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DRESS YOUR FAMILY IN CORDUROY AND DENIM by David Sedaris
Maybe I'm missing something. I always worry about my intellect (or lack of it) when I read a critically acclaimed author and find myself thinking, "What do they see in him?" This is the way I felt throughout my reading of David Sedaris' latest bestselling collection of essays, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.
Yes, he's witty. Yes, his observations are interesting. But his subject matter is so awful. I felt like I was eavesdropping on someone's therapy session when they got to the part that made them squirm. Look - we all have eccentric families, horrible Halloween stories, weird siblings - but Sedaris obsesses on the unpleasant. I feel like he's whining without the dignity that would make it interesting.
The word I would use to describe much of the book is icky. He talks about his early homosexual thoughts and actions and the grotesque habits of his sister and brother. It's just so self-absorbed, so much contemplating his navel, which has lint in it as it turns out.
I've heard that his ealier bestseller, Me Talk Pretty One Day, is much better, but I doubt I will give it a try after this one. One David Sedaris book is probably enough for me. If you're looking for a compelling collection of essays, read Anna Quindlen and skip Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. On the Book Beat for KSL Newsradio 1160, I'm Amanda Dickson.
