When You Are Engulfed in Flames

by David Sedaris
When You Are Engulfed in Flames cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Essays / Essay Collections
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Technical
  • ID: 3201
  • Added: 2025-10-17
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9780748125937
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2010-09-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

David Sedaris's sixth story collection showcases his unique ability to find humor in the mundane. From the etiquette of lozenge mishaps to encounters with dingoes and the purchase of a human skeleton, Sedaris's stories are a blend of the bizarre and the profoundly human. His sharp wit and keen observations make even the most ordinary situations extraordinarily entertaining. The collection culminates in a brilliant account of his attempt to quit smoking in Tokyo, highlighting his signature blend of humor and introspection.

Reviews
Muse With Me Blog · 2016-11-22
thoughtful 4.50

The book is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending humor and deep reflection. It leaves a lasting impact with its thought-provoking content.

This collection of essays is a journey through laughter and tears. The reviewer found it to be a deeply moving experience that lingers long after the last page. The blend of humor and serious themes makes it a unique and memorable read. It's not just entertaining but also thought-provoking, making it a standout in the genre of personal essays.

Quick quotes

    When You Are Engulfed in Flames is a book that will make you laugh, might make you cry, and will certainly leave you thoughtful.

    The blend of humor and serious themes makes it a unique and memorable read.

    It's not just entertaining but also thought-provoking, making it a standout in the genre of personal essays.

The Independent · 2008-06-30
visceral 4.20

The essays are dark and visceral, offering an unflinching look at aging and mortality.

The reviewer is struck by the dark and visceral nature of Sedaris's essays, which delve into the realities of aging and mortality. The unflinching honesty is praised, and the reviewer is amazed at how Sedaris manages to make such heavy topics engaging and compelling. This collection is seen as a powerful exploration of life's darker aspects.

Quick quotes

    These are dark, visceral essays that look unflinchingly at the vulnerable ageing body and at death.

    It's amazing that Sedaris manages to make such heavy topics engaging and compelling.

    This collection is a powerful exploration of life's darker aspects.

The New York Times · Alicia Grigoriadis · 2008-06-15
delightful 4.00

The essays are delightful and circle around the theme of death and dying with a mix of wit and introspection.

Alicia Grigoriadis appreciates the wit and introspection in Sedaris's essays, which explore the theme of death and dying. While the reviewer finds many answers to the questions posed, they note a lack of deeper insights in some areas. Overall, the collection is seen as a delightful read that balances humor with serious subjects.

Quick quotes

    Sedaris has lots of answers to the first question but not many to the second in this delightful compilation of essays circling the theme of death and dying.

    The essays are a mix of wit and introspection.

    It's a delightful read that balances humor with serious subjects.

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