Review: Live For Your Listening Pleasure
I’ve never actually read any of David Sedaris’s work, but I’m a big fan of his anyway. I recently finished listening to his newest audio book, Live For Your Listening Pleasure, and boy, was it a treat. This is the third one of his books that I’ve listened to and I believe no one else can read his work like he can.
Live For Your Listening Pleasure was recorded on a recent book tour, so you can hear the audience’s reaction to his readings. There are 4 stories on the CD and I enjoyed all of them, but some more than others, of course. I listened to Author, Author while I was cooking dinner and kept laughing out loud about David’s trip to Costco! I finished the CD while I was out Christmas shopping and stuck in horrible traffic – people all around me were getting upset, but not me, I was sitting in my car, laughing at David’s Diary Entries, which are exactly what they sound like – entries from his journal.
As far as I can tell, this did not come out in print – the audio version seems to be the only version available. There is some language and sexual references in this, so it is not an audio book for the whole family. My only complaint is that, at approximately 75 minutes, Live For Your Listening Pleasure is too short – it left me wanting more!
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I’ve heard good things about his work, but I haven’t read or listened to any of it…yet. I’m thinking I need to give him a try, especially if he can keep you laughing in traffic. Actually, now I’m thinking this might be a good gift for my husband, who needs more help in that realm than I do. LOL
I’ve been meaning to listen to some of his work. I think you just sold me. I hate traffic and if he can make it bearable, I am so there! I’ve read Santaland Diaries, so I do know he’s funny. I’ll be getting my hands on some audios!
I hear so much about him but have never tried his work. This might be a good place to start. I am very picky with humor so it might work better for me if I were listening rather than reading
I have read his Santaland Diaries and two other books and I love his writing style. I hadn’t heard about this one though. Thanks for this review
I love him, but I’m the opposite of you- I much prefer his written stuff because I can’t stand the sound of his voice, and it’s killing me that this isn’t coming out in print! I may have to suck it up and listen to this after all!! 🙂
I hadn’t heard of this one before reading your post. I will definitely be giving it a listen.
I really have not read or listened to his works either, except….I did listen to the first story on his Holidays on Ice CD about the time he was an elf in Santa’s wonderland at Macy’s department store. It really was hysterical and I have considered buying the book just so I can re-read the story at my leisure.
I will have to check this CD out as well.
It’s fun listening to something worthwhile especially when stuck in traffic. I have never listed to an audio book but this post gave me the urge.
I recently finished reading his Santaland Diaries and I found them very entertaining. I would definitely like to read more of his work.
Sounds like the perfect CD for me. I love laughing in the car while everyone around me thinks I’m crazy!
I’m a David Sedaris fan too. I’ve heard him occasionally on NPR but a whole cd would be perfect.
sounds like a lot of fun to listen to – I’d love to hear the Costco story if it had you laughing out loud!
I think I actually like David Sedaris better when he reads his stuff than when I read it. Something about his voice and inflection make the stories so much better that way!
I’ve heard he’s quite funny. I’ve never read or heard any of his books or stories myself. He’ll be in town this next year, but I don’t think my husband’s too interested in spending money to see him talk. So we’ll probably skip it.
I love him, too! I’m going to get this to see how a master handles book-signing events.
I’ve read Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. It was all right, but seeing as how so many people adore David Sedaris, I think I should find an audio CD and see if I find him funnier that way.
someday I hope to hear you laughing for myself, in person.
I’ve read some of his work but I’ve never listened to it. I bet it’s a wonderful way to appreciate his talent.
His audio books are so so funny. I just may have to get this one. Glad u loved it!
I really like it when an author reads their own words.
Wonderful review. I just entered a giveaway for this!
This sounds like a great audiobook!
I started to listen to Me Talk Pretty One Day and had to stop. Not because I didn’t like it, but because I wanted to wait and have my husband listen with me. Hilarious! I’ll have to snag this one.
I love listening to comics when I’m stuck in traffic! It’s the only way to be stuck! I’ve never read any of this author’s books either. I’ll have to check him out.
David Sedaris is great! I agree that his reading of his own work is excellent – I can listen to his audiobooks even after having read the book and still laugh out loud. I attended a reading he did in Lincoln Center last year – I wonder if it is on this CD that you listened to?
If you haven’t already read or listened to it, his book Holidays on Ice is especially funny at this time of year.
I’ve not read Sedaris yet, but have him listed as one I’d like to listen to. Sounds like he’s a good choice 🙂
Sounds fun and I like the idea that it’s nice and short. I don’t really have much patience for long audiobooks.
You’re just as well off not having read anything, Sedaris is much funnier when you can hear him, I’ve never been impressed when I actually read anything by him.
I am so glad you enjoyed this! After reading your review this audio book goes right to the top of my wish list. I am a big Sedaris fan, and have not yet heard these stories, though I have seen him perform live (!!) He is a very, very funny man, and I agree that no one reads his stories with quite the same verve as he does!
Ack! Well, I guess I’m going to have to listen to this on audio then!
I have this one to review and cannot wait! I’ve read David Sedaris’ books in print, but nothing beats his audios. And you’re correct, there is no print equivalent of this book!
Oooh, Sedaris I haven’t read or heard! I’ve got to get this for my commute!
I agree that it’s even more fun to listen to him than to read him. There’s one part in an essay about his brother, for instance, that I enjoy much more when I hear him say it–well, anything about his brother, for that matter, because he does the high-pitched southern accent.
Every Christmas eve my son (now 13) wants me to recite a paragraph from the Sedaris essay “Six to Eight Black Men” when I tell him goodnight: “Listen. You might want to pack a few of your things together. The former bishop of Turkey is coming tonight…”
I must have been living under a rock because I never heard of Sedaris until this was posted on Book Blogs. I requested it and so it’s waiting for me on my TBH (to be heard) pile. I love your review and since I’m a big fan of funny, I think I’ll listen to this first for the audio challenge I joined that starts January 1st.
Thanks for the great review.