightly discomfort of a scab-covered penis, ultimately realizing that, in terms of a convenient accessory, you're better off with a new watchband."
I do think it's worth it to check out his newest book (When You Are Engulfed In Flames), especially if you're in need of a good laugh. You really can tell he's a good guy, and it's always fun to "meet" good people. ---
*I am pretty sure it's understood that I am not claiming to have taken this photo of David Sedaris, but just in case it's not.....I got it from Google.)
2 comments:
I really was not a fan for a long time. And now the obsession is such that I listen to "Naked" while falling asleep. I'm so glad to hear someone else has converted as well!
Good luck with the school year. When you're faced with a tough situation, just ask yourself, "What would David do?"
He had me at "poop."
I read the story in "Me Talk Pretty One Day," the one where he has to deal with someone else's giant poop for fear that the next bathroom occupant would think it was his, and I was smitten.
Definitely makes life a little less heavy.
Post a Comment