Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: Time Warner Audio Books 
Release Date:  October 2003
ISBN: 1-58621-564-7 
Awards:  The 2003 Listen Up Awards for audiobook program: DAVID SEDARIS LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL is the winner for the Dramatization/Live Reading category
Format Reviewed: Audio/Compact Disc 
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Genre: Fiction/Comedy 
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Jo Rogers 
Reviewer Notes:  Language

Live at Carnegie Hall
By David Sedaris

     David Sedaris, author of Me Talk Pretty One Day, reads from his book and articles in a live performance at Carnegie Hall. If you like his written works, listening to him read from them will be a treat.

     His takes on his family are hilarious. His oldest sister is his first target, as he discusses how much his parents expected of her and how little was expected of him. It is the old standard "Mom always liked you best" with a twist. He also pokes friendly fun at her love for animals. Her parrot is quite as much a character as the people in his stories. And, he has had the foresight to put the hilarity on paper. He even claims to carry a notebook and pencil with him to write down what happens so he won't miss anything. For someone whose parents thought he would be a total failure, I'd say he's done rather well for himself.

     His next target is his sister Amy. According to Mr. Sedaris, going shopping for clothes with Amy can be disastrous. Since he is of "slight build," he seldom, if ever, finds anything to fit in the men's department. That's when Amy steers him toward the women's department with side-splitting results.

      In these articles, Mr. Sedaris does take some pot shots at both Baptists and Jews, but it's all in fun. If you take them in the spirit in which they are intended, no insult can be taken.

     I enjoyed this recording immensely. Mr. Sedaris' timing and delivery are impeccable. He adds another dimension to his work in the reading of it--a very enjoyable dimension. So, pick up this disc. Put away the food and drink so you won't choke, and stay off the road. Then sit back, put your feet up and enjoy some hearty laughs. You'll be glad you did.