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  • When You Are Engulfed in Flames

  • Written by: David Sedaris
  • Narrated by: David Sedaris
  • Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (133 ratings)

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When You Are Engulfed in Flames

Written by: David Sedaris
Narrated by: David Sedaris
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Publisher's Summary

Once again, David Sedaris brings together a collection of essays so uproariously funny and profoundly moving that his legions of fans will fall for him all over again.

He tests the limits of love when Hugh lances a boil from his backside, and pushes the boundaries of laziness when, finding the water shut off in his house in Normandy, he looks to the water in a vase of fresh cut flowers to fill the coffee machine.

From armoring the windows with LP covers to protect the house from neurotic songbirds, to the awkwardness of having a lozenge fall from your mouth into the lap of a sleeping fellow passenger on a plane, David Sedaris uses life's most bizarre moments to reach new heights in understanding love and fear, family and strangers.

Culminating in a brilliantly funny account of his venture to Tokyo in order to quit smoking, David Sedaris' sixth essay collection has been avidly anticipated.

©2008 David Sedaris (P)2008 Hachette Audio

What the critics say

2008 Grammy Nominee, Best Spoken Word Album

"Older, wiser, smarter and meaner, Sedaris...defies the odds once again by delivering an intelligent take on the banalities of an absurd life." (Kirkus Reviews)
"This latest collection proves that not only does Sedaris still have it, but he's also getting better....Sedaris's best stuff will still - after all this time - move, surprise, and entertain." (Booklist)

What listeners say about When You Are Engulfed in Flames

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Witty and Poignant

This collection of short stories, read by the author, is precisely the sort of entertainment fans have come to expect from David Sedaris. While not as laugh-out-loud funny as "Me Talk Pretty One Day," the stories are still compelling, and at times even nostalgic. Overall, this collection is a very satisfying aural experience.

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Excellent! Keep writing!!

Ann in Toronto & Dorset Ontario
We listen while we throw clay pots up here inMuskoka

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    3 out of 5 stars
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When You Are Engulfed in Flames

The main character is a snob, but he's honest about it. He behaves like a real human being. He makes snap judgment, then judgment, then mentally reconsiders. He behaves charitably, then think that maybe the person in need brought it on themselves. He'll refuse help, then mentally berate himself because he doesn't know their story. He'll criticize litterbugs and selfishness but then behave in the same manner. BUT HE CONFESSES IT. in short, he's human and one with enough self-awareness to be honest about his shortcomings. Often humorous, ALWAYS relatable, you should probably check this book out

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Top tier

The cough drop landing in her lap? His shattered perception of the foreign taxi cab driver - it was a blast! Loved it.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant

I love all of his writing & this book is no exception. Poignant, insightful and hilarious - a great listen with his inimitable delivery.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Can you beat that?!

Can you beat that!!!!

Hilarious.... as always David Sedaris knocks it out of the park.... and leaves me wanting more!

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Not to be missed!

A laugh out loud book! It is difficult to make me laugh but Sedaris did it.

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Hilarious!

David Sedaris narrates well, and I enjoyed the bass between stories. Laugh out loud moments.

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