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Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls
Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls | David Sedaris
117 posts | 285 read | 3 reading | 91 to read
A guy walks into a bar car and...From here the story could take many turns. When this guy is David Sedaris, the possibilities are endless, but the result is always the same: he will both delight you with twists of humor and intelligence and leave you deeply moved. Sedaris remembers his father's dinnertime attire (shirtsleeves and underpants), his first colonoscopy (remarkably pleasant), and the time he considered buying the skeleton of a murdered Pygmy. With Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls, David Sedaris shows once again why his work has been called "hilarious, elegant, and surprisingly moving" (Washington Post).
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keepingupwiththepenguins
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Pickpick

Every David Sedaris book is like a treat for me. I hoard them like chocolates in a secret corner of the fridge, and pull them out when I need something sinful and delicious. Reading Let‘s Explore Diabetes With Owls was another wicked delight, and I‘m already eagerly anticipating my next treat from Sedaris. Full review: https://keepingupwiththepenguins.com/lets-explore-diabetes-with-owls-david-sedar...

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JackOBotts
Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I didn‘t enjoy this quite as much as his other collections, but did get a few chuckles from his observations/commentary. My favorite was the chapter on Journaling (“Day In, Day Out”).
#Roll100 for July

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Murphytall
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Pickpick

David Sedaris is always a good bet if you enjoy hysterical short stories about his life. Be forewarned, you will laugh aloud very loudly and people will stare at you!

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britt_brooke
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️ I #reread this last week before seeing Sedaris speak on Saturday. I think this was my third time through, so I‘m not full-on reviewing it again. It‘s not my favorite of his, but still a good way to kill a few hours.

Cinfhen How was he????? OMG!!! Share!!!! 3y
britt_brooke @Cinfhen So fun! (I tagged you in my post from that night now so you can see the photos) 3y
Cinfhen Woohoo!! I know you‘ve seen him before. Im sure he was funny and entertaining 💚 3y
KatieB I was supposed to be seeing him in Vancouver this weekend but it‘s been rescheduled (again) to February. Just building the anticipation! 3y
britt_brooke @KatieB Ugh! I‘m so sorry you have to keep waiting. 💚 3y
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Ericalambbrown
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Pickpick

Listened to this charming little ditty whilst dealing with dental work today. I just love David Sedaris‘s work. And listening to him read it is even better. I love his snark and self-deprecating honesty when he admits himself to be a less than good person. There was even a funny story about how he enjoys his visits to his French periodontist. 😂

britt_brooke I love him so much! Definitely a favorite author. 💚 4y
Ericalambbrown @britt_brooke Me, too! Some of his essays are go-to pick-me-ups when I need to listen to something to boost my mood. 4y
56 likes2 comments
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Kris10H
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Mehso-so

My Rating: 3.5/5
It wasn't bad...it just wasn't entirely my thing. Some "chapters" were more enjoyable than others; the ones where he writes as if someone else were a bit disorienting.

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perfectsinner
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Mehso-so

3 star

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perfectsinner
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First book in a minute
Work has me stressed so that's probably why I am attempting a short story collection

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jmofo
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Mehso-so

This is a Sedaris book. There was one story that had me laughing aloud but, by and large, it was more of a chuckle-inducer. Still, he seems somewhat magical to me, that he has the life he has.
#doublespin book complete, now let‘s see if I can get a bingo. @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 4y
22 likes1 comment
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acw
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Pickpick

Like most Sedaris books, I‘m left laughing for hours. This one was no different. It unfortunately added extra envy with all the places he talks about having travelled to - not being great to read about when you‘re stuck in quarantine and wanting nothing more than to travel and get out of the house. Nevertheless, another comedy masterpiece.

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hike.read.repeat
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Mehso-so

Another Meg & Dia book club pick. I wasn‘t stoked about reading this one but I did it anyway bc I was excited about the book club. When David Sedaris is on This American Life, I tend to skip his parts. His humor is just not my cup of tea. There are some funny observations and points of view tho and I found myself laughing at parts. It was easier to get through the audiobook version.

