1. What better place to start a discussion of a Sedaris book than with the parts you find the funniest? Which parts make you LOL (laugh out loud)?
The parts that made me laugh was when I read The Youth In Asia, where every time a pet that his family had died, they would replace it with the same one. I laughed because it was the futility of it all.
2. Are there sections of the book you feel are snide or mean-spirited? Perhaps his criticism of Americans who visit Europe dressed "as if you've come to mow its lawns." Or perhaps the piece about his stint as a writing teacher. Is petulance a part of Sedaris's schtick...his charm?
His petulance is part of his charm because he always knows what to say so that the audience can relate to his stories in one way or another. The author also cracks a few jokes but not too many where the audience loses interest.
3. Talk about the Sedaris family, in particular his parents. How do they come across? Whom does he feel closest to? Sedaris makes an interesting statement about his father: it was a mystery that "a man could father six children who shared absolutely none of his interests." Is that unusual?
It's not unusual to not share any of the traits of the parents. Everyone grows up differently and everyone has a different perspective. Sedaris, in my own opinion, is closer to his brother. Even though he talks about the negative with his brother, he always finds a positive trait in his brother to negate it.
4. David Sedaris is a descendant of Woody Allen's brand of humor—personal idiosyncrasies or neuroses raised to an art form. What does Sedaris reveal about himself, his insecurities, angst, secret hostilities, and do you find those parts funny or somewhat touching, even sad? Actually, do you like Sedaris as he reveals himself in his book?
I like Sedaris because his angst and his revelation of his secrets and problems, brings a sense of closeness between the book and the audience. It allows the audience to feel like they're not alone when it comes to how bad they've messed up and the crazy adventures they've had.
1. The one story that I found the most humorous was the story where his father went through a stage of wanting his kids to form a band, and so he bought all of them instruments and bought all of them tutors, just for them to give up in the end. That one showed me how his family act and it was extremity funny to see how they hated that phase but went along with it anyways.
2- No, not really. Well, in the story where he is a writing teacher and doesn't really take the class or the students seriously. I thought that was offensive :(
3- The parents have the same energy as parents who are constantly winging it at parenting. If you've never heard of him, David's parents give off the same energy as John Mulaney's parents. They are hilarious and make parenting seem fun. He seemed closest to Paul, who so far he talked a lot about and found the most interesting, had the most conversations with, and got the most insight from him.
4- He reveals that he had a lisp and was sympathetic of others most of the time. He revealed that he was almost always embarrassed as a child, and hated being in the spotlight until he was older. He revealed that he took drugs, got off of them and created art. What I found funny was when they made fun of them for making a small salary. What I found sad was the chapter The Youth In Asia. It reveals how his family and he reacts to loss of pets or family; they seem to move on as soon as possible. I like that he's comfortable with sharing so much about himself and is completely blunt. it's refreshing and keeps me interested.
1) You Can’t Kill the Rooster with all of Paul’s parts literally had me weak, and Youth of Asia was pretty funny with the parents favoring the dog(s) over the children.
2) Actually, I do not believe that sections of the book are mean-spirited because it appears that Sedaris was and is kind- hearted, comical, and empathetic. But some of his work is petulant, as he describes his childhood.
3) His parents come across as nonchalant and uninterested in their children, and when they do interact, it usually comes across as comidically. He feels closest to Paul because they shared a variety of interests, and the same high-pitched voice. It is not unusual for a parent to produce children with a lack of similar interests because despite genetics, hobbies and interests are developed over time and environment.
4) Sedaris reveals that he is more flamboyant than most, and that his family is very dysfunctional and different. It is more so touching, and sad even, but audience find comical relief in his tone, and words. I do like Sedaris revealing himself to readers, it lets us feel closer to him.
1) His humor doesn't strike me. I was reading it and his tone is definitely casual and meant to invoke a positive, humorous reaction. I don't know if it's just me, but I never laugh reading books. It'd probably get a chuckle if I watched a movie version of the story.
