'When You are Engulfed in Flames' by David Sedaris - Book Review

David Sedaris, the incredibly popular author of humorous memoirs including Me Talk Pretty One Day has written a new collection of essays on his life called When You Are Engulfed in Flames. His new book has a slightly more melancholy slant than some of his previous works, but when it’s funny, it’s laugh-out-loud, embarrass-yourself-in-public funny.

David Sedaris has made a successful career telling hilarious and personal stories about his own life. When You Are Engulfed in Flames is the latest installment, and while it has much in common with his previous works, it also demonstrates a maturing and evolving author. Sedaris’ incredible success as a writer is evident in his mentions of his touring on the lecture circuit. His attitude has changed in other ways, too, and many of the stories have a distinctly melancholy tone.

One of the most interesting stories is the last one in the book, “The Smoking Section.” Sedaris and his partner Hugo relocate from Paris to Tokyo for three months, coinciding with Sedaris’ effort to quit smoking. His efforts to learn the language and assimilate with the culture are as interesting as they are funny, and the struggle to quit smoking will resonate with anyone who’s ever tried to give up a habit.

Readers familiar with Sedaris’ parents and siblings from Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim will be happy to see them making hilarious cameos once again. When You Are Engulfed in Flames should not be skipped by any loyal David Sedaris fan.