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Jari-chan
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Mehso-so

Well... Maybe the humour genre isn't made for me? Or I'm not made for the humour genre? I can't tell. But most of those stories just left me asking myself “What now?“ or “What does the author want to tell me?“.

There are some good stories to be found here, but many are pretty cynical and Sedaris sure does cross some borders. Sometimes it was to much, even for me.

Buechersuechtling From the combination of your review with the database entry, I deduct, that the book in fact has absolutely nothing to do with owls 🦉 or diabetes 🍽, has it❓🤔 5y
Jari-chan @Buechersuechtling Well, there is a story about owls. Or rather about owl statues. And as far as I remember (already starting to forget the stories) there's another story where diabetes is mentioned. But that's basically it. 5y
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j.rye
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The first essay really hit home. After I got declared my love for owls at seven, I have received every owl gift imaginable. I‘m into my thirties and still feign my love for whatever owl knick knack my grandma proudly presents me. ❤️👵🏻

Megabooks You and David Sedaris! 5y
30 likes1 comment
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lehnuh
Pickpick

This was his second book that I have read and I really enjoyed it. His collection of essays in this book were enjoyable and funny to read. I had the pleasure of seeing him give a lecture and read some of his essays in October. So thankful for my friend who introduced him to me! Can‘t wait to read another of his books!

LoverOfLearning Very cool that you got to see him teach! 5y
6 likes1 comment
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Balibee146
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Mehso-so

I really wanted and expected to love this. It has some wonderful turns of phrase and off beat observations but somehow it was underwhelming and left me cold. Disappointed 😢

TrishB Hate when they don‘t meet expectations! 5y
Balibee146 @TrishB exactly.... I think the problem was my expectations and a disability related remark that though fairly mild I just couldn't stomach! 5y
TrishB That‘s when you get mad with the book and then can‘t really enjoy anyway! 5y
50 likes3 comments
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lehnuh
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Current read. Complete with a cat on my lap. Happy first day of Christmas break! ☺️

Mitch13 I enjoyed his book engulfed in flames ... will read that one when you are finished 5y
rather_be_reading welcome to litsy 📚☕📚 @LitsyWelcomeWagon 5y
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Minervasbutler
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Pickpick

The majority of the book is taken up with reminiscences about his childhood (generally hilarious) and early life with a few satirical/political "impersonation" pieces thrown in (less successful in my view, because the targets were a bit obvious). Not much is off-limits, and the China pages are borderline racist though no doubt he'd argue he's just reporting what he saw. I didn't go for more than a couple of pages without a snort of laughter.

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Minervasbutler
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Who said chivalry is dead ;)

Laura317 😂At least he‘s honest. 5y
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Minervasbutler
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Haha so true!

Cathythoughts Yes, I never understood “ offside” in Rugby 🙈🤷🏻‍♀️even though my son played for years .... sports rules are beyond me ... I like to watch the games though - I could never be an analyst. I‘m out of that discussion 😬 (edited) 5y
Minervasbutler @Cathythoughts I don't think anyone really understands the rules of rugby ;) 5y
Cathythoughts I‘ll ask my son about that 😂he‘s reffing now .... mad game. I could have done with a few Xanax when I was watching him play though 😱 5y
Clare-Dragonfly One of the reasons I hated sports in gym class! I didn‘t know the rules! 5y
69 likes4 comments
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Minervasbutler
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Lol

Lreads Sums up my childhood! 5y
AmyG Ha. Quote of my home, by my parents, was....Our house, our rules. 5y
scowler1 That's just brilliant. I know what I did wrong now. 5y
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Come-read-with-me
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Pickpick

