LIVE FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

David Sedaris has become a Christmas tradition, at least for this listener—it just doesn't feel like the holidays unless I’m hearing one of his hilarious, and hilariously inappropriate, stories. At just over an hour long, this collection is like a Sedaris sampler platter, just right for bite-sized listening—three short, funny stories; “Laugh, Kookaburra,” which is longer and more serious (and lovely); and some brief diary entries, all recorded live at venues around the country. As always, Sedaris is in fine form reading his own material—he has great comic timing, and the addition of appreciative live audiences is welcome, enhancing his performance and making listeners feel like they’re laughing right along with the rest of a crowded auditorium. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2009]