(Little, Brown and Company)
Should you be in need of a good laugh, then let me steer you directly toward David Sedaris’ new collection, “Calypso.” Consisting largely of stories set at the North Carolina beach house Sedaris bought for himself and his siblings — which he dubs the “Sea Section” so as to conform to the island convention of giving your place a punny name — “Calypso” is a happy, wacky and frequently poignant homecoming, for Sedaris and his fans alike. In bits that touch on the hilarious indignities of aging, as well as the eternal childishness inherent in the best (if I may say so) sibling bonds, Sedaris delivers his signature TMI humor along with admirably honest anecdotes about his most challenging relationships. While managing to keep the reader laughing at regular intervals, about everything from James Comey to poop, he weaves in — showing, never telling — what 60 years of living have taught him about how to be one’s true self, accept people’s differences, and forgive the flaws and failings of loved ones. Life may be messy, painful and littered with other people’s trash, but it’s still beautiful and funny and worth our time. Consider listening to the audio version of “Calypso,” which like all his books, Sedaris narrates himself in his distinctive high-pitched deadpan.
— Reviewed by Becky Dayton of The Vermont Book Shop
 
 
More Humorous Essay Collections
Daditude by Chris Erskine
Look Alive Out There by Sloane Crosley
Meaty by Samantha Irby
Like Brothers by Mark Duplass
The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
Failure Is an Option by H. Jon Benjamin
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Shrill by Lindy West
Would Everybody Please Stop? by Jenny Allen
Maeve in America by Maeve Higgins
How to American by Jimmy O. Yang
The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell by W. Kamau Bell