Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve always found it hard to find really funny books – as in, laughing out loud kind of funny.
That’s why I’m forever grateful I listened to the (possibly thousands of) rave reviews of renowned humourist David Sedaris’ work and began reading his books.
After devouring Me Talk Pretty One Day (2000) and Happy-Go-Lucky (2022) I was thrilled to find Naked (1997) second-hand. At this point, I see “Sedaris” printed on the cover, and I know I’m in for a great time.
There’s nothing better than sipping a coffee and cackling at a funny book, and that was me reading the excellent Naked.
Sedaris is self-effacing while at the same time hilariously caustic. He turns his wit to every possible personal topic – his job working as an apple-picker, his harrowing adventures hitchhiking, and his confronting visit to a nudist colony. (Hence the title of this collection.)
My favourite story in Naked was Next of Kin, wherein a young David finds a pornographic book discarded in the woods near his house. The effect the book’s contents have on him and his family is downright hilarious.
Sedaris also pens a touching story about his mother’s death from cancer that manages to be both very sad and funny at the same time. His writing is never maudlin, but always sensitive and keenly observed.
Sedaris’ essays are so engaging, I flew through this book and I’m onto the next, Calypso (2018). I’ve only read a few pages so far, and it’s already fantastic.
Cherie lives, works, and reads in beautiful Tasmania – the green island gem below Australia known for its gorgeous landscape and beautiful wildlife. She holds multiple academic qualifications in English, journalism, and fine art theory, and has worked in writing, editing, and communications roles for more than a decade. Most importantly, she has a deep love for books that began as soon as she learned how to read.
Old, new, any genre – for Cherie, reading is about as vital as breathing. She is interested in sharing books that move, excite, and compel, so others can share the joy of a truly great read. While she reads across most genres, her favourite is literary fiction. Particularly anything by Margaret Atwood, Ottessa Moshfegh, Kate Atkinson, Elizabeth Berg, Ann Patchett, and Anne Tyler.
Cherie frequents Tasmania’s beautiful boutique book shops as well as scouring secondhand shops for books to add to her extensive home library. Catch up with her on LinkedIn and on Instagram.
