Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
This 2000 collection is probably his best-known book. The first half covers his life in America, including some disastrous attempts at learning guitar and speech therapy as a boy. The second half follows his move to France with his partner Hugh, where he tries, and mostly fails, to learn French.
The title essay, about a French class run by a fearsome teacher, is a classic. Anyone who has struggled to learn a language as an adult, or felt like an outsider somewhere new, will probably recognise a little of themselves in it. Sedaris is never too proud to be the joke.
Having seen him live in Melbourne a couple of times, I can't read this one without hearing his laconic Southern drawl in my head.
The essays are short and stand alone, which makes it an easy book to pick up and put down. Again, some content is for adult readers.
Why you might enjoy it: If you need a laugh, or you're about to travel or start learning something new, this is a warm and very funny read.
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If you've read it, I'd love to know which essay made you laugh most. Leave a comment below.
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