When You Are Engulfed in Flames, By David Sedaris

My son gave me this book for my birthday.  It’s a compilation of essays, many of which are very hilarious and stinging and touching all at the same time.  Because several pieces address death and dying, Bobby figured it was the perfect selection to mark my 50^th year.   Nice kid!     The truth is, the book instilled in me a sense of hope that I could one day write something as entertaining.  After all, Sedaris simply produced stories about what he observed or experienced.  He’s an essayist with a crazy fun sense of humor and writing style.  I thought I could mimic that.

The guy had plenty of material from which to work.  He came from a large family.   So did I.  He grew up in the sixties/seventies.  Me too.   Hell, just fashion and pop culture alone from those days could provide plenty of storytelling fodder.     The guy did one up me on the sexuality front.  He’s a homosexual and a neurotic one at that, which of course influenced his life and writing. Afraid my orientation is way too mild to spark any inspiration there. 

Nevertheless Sedaris got me wondering what memories or people in my life would help me uncover my hidden creative genius.  (Because it has to be buried somewhere!)   Ty Hobson, our quirky neighbor (who trapped a fox in his backyard and kept it in a cage)?  Dorothy I Cant Remember Her Last Name, the true babysitter from hell who terrorized us kids when my parents went away for overnight trips? Mrs. Striaight, the house cleaner who quit because our home was haunted?  Miss B, my piano teacher, who survived polio only to have to sit through years and years of lessons with the untalented and un-inspired?  Or what about our  move to Yardley, Pennsylvania?  High school drama, which really wasn’t that dramatic? Marriage? Parenthood?   I’d love to be able to capture a fraction of the hellacious adventures I’ve shared with my husband, children and friends. I’ve got 50 years of material, people !!!!!

The harsh reality though is that while Sedaris makes it look easy to share memories in a distinct and cunning way, it’s no small task to present an observation that will be INTERESTING to the unbiased reader, the individual who has absolutely no connection to you.  Sedaris’ book is filled with tales that actually make you laugh out loud or shed a tear or think about a very IMPORTANT something or someone.  And that is what a great writer can do.    I’m sure I could fumble along and create something that will make my family or friends smile, because 1) they love me and 2) I’d simply be recreating a story that we’ve already shared. It’s like sitting around the kitchen table and reminiscing together, laughing at funny memories, rehashing family and friend lore.   But Sedaris does so much more, He brings you into his life, introduces you to his quirks and phobias, successes and heartaches.  He lulls you into thinking you’re going to discover one thing or the other, and then with cunning, finds a way for you relate to his very personal story as if it were you own.   This is far beyond my Expository Writing 101 ability, for sure.  

Anyway, if you are need of some companionship on a trip, or just want to laugh a little before you go to bed, snuggle up with this read.  You can thank Danielle and Bobby for the recommendation.