Leave a Comment / Reviews / By admin
David Sedaris is one of the premier humorists of our time. So of course, I’m going to read and review some of his books! Me Talk Pretty One Day was my first dive into the great work of Mr. Sedaris. Here is my Met Talk Pretty One Day Book Review.
Me Talk Pretty One Day Summary
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris is a collection of autobiographical essays that blend humor with reflections on life, language, and culture. The book is divided into two parts: the first (titled “one”) focuses on Sedaris’ experiences growing up in North Carolina The second (creatively titled “deux” — see what he did there?) chronicles his time living in France after moving there with his partner, Hugh.
In part “One”, Sedaris shares his childhood memories, dealing with his eccentric family and feeling out of place in American society. Notable essays include:
- “Go Carolina”: A humorous recount of how a speech therapist tried to correct Sedaris’ lisp as a child, and how he avoided certain words to dodge the therapy sessions.
- “Genetic Engineering”: Focuses on his relationship with his father. His father was analytical and scientific – a trait that seemed to miss David and his siblings. Despite lack of common interests and behaviors, Sedaris shows admiration for his father.
In par “Deux”, Sedaris writes about his experiences as a transplant to France, exploring cultural and linguistic challenges. Highlights include:
- “Me Talk Pretty One Day”: The titular essay, which describes his struggle to learn French in a language class led by an intimidating teacher. Despite the frustration and fear, he finds moments of humor in his awkward, broken attempts at the language.
- “Jesus Shaves”: A French-language classroom conversation where Sedaris tries to explain the concept of Easter in French, leading to confusion and misunderstandings among the international students.
The book explores themes of identity, language barriers, and absurdity found in everyday life. All of it is delivered through Sedaris’ signature wit and self-deprecating humor.
Who is David Sedaris?
David Sedaris is an American humorist, author, and essayist known for his sharp, witty, and often self-deprecating writing style. He gained prominence through his personal essays and storytelling, often drawing on his own life experiences, his eccentric family, and his observations of human behavior. Sedaris’ work explores themes of identity, culture, language, and social awkwardness, blending humor with insight.
He first became widely known after his essay “Santaland Diaries,” about his time working as an elf at Macy’s during Christmas, was broadcast on NPR in 1992. Since then, he has published numerous best-selling essay collections, such as Me Talk Pretty One Day (you know, the one we are talking about now), Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and Calypso. He is also known for his live readings, which showcase his distinctive voice and comedic timing.
Sedaris’ work resonates with readers for its blend of wit, absurdity, and moments of emotional depth. He is considered one of the most influential contemporary humorists.
Learn more about David Sedaris here.
Me Talk Pretty One Day Quotes
It’s pretty easy to find ridiculousness and hilarity in Sedaris’ work. I spent 5 minutes randomly flipping through “Me Talk Pretty One Day” to find the gems below.
…but this is the French dark. It’s…darker than the dark we have back home.
The United States will have done something the French don’t like, and people will behave as though it’s all my fault. I’m always taken off guard when a hostess accuses me of unfairly taxing her beef. Wait a minute, I think. Did I do that?
There were no computers in my high school, and the first two times I attempted college, people were still counting on their fingers and removing their shoes when the numbers got above ten.
It’s a typewriter,” I say. “You use it to write angry letters to airport authorities.“
I recalled my mother, flushed with wine, pounding the tabletop late one night, saying, “Love? I love a good steak cooked rare. I love my cat, and I love…” My sisters and I leaned forward, waiting to hear our names. “Tums, ” our mother said. “I love Tums.”
My only comfort was the knowledge that I was not alone. Huddled in the hallways and making the most of our pathetic French, my fellow students and I engaged in the sort of conversation commonly overheard in refugee camps.
“Sometime me cry alone at night.”
“That be common for I, also, but be more strong, you. Much work and someday you talk pretty. People start love you soon. Maybe tomorrow, okay?“
Now onto the rating of “Me Talk Pretty One Day”
My innovative system for rating humor books is explained here
Wholesomeness Score: 2.5/5
Per usual from David Sedaris, this book contains a moderate amount of mature content including swears, sexual references, drinking, drugs.
Hilarity Score: 4/5
Funny. Sedaris is a master of painting a funny scene or scenario. Not every line is a joke, but he doesn’t give too much serious runway without injecting at least a subtle humorous jab.
Overall Book Awesomeness Score: 4/5
This book was my first exposure to Davis Sedaris’ work. I have since become a fan.
Things I liked:
- Self-deprecating humor. Mr. Sedaris seems like a very sophisticated and intelligent chap to me. Yet he continues to deliver examples of his own bumbling idiocy.
- Humor essays! This genre is my jam in general.
- Sedaris finds the funny in ordinary, everyday life.
Things I didn’t like:
- Dark humor. Hey, I enjoy dark humor sprinkled in from time to time. Sedaris occasionally dumps in a half cup of dark humor, when my taste calls for a teaspoon or 2.
- He throws his family under the bus a lot. Maybe they deserve it, I don’t know…
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on “Me Talk Pretty One Day”
David Sedaris is the gold standard of humor essayists. He has his own style and unique reflections. But his ability to expertly find the funny in any situation is a skill any humor writer should aspire to. “Me Talk Pretty One Day” was my first exposure to Sedaris. I have since read a few of his other books, and have his remaining offerings on my T.B.R. list.
Just so you know – I could get an affiliate commission if you link from my site and buy a product. Hopefully, I’ll accumulate enough affiliate commission to buy myself a coffee someday! Not Starbucks or anything like that. But maybe a plain small coffee from a gas station on the edge of town.