2) There are some parts that are mean spirited but they are not offensive enough to remove the story's value. Petulance is a part of Sedaris' writing style and humor. It doesn't come off as him trying too hard to entertain a certain audience.
3) Sedaris talks about his father more than his mom, but they are both artistic people. He always had a tense relationship with his father as he forced Sedaris to play instruments and proceeded to humiliate him in his art showing many years later. He feels closer to his mom, but he doesn't actually spend a lot of time talking about her. The quote in regard to his father isn't unusual. It applies to my own family, where every one of my siblings and I are interested in different things that are not what my mom likes.
4) Sedaris is insecure and has no direction in his life. His father tried giving him something to be focused on, the guitar, but he quickly brushed it off. Later in the book, Sedaris states that he is not good at anything. He is deeply insecure about his lisp, going as far as to avoid saying anything with an 's.' He jokes about meth and being talented once he's high, but deep down that is actually pretty sad. Drugs are no joke, especially if they jeopardize your life (like it almost did with him).
1. A lot of Sedaris’ subtle humor, which comes in the form of a few words slipped in that completely alter a sentence or a quick little sentence slipped into a paragraph. The scene with the enormous poop in “Big Boy” was funny, not because of the subject matter particularly, but more because of how he portrayed his thoughts in such a way that I could relate to him and picture myself in the ridiculous situation.
2. I found the part where the returning student asked Sedaris: “ ‘Who do you think you are?,’ ” to which Sedaris’ responded “ ‘I am the only one who is paid to be in this room… Does anyone else have a stupid question for Mr. Sedaris?,’ ” was particularly snide, but it ultimately led to a roomful of laughter. I think that Sedaris’ petulance contributes to his humor, but I wouldn’t say it makes him particularly charmful.
3. Sedaris’ parents come across as ridiculous but likeable. Obviously they love their kids, as well as themselves, but they seem to love their pets, or particularly Melinda, more. Sedaris’ dad holds high expectations for his children but doesn’t come off as overbearing or despotic. It is unusual that none of Lou’s six kids share his interests because it’s not uncommon for an only child to share the passions of their parents, much less a household of six children.
4. Sedaris reveals that he is insecure about his voice, both its pitch and lisp. He also recounts feeling like a failure, both in failing his dad and in failing in college. I didn’t feel too bad for Sedaris when he revealed his aforementioned insecurities, mostly because when I’ve heard him in videos, his lisp isn’t unbearable, and now he’s a best selling author, so he’s obviously good at something. I personally have wondered if I would like to have been around Sedaris as he portrays himself in the book, but I feel like that at least part of the reason he comes off as distasteful is because Sedaris wishes to portray himself and the situations he finds himself in in a comedic light.
1.Youth in Asia was a fumy story. Just the whole concept behind it. The father kept replacing the animals as they were put down and the kids began thinking that he was going to replace their mother as well.
2.David Sedaris is very straight forward with his stories. He really gets to the point and doesn't seem to have a filter. I think people might find that as being a little mean spirited. I think he has good intentions with everything he is telling the reader because we see him get sympathetic through his stories.
3. His parents are very laid back. They allow a lot of things to happen. I don't really think its that they don't care I think it's more so letting their kids learn by themselves.
4. Sedaris reveals that he is apart of the LGBTQ community. He also talks about being embarrassed because he had a lisp and that he was very different from other kids. We also learn that in his 20's he started doing drugs and most people can't reveal stuff like that.
1.) I found Youth of Asia and Today's Special are some of the stories that I enjoyed the most. Although I didn't laugh out loud, most of the stories were entertaining and funny.
2.) There are some sections that seem snide because of the dark or sarcastic humor but I don't think they were meant to be in mean spirit. The snide jokes are a part of his humor and writing style.
3.) His parent are almost carefree and don't think too much about the way they parent. I think Sedaris' statement about his father is interesting but not unusual because it shows how his father is able to raise children despite differences which most parents are able to do.
