Holiday chaos gotcha feeling frazzled? Well then, first, make yourself something strong for sippin.’ Then, find a seat out of earshot of all that holly, jolly muzak and a copy of “Holidays on Ice,” by David Sedaris. This little gem, if it’s not there already, is destined to join the ranks of your holiday re-read list.
In typical Sedaris form, each essay is poured onto the page via people-watching eloquently mutated into prose. No topic is too small, and each will have you laughing, shaking your head, and puzzling the human condition.
Favorites in the bunch? “SantaLand Diaries,” and “Six to Eight Black Men.” The former, tackles his tales as an elf-for-hire at Macy’s, and the latter, the equally bewildering Christmas traditions of other countries. You’ll be recharged, delighted in the absurdity, and ready to rejoin the seasonal bustle.
Bonus: Is holiday entertaining on your agenda? The next step in this bookish equation would be to procure a copy of “I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence,” by Sedaris’ sister, Amy Sedaris – she’s Martha Stewart meets weird. If eccentricity is your game, the Sedaris family has you covered.
Keena KimmelOwner of White Rabbit Books and Curiosities