Sedaris is at his sarcastic, witty, razor sharp best in this collection of essays. My favourites were “Obama!!!!” and “A Guy Walks into a Bar Car.” Through his often acerbic humour Sedaris,as always, offers interesting insights into life and how society influences individual choices.

britt_brooke I love him. 💚 5y
Come-read-with-me @britt_brooke I do too! This is one of his better books (although they are all wonderful!) 5y
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CoffeeNBooks
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My current audiobook while walking on the treadmill. #audiowalking

Megabooks 👍🏻👍🏻🎧 5y
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LibLib
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Pickpick

The last book of his I read left me frustrated and annoyed so I was a bit hesitant to listen to this, but I figured I'd give it a try since I would be listening to him reading instead. THANK GOODNESS I DID! There were many moments that had me laughing out loud. I'd listen to this walking home and I'm sure there were some people that thought I was crazy laughing aloud, but I don't care, I couldn't hold it in. #audiobook #hilarious #audiowalk

JackOBotts Which was your last read? 5y
LibLib @JackOBotts it was Me Talk Pretty One Day. 5y
JackOBotts 🤔 Hmmm...I remember really enjoying that one. I‘m glad Let‘s Explore...fared better for you! 👍🏼 5y
LibLib @JackOBotts I think the reason I had a hard time with it was because it was difficult reading how he navigated life when addicted to meth. So the book was probably good, I was just struggling with how crazy his life was haha 5y
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jb72
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Pickpick

#funny
This is the second Sedaris book I‘ve read. It is pretty funny although not as funny as his Christmas stories. I listened to it on audio which makes them a bit more funny. 👍🏻 🦉

akckitty I have yet to read a book that made me genuinely laugh, so that's great! 5y
jb72 @akckitty Two of his books made me laugh. Also A Walk In the Woods by Bill Bryson made me laugh out loud at work. 5y
akckitty @jb72 thanks so much for the recs! 💙 5y
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dgingo
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Pickpick

My first David Sedaris audio book, and it probably won‘t be my last. Neurotic, quirky, and clever, Sedaris shares essays and stories on various topics, some personal and revelatory, others mundane, ordinary, and critical, such as those in which he offers cultural and political commentary. I enjoyed hearing him read, as he himself narrates the Audible book.

dgingo Negative? I just don‘t know how I feel now about traveling to China—he provides some vivid descriptions that, to be honest, has lowered China on my “to travel to” list. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤔 6y
rretzler Love Sedaris‘ books and listening to him read them is a bonus! 6y
dgingo @rretzler It‘s definitely a bonus! I usually only listen to non-fiction audiobooks and only if the narrator is the author or fabulous. 6y
20 likes3 comments
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dgingo
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Finally a sport in which I can excel. 😂🏋🏼‍♀️📖🥋🏆

Mitch Agreed! Me too! 6y
dgingo @Mitch 🤚🏼👍🏼 6y
rretzler 💕🤣 6y
dgingo @rretzler 😇🥋 6y
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dgingo
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readtheworld
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Pickpick

Just finished this on audio — Sedaris‘s essays are weird and delightful. His narration adds an additional layer to the book, and I honestly don‘t think I want to read a book of his in print again!

#audiobook #libby #essays #nonfiction #justfinished

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Megabooks
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Pickpick

While some of his books are better than others, I will always enjoy David‘s books, especially when I‘m listening to the #audiobook in the car with my dad. The audiobook also makes chores seem to go faster. 4⭐️ #MonthofRereads

PS I do like the new covers. Opinions anyone?

Reviewsbylola I like this cover too and I really enjoyed this one. Listening to Holidays on Ice at the moment. 6y
Megabooks @Reviewsbylola I hope you like holidays on ice more than I do. Maybe I need to do a relisten? This one is my favorite 6y
Reviewsbylola I haven‘t read that one yet! I‘m only on the second chapter of HoI and the first chapter was AMAZING (when he worked at Macy‘s as an elf) but I think I remember that being the best chapter of the book. It‘s been years since I first read it though. 6y
Megabooks @Reviewsbylola Santaland was the only truly outstanding one in that collection for me. The rest were just eh. I hope you try Flames at some point! 6y
Reviewsbylola I definitely will. I intend to read all of his collections. 6y
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jdiehr
Pickpick

Listened to the audio on this one and he was either hilarious or off-putting. But mostly hilarious. It was the last few bits of the book where he lost me. Still a laugh out loud pick though.

