Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Naked

When I decided to read the book "Naked" by David Sedaris it was because I thought it would be insightful and funny because Sedaris was writing about true stories from his life. I had heard his humor, though sometimes offbeat, was usually honest and in your face.

It is true there were several moments when I literally did laugh out loud, but for the most part the entire book made me feel awkward. Many of the topics were uncomfortable for me. I have always known I get embarrassed easily; but I didn't think I'd feel my cheeks turning red over a silly book.

As a child Sedaris had many, many oddities about his personality. To me it sounded as though he was challenged in some way. In fact, I still feel that is true. He talked about walking to school and how there were certain ways he had to do it. He had to hug a certain mailbox and if he went to school without hugging the mailbox he would leave school just to go hug it. His impulses were extreme and rash. He licked light switches and refrigerators, he said he "had" to lick them even if he didn't want to think them. He wrote about hitting himself with his shoe so hard it would leave marks on his forehead. I'm sorry, but as a reader those stories were not funny to me, especially hearing how his teachers, peers, siblings and even parents spoke to him about it.

The only thing I enjoyed about this book was reading the path during which Sedaris becomes accepting of his sexuality. The entire story titled "I like guys" was at many times awkward, but being a straight and happily married woman I had no idea what it might feel like realize you are a gay man. It was something he didn't grasp at first and reading how he came to the realization was very interesting. Though I must admit I could have done without the penis talk but that's just me.

So I liked the book, though in my opinion most of it was not funny. And who knew nudist colonies really do exist? =o) As for a rating, I'd give it a very awkward 3.5 out of 5.

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