THE BASICS
- Title: Calypso
- Author: David Sedaris
- Genre: Nonfiction Essays
- Structure: First-person narrative
- First Line: “Though there’s an industry built on telling you otherwise, there are few real joys in middle age.”
Synopsis: David Sedaris returns with his most deeply personal and darkly hilarious book. If you’ve ever laughed your way through David Sedaris’s cheerfully misanthropic stories, you might think you know what you’re getting with Calypso. You’d be wrong. When he buys a beach house on the Carolina coast, Sedaris envisions long, relaxing vacations spent playing board games and lounging in the sun with those he loves most. And life at the Sea Section, as he names the vacation home, is exactly as idyllic as he imagined, except for one tiny, vexing realization: it’s impossible to take a vacation from yourself. With Calypso, Sedaris sets his formidable powers of observation toward middle age and mortality. Make no mistake: these stories are very, very funny–it’s a book that can make you laugh ’til you snort, the way only family can. Sedaris’s powers of observation have never been sharper, and his ability to shock readers into laughter unparalleled. But much of the comedy here is born out of that vertiginous moment when your own body betrays you and you realize that the story of your life is made up of more past than future. This is beach reading for people who detest beaches, required reading for those who loathe small talk and love a good tumor joke. Calypso is simultaneously Sedaris’s darkest and warmest book yet–and it just might be his very best.
THE GOOD
Oh, how I love David Sedaris! This book was such the perfect pick-me-up that I needed. I dragged it with me everywhere because I just had to get to the next essay!
- David Sedaris is hilariously relatable. I want to hang out with this guy. I want to have him over for coffee (the overly expensive, but you go for it because it’s good kind) and chat away. I don’t usually have that reaction to people because I’m so introverted and shy. But, David Sedaris will just make you feel okay with where you’re at in life. He’s a comforting person.
- You will be laughing from page one and I’ll eat this book if you’re not. It is super hard to be funny in writing. Most of the time, it’s cringe-worthy, like the author was trying too hard or their sense of humor is weird, immature, or creepy. Not this book! David Sedaris is the King of Fantastic Humor.
- Even though Sedaris puts his great sense of humor into each essay, he approaches some pretty deep life situations, including addiction, homophobia, and death. They’re each approached in a way that makes you feel safe enough to approach them with him, which I appreciate.
- This is a super fast read. You can probably read this during a road trip or on the plane, easy. The essays are short and impactful. He’s a writer that gets to the point, which means the book is constantly moving.
- This is a great summer read. Throw it in your beach or pool bag and you’ll be in good company while you enjoy some sun. There’s not many books that make me think “summer”, but I think this one does in particular because there’s so many scenes set at his summer home off the east coast.
THE UNFAVORABLE BITS
I really don’t have anything to add for this section. I think this book is incredibly well written, interesting, and hilarious. There are a couple moments where the switch from funny jokes to serious thoughts is a rough and a little rocky, but other than that, I have nothing to say for this section. (Which, by the way, never happens!)
As always, I give you a heads up about strong language or graphics in case you’re sensitive, or if the person you’re recommending the book to is sensitive. This book does have some strong language, but it’s few and far between.
CONCLUSION
I rate this book an easy 5/5 stars. David Sedaris is hilarious, relatable, and thought-provoking. This book has been highly rated by many for these reasons. It’s a quick read. It’s perfect for when you only have a couple hours to sit down or if you’re hoping to kill time with something good. Don’t even bother adding it to a “list” because you won’t want to put it down!
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I received Calypso from the Book of the Month Club. It was so great to receive personalized book recommendations at my doorstep! Honestly, I’m not sure if I would’ve picked up and experienced Calypso if it wasn’t for BOTM. You can join the club here for under $15 a month!