4.) Sedaris has a self deprecating humor. He is insecure and not afraid to make fun of himself. Despite the humor, Sedaris is always able to deliver a serious message within his writing that makes the writer think without making them uncomfortable.
1. What better place to start a discussion of a Sedaris book than with the parts you find the funniest? Which parts make you LOL (laugh out loud)? - Personally, I don't find it very funny. They're simply stories to me. I could see where it could be comedic with him sort of including his internal thoughts in regards to the situations and with him coming up with analogies to compare the situations to, but nothing truly makes me laugh.
2. Are there sections of the book you feel are snide or mean-spirited? Perhaps his criticism of Americans who visit Europe dressed "as if you've come to mow its lawns." Or perhaps the piece about his stint as a writing teacher. Is petulance a part of Sedaris's schtick...his charm? -I think there are sections that could be a bit snide or controversial. His referring to people other than those who look like him and who come from the same place he comes from could be seen as derogatory. For example, "consort with Negroes." Being that this book was published in 2000, I wouldn't say that word is appropriate. Also, "the woman spoke with a heavy western North Carolina accent, which I used to discredit her authority," which is also offensive to southern speaking people. Another example is, "had he not been born to immigrant parents who considered even pot holders an extravagance," which could be seen as offensive and making a mockery of the seriousness of poverty, and also when he compares baking, watching movies with moms, and collecting rose petals to things that girls do, that could be sexist and limiting to both genders. Possibly, this is apart of his comedic effect though.
3. Talk about the Sedaris family, in particular his parents. How do they come across? Whom does he feel closest to? Sedaris makes an interesting statement about his father: it was a mystery that "a man could father six children who shared absolutely none of his interests." Is that unusual? -Although he talks more about his father, he and his siblings are more closely related to his mother and her hobbies, making his father seem indifferent in his own family, possibly more interesting. With that being said, I do find the "mystery" unusual because as a parent you should share some type of similarity to your children, at least something, but then again regardless if you do or you don't it is still your responsibility to parent.
4. David Sedaris is a descendant of Woody Allen's brand of humor—personal idiosyncrasies or neuroses raised to an art form. What does Sedaris reveal about himself, his insecurities, angst, secret hostilities, and do you find those parts funny or somewhat touching, even sad? Actually, do you like Sedaris as he reveals himself in his book? - So far I seen insecurities in his lisp, his sexuality, his relationships with his family members, what he is expected to do versus what he wants. I find that he makes this sad and realistic issues comedic in order to soften them, which I enjoy, but I also can see it as making a mockery of the seriousness of issues, which there is a very thin line between.
1. In my opinion, I don't really find this funny. It just isn't compatible with my sense of humor.
2. It seems a bit mean spirited when he didn't really care about what the kids were doing or children in Asia. His "mean spirited ways" are apart of his writing style and how he tells the stories. It's just his sense of humor that could be considered mean spirited, not him.
3. It is unusual that his father doesn't share interest with any o the children. Typically, kids take after their parents in a sense so for not one of them to have a common interest, is strange. Sedaris's parents come across as unprepared or like they don't have a parenting style.
4. I'm indifferent about when he "reveals himself," because the whole book is "him" in a sense, so I don't think it is essential for these moments to be here, but they do help. He lets us know things like the 12 moments in the life of an artist, and the part where he becomes a teacher.
1. I don't find anything severely funny. None of this has caused me to laugh out loud simply because reading his comedy style just isn't something that works for me. 2. David Sedaris' writing doesn't come off as mean spirited. I feel as if he's just blunt and doesn't sugarcoat so we can get a sense of understanding of his interpretation of his situations. Like the story about the speech therapist. He clearly didn't like the woman or the experience at the time he was there so Sedaris made sure to show that. To accurately display his memory. 4. As Sedaris unveils more and more of himself, we can find more to relate with him. Everything is meant to come off as funny but he's really just taking stressful, embarrassing, or even sad moments and spinning it. It's a thing I can respect and even enjoy at times.
1. What better place to start a discussion of a Sedaris book than with the parts you find the funniest? Which parts make you LOL (laugh out loud)?