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Ncostell
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Pickpick

I don‘t know what it is about David Sedaris and his quirky worldview, but I always find it interesting. This was not my favorite of his works but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I recommend this on audio and the parts recorded in front of a live audience were especially entertaining.

Mindyrecycles Just bought it today. Audible has a good special going on. 6y
Ncostell @Mindyrecycles Oh good, hope you like it! 6y
Booksnchill I relisten to Holidays on Ice every December! 6y
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Ncostell @Booksnchill. That‘s a great one! I have only read it but I‘ll bet it‘s even better on audio. 6y
Booksnchill @Ncostell you must listen to it - a whole new dimension of Elvish misbehavior! 6y
arlenefinnigan @Booksnchill @Ncostell you really must, it's fantastic. His rendition of Away In A Manger is quite something 😂 6y
Ncostell @Booksnchill, @arlenefinnigan I‘m sold, I will definitely have to listen to it. This may become a new holiday tradition! 6y
65 likes7 comments
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Jschultzems
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Mehso-so

Disclaimer: listened to the audiobook. Wasn‘t sure what this book was about at first. It‘s a collection of essays portraying the author‘s quirky sense of humor and lifestyle. Not always the most entertaining but a nice break from long novels.

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TheRiehlDeal
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Nope. My pancreas doesn't need that much sugar (not diabetic by the way).

#gumdrops
@SilversReviews

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Halechr
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Getting a little reading in between classes in before the semester gets too crazy for me to read.

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Louise
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Pickpick

David Sedaris reads his slice-of-life essays and other pieces in this #audiobook. Some of them are laugh-out-loud funny. Others are quirky and a little bit sad. Some others are darkly humorous. Sedaris is very observant and wildly creative. Worth a listen!

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ladylionbot
Pickpick

I continue to adore David Sedaris. His gross wit, honest charm, amazing travel, gift with seeing the amazing in such normal life...it is a perfect subway read. I collect his books lovingly, and always want to pass them on when I'm finished. Favorite essay here may be Author, Author.

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Bibliogeekery
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Pickpick

This wasn't my favourite David Sedaris book but I did have a few laughs and enjoyed escaping into his quickly little world for awhile! #queerbooks

Reviewsbylola I listened to this one on audio and loved it! 6y
Bibliogeekery @Reviewsbylola I think I would have liked it better if it's listened to the audiobook. That's usually how I engage with his books. I found myself missing hearing his voice when I read this one. 6y
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candority
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Mehso-so

My co-worker loves David Sedaris, so I thought I‘d give him a try. I enjoyed listening to him read his own stories, but I didn‘t find them as funny as I was expecting. There were two or three stories that I loved, but the rest only elicited a couple chuckles and a lot of zoning out... And, as others have said, the fictional stories at the end seemed unnecessary. That said, I think I‘ll give Sedaris another try sometime in the future.

Avanders Oh but no... I don't think this really gives you a sense of Sedaris... I didn't particularly love this one either 😜 If you want short, try 6y
candority Thanks for the suggestion @Avanders! 6y
91 likes2 comments
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echalpan
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Pickpick

This is my first Sedaris book, and I highly recommend listening to him read his stories on audio. This book was hilarious. The stories from his childhood were my favorite. I could‘ve ended the book early without the fictional stories at the end though.

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MelissaSue81
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This is a great audiobook for cleaning.

