Calypso

I've listened to about 5 or 6 books by David Sedaris, and each one I go through the same internal struggle while reading/listening.  1. Oh boy, a new David Sedaris book. Can't wait. 2. Man I missed his humor. Hilarious. so funny. a bit raunchy. 3. Okay this is more than a bit raunchy.  4. Wow. I'm going to hell.  5. Okay that was funny. 6. So much truth!!!  7. Aw man, it's over. Sigh.  This one was no different, and that's a good thing. Each of the stories were funny, or interesting, or contained something that made me facepalm and laugh and want to clean my brain out with bleach. Already looking forward to the next collection.  Content/Recommendation - adults only, contains language, a reference to suicide, and sexual content, and homosexual content.

I love David Sedaris so much. His essays are brilliant, fumny and full of pathos. His genius is in the subtle way he comments on the Essence of the Human Condition. The profundity sneaks up on the listener. His stories draw his audience into a sense of intimacy with his whole family. He inspires me and fills my heart with joy!

Not my style, sorry, don’t consider this a novel.

One of Sedaris’ better combination of essays. There is a focus on “later in life” problems - managing a vacation home, losing a sibling, relationship with parents, etc. But as always, hilarious.

I love reading his books, but there is just something about hearing him…even better;)

I enjoyed Calypso as a light read with deeper undertones. The series of stories centers on the beach house Sedaris and his partner bought and share with his family. This allows the author to riff on many things that pass through his brain and tangentially or directly relate to family and house. As always, there are many laughs but there are also deeply serious topics as well; old age, sickness and death. It is often sweet, sometimes raunchy, insightful or silly. I think David Sedaris reading his work is the very best way to experience it, but in this book, studio reading was interspersed with live performances and I found that a little jarring. Not to worry though. It is an enjoyable journey through the mind of a one-of-a-kind author.

Great!!

An entertaining R-rated, yet hilarious Dave Berry style. A lot of rectal humor themes.

I love listening to David Sedaris reading his essays. It reminds me to laugh at the absurdities of life and to spend time with my family even if they sometimes make me crazy. This book is especially poignant at times (compared to his earlier ones) and anyone who struggles in their relationship with their parents or siblings will appreciate his honesty and perspectives. Definitely not for the faint of heart tho- some subject matter may be offensive to some but I loved every last bit of this book.

Am a long time David Sedaris fan. From This American Life to “Naked” (still my favorite) to “Me Talk Pretty” to several live shows and all his books, I very much enjoy and appreciate him. But not “Calypso”. I think it’s because Mr Sedaris seems to go out of his way here to show his meaner side — the one with little or no empathy for his sister lost to suicide or his father in his old age. The final story about his sister Tiffany and the closing on his father sadly reveal his coldness. Didn’t think that was David Sedaris. But he says so.

This is a perfect book for audio listening, especially read by David Sadaris himself. I found this book sad in parts, but mostly funny and honest.

most likely for an older demographic

I love this guys... and I’m looking forward to his next book...

Witty, cynical with ample amounts of compassion and real love... I love David’s worldview. Great read.