Thursday, June 6, 2013

Review: Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls (Audio)

Summary: From the unique perspective of David Sedaris comes a new collection of essays taking his listeners on a bizarre and stimulating world tour. From the perils of French dentistry to the eating habits of the Australian kookaburra, from the squat-style toilets of Beijing to the particular wilderness of a North Carolina Costco, we learn about the absurdity and delight of a curious traveler's experiences. Whether railing against the habits of litterers in the English countryside or marveling over a disembodied human arm in a taxidermist's shop, Sedaris takes us on side-splitting adventures that are not to be forgotten. -- Hachette Audio

Since June is Audiobook month, I figured it's the perfect time to write my review of LET'S EXPLORE DIABETES WITH OWLS by David Sedaris. I actually listed to this book a few weeks ago when I was taking some time off from running. I was having some hip pain and thought it best to take it easy, but that also meant that I was extremely grumpy. One of the reasons I have to regularly run is to keep my sanity!

So what better to cheer me up than listening to David Sedaris? I have enjoyed a few of his audio books in the past and I have to say that I loved LET'S EXPLORE DIABETES WITH OWLS. Mr. Sedaris is absolutely hilarious and his latest collection of essays was fantastic! I have never actually "read" a print book by Mr. Sedaris and I can safely say that I never will. As far as I'm concerned, one of the best things about his essays are listening to him read them.

Naturally, there were some essays that I thought were funnier than others, but for the most part, I enjoyed each and every one of them. One of my favorites was when Mr. Sedaris and his brother-in-law visited a Costco, but I also thought the story about his visit to a taxidermist while looking for a stuffed owl was pretty darn entertaining too. And of course, there are plenty of stories about his family and especially his father!

That being said, I admit that the essays about Mr. Sedaris' first colonoscopy and his dental experiences freaked me out. Mr. Sedaris is very dramatic and not afraid to give plenty of details... even the gross ones. However, I still managed to laugh a lot while listening to these stories; and I absolutely loved how his father hounded him to get the colonoscopy!

I could be mistaken, but I think I have heard a few of these essays before on one of his live albums -- namely the Kookaburra one and possibly the Costco one. As I was listening to them, I realized that they sounded familiar but I couldn't remember enough details for it to matter. Plus, Mr. Sedaris is so funny that I never tire of listening to him.

One of the things I love most about Mr. Sedaris is his ability to tell a story. You might think that his life experiences are just crazier than everyone else's; however, I think he has a special ability to see the world differently than most people. It truly is a gift and I'm so glad that he shares it with all of us!

LET'S EXPLORE DIABETES WITH OWLS is a wonderful audio book! Highly recommended for Sedaris fans!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this audio book.

4 comments:

Sandy Nawrot said...

Hey I'm right there with you. I've only started (gently) running again after the Half because of my foot. Not running makes me a very bitchy, twitchy Sandy. Anyway. Yes, I love David, and I love him on audio. I am waiting impatiently for my library to get this one in. He makes me laugh.

Beth F said...

I have this on my list!! Can't wait to get listening.

bermudaonion said...

I, too, thought a couple of the essays in that book were repeats when I read it. That didn't keep me from enjoying them and chuckling when I read the book.

Sheila (Bookjourney) said...

I listened to this one recently too - it was my first by him and I laughed a lot. I am excited to try another of his books, and like you - I think I will stick tot he audio - he is quite funny.