TOW #24- Me Talk Pretty One Day IRB

TOW #24

            This week I concluded reading Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. This book is a collection of short stories. Before I began reading it, the concept of having a book with a bunch of short stories made me skeptical of how well the book would naturally flow. However, I now know that not only was this book a smooth read, but also very enjoyable.

            The book has a lot of comedic relief, which is much needed when discussing the serious topics covered. The anecdotes allowed for Sedaris to touch on and explore these issues in an appropriate and meaningful way.  Even though it was a collection of short stories, each anecdote was long enough to focus just enough on these topics. Because he writes about his life in bits and pieces, Sedaris effectively gives the reader space to think about the various things that have affected his life.

            Usually, it is intimidating to begin a book, starting from page one. However, the way Sedaris splits Me Talk Pretty One Day into manageable chunks makes it far less imposing. Also, they are in chronological order posing large and small events in his life. The short stories reveal that the author knows he isn’t too important or arrogant, thus making it much more enjoyable.

            Before beginning Me Talk Pretty One Day, my idea of anecdotes were a small part of a larger whole. They were just a small contribution to a greater meaning or purpose. Now, however, I know that they can be used effectively and entertainingly as an entire story.