Yeah, I already finished another book. Reading is about all I can manage right now. So, this is the latest essay collection by David Sedaris, a writer I’ve always found funny. A lot of his funniness comes from his voice when he’s reading his essays, which I’ve enjoyed more than once. The Santaland Diaries is really great. I got his latest collection, The Land and its People (2026), on my most recent foray into Barnes and Noble, and the book’s time at the top of the to-read list finally arrived. I was ready for something not about nuclear warheads, for sure.
I do find the rants of an aging gay New Yorker comforting and entertaining. I don’t find them uproariously funny but that’s okay. I’m sure I’d be guffawing more if I knew (or cared) more about life in New York City among the literate elites. But at least I’m fairly culturally literate, so I followed most of the references to famous people and their buddies who hang out in fancy restaurants and hotels.
You know, I just might not be in the mood for rich people feeling sorry for themselves, me included (borderline). So don’t let my negativity steer you away from this collection. There are some gems in there, especially toward the end. I giggled at the essay about how people mispronounce words they e never heard aloud before —there were some new ones in there for me. And I enjoy his undying love for his husband and siblings (especially Amy and Gretchen).
I’d say if you like self-deprecating humor and wry observations of the human condition, you can’t go wrong with anything David Sadaris writes. And the f you get a chance to see him live, treat yourself to the performance!
Discover more from The Hermits' Rest
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
The Hermits' Rest 