When You Are Engulfed in Flames
by David Sedaris · first published 2007
50% recommend50% neutral
"David Sedaris's ability to transform the mortification of everyday life into wildly entertaining art," (The Christian Science Monitor) is elevated to wilder and more entertaining heights than ever in this remarkable new book. Trying to make coffee when the water is shut off, David considers using the water in a vase of flowers and his chain of associations takes him from the French countryside to a hilariously uncomfortable memory of buying drugs in a mobile home in rural North Carolina. In essay after essay, Sedaris proceeds from bizarre conundrums of daily life-having a lozenge fall from yo
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mentions per year
What Hacker News says
Related books
2009–2025The Ultimate Sales Machine
Chet Holmes
Recommended by 16 · mentioned by 2316 recommend · 23 mention16 recommend · 2316 recommend
2007–2026The Wheel of Time
Robert Jordan
Recommended by 57 · mentioned by 20857 recommend · 208 mention57 recommend · 20857 recommend
2007–2026Infinite Jest
David Foster Wallace
Recommended by 145 · mentioned by 421145 recommend · 421 mention145 recommend · 421145 recommend
2008–2026Anathem
Neal Stephenson
Recommended by 207 · mentioned by 393207 recommend · 393 mention207 recommend · 393207 recommend
…and treatment. http://www.amazon.com/Language-Life-Revolution-Personalized-... - ... by David Sedaris -- Funny short stories. Perhaps The Santaland Diaries for something light but really amusing, and When You Are Engulfed in Flames for something darker and more well-known. Also, if you like short stories, I heartily recommend Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules, a varied collection of short stories selected by Sedaris. http://www.amazon.com/David-Sedaris/e/B000AQ3YUW/ http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0349119759 http://www.amazon.com/When-You-Are-Engulfed-Flames/dp/031615... http://www.amazon.com/Children-Playing-Before-Statue-Hercule...…
on “Ask HN: Summer Reading Recommendations?” ↗had my temporary fill of tech books, so: on my bedstand is "when you are engulfed in flames" and my next major read is probably "the gathering storm" once it comes out.
on “What are you reading?” ↗