ReplyDeleteThe parts that made me laugh was when I read The Youth In Asia, where every time a pet that his family had died, they would replace it with the same one. I laughed because it was the futility of it all.
2. Are there sections of the book you feel are snide or mean-spirited? Perhaps his criticism of Americans who visit Europe dressed "as if you've come to mow its lawns." Or perhaps the piece about his stint as a writing teacher. Is petulance a part of Sedaris's schtick...his charm?
His petulance is part of his charm because he always knows what to say so that the audience can relate to his stories in one way or another. The author also cracks a few jokes but not too many where the audience loses interest.
3. Talk about the Sedaris family, in particular his parents. How do they come across? Whom does he feel closest to? Sedaris makes an interesting statement about his father: it was a mystery that "a man could father six children who shared absolutely none of his interests." Is that unusual?
It's not unusual to not share any of the traits of the parents. Everyone grows up differently and everyone has a different perspective. Sedaris, in my own opinion, is closer to his brother. Even though he talks about the negative with his brother, he always finds a positive trait in his brother to negate it.
4. David Sedaris is a descendant of Woody Allen's brand of humor—personal idiosyncrasies or neuroses raised to an art form. What does Sedaris reveal about himself, his insecurities, angst, secret hostilities, and do you find those parts funny or somewhat touching, even sad? Actually, do you like Sedaris as he reveals himself in his book?
I like Sedaris because his angst and his revelation of his secrets and problems, brings a sense of closeness between the book and the audience. It allows the audience to feel like they're not alone when it comes to how bad they've messed up and the crazy adventures they've had.
1. The one story that I found the most humorous was the story where his father went through a stage of wanting his kids to form a band, and so he bought all of them instruments and bought all of them tutors, just for them to give up in the end. That one showed me how his family act and it was extremity funny to see how they hated that phase but went along with it anyways.
ReplyDelete2- No, not really. Well, in the story where he is a writing teacher and doesn't really take the class or the students seriously. I thought that was offensive :(
3- The parents have the same energy as parents who are constantly winging it at parenting. If you've never heard of him, David's parents give off the same energy as John Mulaney's parents. They are hilarious and make parenting seem fun. He seemed closest to Paul, who so far he talked a lot about and found the most interesting, had the most conversations with, and got the most insight from him.
4- He reveals that he had a lisp and was sympathetic of others most of the time. He revealed that he was almost always embarrassed as a child, and hated being in the spotlight until he was older. He revealed that he took drugs, got off of them and created art. What I found funny was when they made fun of them for making a small salary. What I found sad was the chapter The Youth In Asia. It reveals how his family and he reacts to loss of pets or family; they seem to move on as soon as possible. I like that he's comfortable with sharing so much about himself and is completely blunt. it's refreshing and keeps me interested.
1) You Can’t Kill the Rooster with all of Paul’s parts literally had me weak, and Youth of Asia was pretty funny with the parents favoring the dog(s) over the children.
ReplyDelete2) Actually, I do not believe that sections of the book are mean-spirited because it appears that Sedaris was and is kind- hearted, comical, and empathetic. But some of his work is petulant, as he describes his childhood.
3) His parents come across as nonchalant and uninterested in their children, and when they do interact, it usually comes across as comidically. He feels closest to Paul because they shared a variety of interests, and the same high-pitched voice. It is not unusual for a parent to produce children with a lack of similar interests because despite genetics, hobbies and interests are developed over time and environment.
4) Sedaris reveals that he is more flamboyant than most, and that his family is very dysfunctional and different. It is more so touching, and sad even, but audience find comical relief in his tone, and words. I do like Sedaris revealing himself to readers, it lets us feel closer to him.
1) His humor doesn't strike me. I was reading it and his tone is definitely casual and meant to invoke a positive, humorous reaction. I don't know if it's just me, but I never laugh reading books. It'd probably get a chuckle if I watched a movie version of the story.