JacqMac I‘m doing laundry with the audio of 6y
MelissaSue81 @JacqMac - perfect! I don‘t think I‘ve read that one. It‘s on my shelf in print, but I‘m thinking these might all be good to get on audio. 6y
JacqMac @MelissaSue81 I own them all, too. But I have been borrowing the audio copies from the library. He‘s a great storyteller. 6y
55 likes3 comments
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Purrfectpages
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Reviewsbylola
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Pickpick

My first Sedaris audiobook—I knew I had to listen to him after I read and loved Calypso. This did not let me down. Some of my favorite stories were the ones about Sedaris‘s dad (I laughed so hard at the image of him answering the door in his undies) and the airport one. Hearing Sedaris say “mothafocka” over and over had me in stitches. On the other hand, I didn‘t care for the fiction pieces as much.

emilyhaldi Maybe you can convince me to read more of him.... 6y
Reviewsbylola Are you going to read Calypso? Should I bring it for you? @emilyhaldi (edited) 6y
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LeahBergen Or listen, rather. 😄 6y
Reviewsbylola I‘ve got the audiobook on hold, along with all his others! @leahbergen 6y
britt_brooke This makes me so happy! 6y
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Christy2318
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Bailedbailed

Gave this a try because Sedaris will be at Book People in June. The writing is fine. It‘s not Sedaris, it‘s me. I just don‘t find his humor funny at all. Next!

Samplergal It‘s not his best. 6y
Zelma I don‘t care for Sedaris at all. His humor just doesn‘t entertain me or make me laugh. 6y
Abby2 I think he‘s really hysterical. 6y
46 likes3 comments
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CherryPie
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Mehso-so

Mo bitterness. Less awkward charm. Or, vice versa. We, David and I, are out of sync with this book. Ex. My fave Sedaris work is his diary-ish, Theft by Finding. Understanding Understanding Owls was the most memorable essay. I love the cover. No regrets. Ever onward!

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CherryPie
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I've read a bunch of craft books in the last two weeks. I've hated a bunch of craft books in the last two weeks. Back to Sedaris.

29 likes2 stack adds
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parttimedomestic
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My new favorite after work activity: sitting on our back porch with an audiobook watching the hummingbirds.

Don‘t forget to enter my #beforeandafter giveaway! Just make a post about how your reading life has changed since joining Litsy! I‘ll pick the winner on Monday 4/16! Check out my last post for more details!

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DarcysMom
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Pickpick
Sheryl63 He's a hoot, I've been a long time fan of his. Have you ever listened to his book"Holidays on Ice" we've made that a Christmas tradition. 7y
DarcysMom @Sheryl63 I haven't - I will make sure to get a copy to listen to this Christmas. 😁 7y
Sheryl63 It‘s hilarious, my engineer no-nonsense husband even quotes from it! I was shocked 7y
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DarcysMom
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Today I got to play with this gorgeous pair of Afghan dogs while I was on my walk. They slowed me down, but it was totally worth it!
#audiowalk
#800in2018
#overdrive

Tamra 😍 7y
TricksyTails 😍🐶♥️ 7y
Sheryl63 Beautiful, I love those dogs but I've never seen one in the flesh. I'm a dog freak, I love my critters. I've had everything from horses to a six-foot Iguana, I'm deathly afraid of snakes but I love lizards, I've had two veiled chameleons as well. Now, I'm down to Zoe, the wonder dog and my little tiny, tabby, The Rigger! 7y
DarcysMom @Sheryl63 They are the first I have met. I love them - if I could be sure of getting equally good tempered dogs, Afghans would go to the top of my list. 7y
Sheryl63 I have a Belgian Malinois who was a demon puppy when I got her at almost three months old, it was crazy. She would be gnawing her harness into while my husband was trying to figure out why it wasn't fitting. We had her professionally trained, that was one of the conditions when we bought her that and having her spayed. Around her eighth month BDay, she turned into the most loving dog, I've ever owned. 7y
89 likes5 comments