Sedaris Giveaway

Sunday, June 19, 2011


I've said before how much I love David Sedaris' sense of humor, particularly on audio, but I don't think I've ever mentioned his sister Amy. She is a comedian in her own right and has been in tons of TV shows and movies (Elf, Strangers With Candy, Sex and the City, etc.). A few years ago I read her book I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence and it was hilarious.

Now both she and her brother have new books out. I thought I would take this opportunity to share some Sedaris love and give away a copy of each of their new books, Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People by Amy Sedaris and Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris. I'm giving away the audiobook version of both, because I think that's the best way to experience their work.

I haven't read either of these yet, so I can't say whether I love them, but I can say that their other books crack me up.

To enter, leave a comment below with the following info:

1) Your e-mail address

2) What book or author never fails to make you laugh?

For a BONUS entry:
If you've been to New York City, tell me your favorite thing you did there. I'm especially curious to hear bookstore recommendations (I've been to the Strand), places with literary significance or things to do in Brooklyn.

The giveaway will close on Friday, June 24, and the winner will be chosen at random.

16 comments:

Anne said...

My answer to your question is easy, it is David Sedaris. I can open Me Talk Pretty one Day to just about any page and start laughing. I love that book. Thanks for the oppurtunity to win one of these great books!

annesbookgarden@gmail.com

Carey said...

I have never read any David Sedaris, but have been meaning to for awhile. I am actually finding a lot of humor in Thackeray's Vanity Fair (currently reading for Allie's June read-along)which I never would have expected. I also loved My Life in France because of Julia Child's unexpected wit.
Although I live in NY, I have only ever been to NY City twice: once on my senior trip and once for a Tori Amos concert at Madison Square Garden. I have never been to The Strand, but would really like to!

chab256 at yahoo dot com

Elisabeth said...

Love Sedaris, haven't read this one!

The New York Public Library is my pick for the city.

ladybook21 at yahoo dot com

B said...

I had no idea Sedaris' sister was a writer as well. I can only imagine that she's just as funny.

Book Court in Brooklyn is my favorite bookstore in the borough. I'd recommend stopping in there.

bkalmer (at) gmail (dot) com

Jenners said...

Greatest giveaway ever!! I'm a fan of both the Sedaris's but have only read David ... not listened to him though I hear that is the way to go. I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to win. Let's see. My e-mail address is jenners (at) verizon.net. Book/author that made me laugh: How To Be A Famous Novelist by Steve Hely.

In NYC, be sure to check out Crumbs Bake Shop. Giant delicious cupcakes as big as your head!!!!

Jeanne said...

Don't enter me, please; I own everything David writes, and have dipped into Amy's stuff a bit. What never fails to crack me up is the essay Six to Eight Black Men from Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.

In NYC, you can't miss the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Have you ever read From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler? We also like MOMA. If I were going there, I'd try to get tickets to The Book of Mormon!!

Carl V. Anderson said...

What a wonderful idea. I'd love a chance to listen to either. I've listened to several of David Sedaris' books on audio and they never fail to make me laugh hard but also choke up a bit. He is very skilled at telling a story.

P.G. Wodehouse is an author who never fails to make me laugh. No matter if I'm reading a novel or one of his many short stories I always end up laughing aloud and then have to re-read the story/passage to my wife. I also remember cracking up frequently years ago when reading the Neil Gaiman/Terry Pratchett collaboration, Good Omens.

I used to visit NYC regularly as I have a good friend who lives there but haven't been able to afford to do so these last several years. Can't give any bookstore recommendations besides The Strand. We see a lot of Broadway and off-Broadway shows whenever I go. Some of my favorites in the past have been off-Broadway, featuring the work of Moliere and Oscar Wilde.

BookQuoter said...

Shame on me, have not read a single Sedaris book yet even though there are a lot scattered all around the house (my daughter's). For some reason, she is not sure I will enjoy it. Maybe I should give it a try.
bookquoteratgmaildotcom

Jonathan Troper's one book- This Is Where I Leave You is really funny. You've read it right?

My only book related experience in NY is the Strand. Usually, I catch shows when I am there. The next time will be in 7 weeks, we have tickets for Anything Goes and Daniel Radcliffe's play (How To Succeed in Business), Yay!!!

BTW, if you change your comment setting to drop down instead of embed under post, I can sign in regularly with my picture:) Don't know why blogger is still being weird for me.

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

David Sedaris is a wonderful author that always makes me laugh. I haven't read these books so I'd love a chance to win.

bibliophilebythesea AT gmail DOT com

Cori said...

Bill Bryson never fails -- In a Sunburned Country and The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid are two of his funniest. :)

One of my favorite photos of me and three of my book-loving friends is outside the NY Public Library with the giant stone lions. Inside the library are some really great exhibits -- it's not just books!

cori DOT ashley AT gmail DOT com

Tanu said...

I have yet to listen to "Me Talk Pretty One Day." I did enjoy his other work. (I did find Holidays on Ice a little disturbing)

I think Celia Rivenbark is hilarious and I enjoy listening to her books.

tanu164(at)hotmail(dot)com

Kristi said...

A J Jacobs Guinea Pig Diaries made me laugh out loud quite a bit. I haven't read any of his others but I've heard they're better.

Amy Sedaris is really funny. I've seen her as a guest star on a few of the shows that I watch. I started one of David Sedaris' books but had to return it to the library before I finished. I need to eventually pick it back up. What I did read, was pretty great.

I've never been to New York so have fun if your headed there. My husband's been without me for work about five or six times. Punk! :)

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

Thanks for all the great tips for both books and NYC!

BookQuoter - I changed the comment format and I hope it works better for you now. Thanks for letting me know!

BookQuoter said...

Yay, saves me so much time too, don't have to type my name and URL. Thanks so much, that means a lot.

Enbrethiliel said...

+JMJ+

If this is international, please enter me! =) I've been curious about Sedaris ever since he was mentioned in a six-word memoir by someone who did nothing at summer camp but read his anecdotes. I can relate to the lonely but literate teen who wrote that memoir.

As for your question . . . A writer who can always make me laugh is P.G. Wodehouse.

Thanks, Melissa! =)

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

BookQuoter - Absolutely, I'm glad that makes it easier! I haven't read Troper's book yet, but obviously I need to. I tried to get tickets to How To Succeed in Business, but the tickets were sold out for days I'm going to be there. I was bummed.