ReplyDelete2) There are some parts that are mean spirited but they are not offensive enough to remove the story's value. Petulance is a part of Sedaris' writing style and humor. It doesn't come off as him trying too hard to entertain a certain audience.
3) Sedaris talks about his father more than his mom, but they are both artistic people. He always had a tense relationship with his father as he forced Sedaris to play instruments and proceeded to humiliate him in his art showing many years later. He feels closer to his mom, but he doesn't actually spend a lot of time talking about her. The quote in regard to his father isn't unusual. It applies to my own family, where every one of my siblings and I are interested in different things that are not what my mom likes.
4) Sedaris is insecure and has no direction in his life. His father tried giving him something to be focused on, the guitar, but he quickly brushed it off. Later in the book, Sedaris states that he is not good at anything. He is deeply insecure about his lisp, going as far as to avoid saying anything with an 's.' He jokes about meth and being talented once he's high, but deep down that is actually pretty sad. Drugs are no joke, especially if they jeopardize your life (like it almost did with him).
1. A lot of Sedaris’ subtle humor, which comes in the form of a few words slipped in that completely alter a sentence or a quick little sentence slipped into a paragraph. The scene with the enormous poop in “Big Boy” was funny, not because of the subject matter particularly, but more because of how he portrayed his thoughts in such a way that I could relate to him and picture myself in the ridiculous situation.
ReplyDelete2. I found the part where the returning student asked Sedaris: “ ‘Who do you think you are?,’ ” to which Sedaris’ responded “ ‘I am the only one who is paid to be in this room… Does anyone else have a stupid question for Mr. Sedaris?,’ ” was particularly snide, but it ultimately led to a roomful of laughter. I think that Sedaris’ petulance contributes to his humor, but I wouldn’t say it makes him particularly charmful.
3. Sedaris’ parents come across as ridiculous but likeable. Obviously they love their kids, as well as themselves, but they seem to love their pets, or particularly Melinda, more. Sedaris’ dad holds high expectations for his children but doesn’t come off as overbearing or despotic. It is unusual that none of Lou’s six kids share his interests because it’s not uncommon for an only child to share the passions of their parents, much less a household of six children.
4. Sedaris reveals that he is insecure about his voice, both its pitch and lisp. He also recounts feeling like a failure, both in failing his dad and in failing in college. I didn’t feel too bad for Sedaris when he revealed his aforementioned insecurities, mostly because when I’ve heard him in videos, his lisp isn’t unbearable, and now he’s a best selling author, so he’s obviously good at something. I personally have wondered if I would like to have been around Sedaris as he portrays himself in the book, but I feel like that at least part of the reason he comes off as distasteful is because Sedaris wishes to portray himself and the situations he finds himself in in a comedic light.
1.Youth in Asia was a fumy story. Just the whole concept behind it. The father kept replacing the animals as they were put down and the kids began thinking that he was going to replace their mother as well.
ReplyDelete2.David Sedaris is very straight forward with his stories. He really gets to the point and doesn't seem to have a filter. I think people might find that as being a little mean spirited. I think he has good intentions with everything he is telling the reader because we see him get sympathetic through his stories.
3. His parents are very laid back. They allow a lot of things to happen. I don't really think its that they don't care I think it's more so letting their kids learn by themselves.
4. Sedaris reveals that he is apart of the LGBTQ community. He also talks about being embarrassed because he had a lisp and that he was very different from other kids. We also learn that in his 20's he started doing drugs and most people can't reveal stuff like that.
1.) I found Youth of Asia and Today's Special are some of the stories that I enjoyed the most. Although I didn't laugh out loud, most of the stories were entertaining and funny.
ReplyDelete2.) There are some sections that seem snide because of the dark or sarcastic humor but I don't think they were meant to be in mean spirit. The snide jokes are a part of his humor and writing style.
3.) His parent are almost carefree and don't think too much about the way they parent. I think Sedaris' statement about his father is interesting but not unusual because it shows how his father is able to raise children despite differences which most parents are able to do.
