Barrel Fever Stories and Essays

I really enjoyed Don's Story, Season's Greetings..., Giantess, and the SantaLand Diaries from this book. It is hard listening to the author read all of his work though because it sounds so autobiographical and the stories feature many of the same characters, so it's difficult to keep them separate.

Sedaris has a remarkable ability to step out of his own persona and into those of his colorful characters with ease. The diversity of this collection is wonderful-- makes for a good laugh and a catalyst for empathy.

I've read Sedaris 'backwards', newest to oldest. He has really mellowed nicely with age. I find this book, one of his earlier compilations, borders on the caustic...funny.. but acerbic. Still very glad to read all that I can by this extremely talented humorist.

His earlier work- not as engaging, and probably more disturbing for the average reader. He has not led a boring life, has he?