When You Are Engulfed in Flame

So I recently had the pleasure of discovering David Sedaris when I picked up When You Are Engulfed in Flames at a rummage sale for $.25. Sedaris, an American humorist whose books have sold more than 7 million copies worldwide, makes his living by observing every day phenomena with a dry wit and sardonic humor that enliven common experiences like air travel.

In his seventh published work, Sedaris takes on the stunning horrors of middle age and the realization of his own impending mortality. He tackles everything from quitting smoking, to the mundane but comforting rhythms of long-term relationships, to the indignities of ass boils. The fact that Sedaris has sold so many books should tell you that he does all of this in a snarky, funny way that makes him a worthy cultural observer. His position as a tongue-in-cheek chronicler of our time is made all the more unique as he's an unabashedly gay man and naturally, writes from his perspective as such.

I enjoyed Sedaris' work primarily for his voice, though if you only have a chance to read one of his books, I would recommend Me Talk Pretty One Day, which I review here.