4.) Sedaris has a self deprecating humor. He is insecure and not afraid to make fun of himself. Despite the humor, Sedaris is always able to deliver a serious message within his writing that makes the writer think without making them uncomfortable.
1. What better place to start a discussion of a Sedaris book than with the parts you find the funniest? Which parts make you LOL (laugh out loud)?
ReplyDelete- Personally, I don't find it very funny. They're simply stories to me. I could see where it could be comedic with him sort of including his internal thoughts in regards to the situations and with him coming up with analogies to compare the situations to, but nothing truly makes me laugh.
2. Are there sections of the book you feel are snide or mean-spirited? Perhaps his criticism of Americans who visit Europe dressed "as if you've come to mow its lawns." Or perhaps the piece about his stint as a writing teacher. Is petulance a part of Sedaris's schtick...his charm?
-I think there are sections that could be a bit snide or controversial. His referring to people other than those who look like him and who come from the same place he comes from could be seen as derogatory. For example, "consort with Negroes." Being that this book was published in 2000, I wouldn't say that word is appropriate. Also, "the woman spoke with a heavy western North Carolina accent, which I used to discredit her authority," which is also offensive to southern speaking people. Another example is, "had he not been born to immigrant parents who considered even pot holders an extravagance," which could be seen as offensive and making a mockery of the seriousness of poverty, and also when he compares baking, watching movies with moms, and collecting rose petals to things that girls do, that could be sexist and limiting to both genders. Possibly, this is apart of his comedic effect though.
3. Talk about the Sedaris family, in particular his parents. How do they come across? Whom does he feel closest to? Sedaris makes an interesting statement about his father: it was a mystery that "a man could father six children who shared absolutely none of his interests." Is that unusual?
-Although he talks more about his father, he and his siblings are more closely related to his mother and her hobbies, making his father seem indifferent in his own family, possibly more interesting. With that being said, I do find the "mystery" unusual because as a parent you should share some type of similarity to your children, at least something, but then again regardless if you do or you don't it is still your responsibility to parent.
4. David Sedaris is a descendant of Woody Allen's brand of humor—personal idiosyncrasies or neuroses raised to an art form. What does Sedaris reveal about himself, his insecurities, angst, secret hostilities, and do you find those parts funny or somewhat touching, even sad? Actually, do you like Sedaris as he reveals himself in his book?
- So far I seen insecurities in his lisp, his sexuality, his relationships with his family members, what he is expected to do versus what he wants. I find that he makes this sad and realistic issues comedic in order to soften them, which I enjoy, but I also can see it as making a mockery of the seriousness of issues, which there is a very thin line between.
1. In my opinion, I don't really find this funny. It just isn't compatible with my sense of humor.
ReplyDelete2. It seems a bit mean spirited when he didn't really care about what the kids were doing or children in Asia. His "mean spirited ways" are apart of his writing style and how he tells the stories. It's just his sense of humor that could be considered mean spirited, not him.
3. It is unusual that his father doesn't share interest with any o the children. Typically, kids take after their parents in a sense so for not one of them to have a common interest, is strange. Sedaris's parents come across as unprepared or like they don't have a parenting style.
4. I'm indifferent about when he "reveals himself," because the whole book is "him" in a sense, so I don't think it is essential for these moments to be here, but they do help. He lets us know things like the 12 moments in the life of an artist, and the part where he becomes a teacher.
1. I don't find anything severely funny. None of this has caused me to laugh out loud simply because reading his comedy style just isn't something that works for me.
ReplyDelete2. David Sedaris' writing doesn't come off as mean spirited. I feel as if he's just blunt and doesn't sugarcoat so we can get a sense of understanding of his interpretation of his situations. Like the story about the speech therapist. He clearly didn't like the woman or the experience at the time he was there so Sedaris made sure to show that. To accurately display his memory.
4. As Sedaris unveils more and more of himself, we can find more to relate with him. Everything is meant to come off as funny but he's really just taking stressful, embarrassing, or even sad moments and spinning it. It's a thing I can respect and even enjoy at times.