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mkstalcup's review against another edition
While it is most likely a good book, it is reflective of the time it was written (90s) and is very dated. The language used was something I struggled with, ultimately stopping because of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Racism
thequeengeek's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.5
This aged SO BADLY. There’s tons of ableism that made me uncomfortable (like the use of the r word and a description of developmental disabled kids as lolling and eyes rolling back in their heads, really awful stuff). There also seemed to be a wild amount of racism, including anti-Asian sentiment disguised as humor, the word Negro, and weird race jokes about St. Nick. It wasn’t even funny to me, either. I rarely react this strongly to something, but yeesh. It was enough to make me wonder how the other Sedaris I had read aged.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Racism
bella_cavicchi's review against another edition
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
I tried my hardest to enjoy HOLIDAYS ON ICE, and even chuckled aloud at "Santaland Diaries," but none of the stories feel connected so much as jammed together with the loose tie of "holiday"—and so everything falls a bit flat. Onto the next book club selection!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, and Child death
Moderate: Death
tylerteacher's review against another edition
Humorless and offensive toward the disabled.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
brimcnull's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Oooof this didn’t age well.lgmelcher's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, and Racial slurs
linneahbt's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
I have always enjoyed David Sedaris in podcasts and appearances but haven't ever read his work. A lot of these stories held the charm and wit that I associated with him but some quickly crossed the line into offensive, bizarre, uncomfortable... Made for a rollercoaster of a reading experience.
The personal essays I enjoyed so much that I'd honestly rate them higher but some of the stories in this collection crossed the line for me. I know this is n old book but he'd do well to update his language.
The personal essays I enjoyed so much that I'd honestly rate them higher but some of the stories in this collection crossed the line for me. I know this is n old book but he'd do well to update his language.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, and Child death
thealyssa_ann's review against another edition
fast-paced
2.0
I have been a big fan of David Sedaris but this really fell flat for me, probably because it did not age well with use of the “r” word and engaging with negative stereotypes of people who have experienced prison in almost every single story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism
larareads's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Gore
Moderate: Ableism and Racism
Minor: Domestic abuse