Wes Locher's Blog - Posts Tagged "memoir"

When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When You Are Engulfed in Flames netted Sedaris the most amount of laughs since I read the stellar, Me Talk Pretty One Day. Most of the essays in these pages were sharp and to the point, and not so meandering as they were in previous books. Some of the chapters, like "Crybaby" were easily to relate to, while others, most of which involved his life in Paris require you to just sit back and go on a journey with him as he dodges child molesters and makes friends with the spiders that live in the window frames of his home.

I find that the most enjoyable stories are the ones about David's family. His creative way with words makes his parents and siblings accessible people who jump out of the pages and you feel like you're there with him as he discusses his father's over-reactive tendencies along with his mother's droll sense of humor. His sisters never cease to make you laugh as they do everything in their power to put David into one awkward situation after another.

The final essay in the book, "The Smoking Section", which makes up the last hundred or so pages is worth the cover price alone. It details his mission to quit smoking, so he takes off to the most logical place to do so... Tokyo, Japan. What follows is a journal kept over the three month period of his stay, and much hilarity ensues.

When You Are Engulfed in Flames covers a wide array of topics, and as usual with Sedaris, you never know exactly what you're going to get or what type of ride he's going to take you on. One thing's for sure though... it's going to be a hilarious ride.

If you read and enjoyed "Me Talk Pretty One Day" then you'll likely enjoy this collection of anecdotes as well.

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Musings on Minutiae by Weston Locher


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wrote this book and therefore could discuss how great and life changing it is, however, I'm opting to let the following reviews from Amazon.com (that weren't cross-posted to Goodreads) do the talking.


5/5 Stars - "'Musings' was a great and funny book. The stories we short enough that you can take to work, right before bed, or even in the bathroom. The author's humor is so addictive I caught myself saying, "just one more story..." at the end of EVERY story. I cannot wait to read more from Wes Locher!"
- Amazon.com user: J. Charles Jessup

5/5 Stars - "Once in a generation something very special occurs in the literary realm. Often from the far-reaches of our collective imagination, someone's muse finds a way to speak to us all through two identical vowels surrounded by a pair of consonants; one formed on the lips, the other on the palate. Book. Buh-ook. This "book" causes us to completely reconsider WHAT we are, WHO we are, even WHERE we are....
I ABSOLUTELY HATE BOOKS LIKE THAT. Why should I have to change? I'm fine just the way I am. The last thing I need in my life is some clown piping up with unwarranted advice in my already complicated life. It's because of people like this that we have silly things like warning labels, crosswalks, and bridges. Maybe I like having a little excitement in my life?
Mr. Locher's collection of short stories and observations will not ask you to change one iota of your precious id or ego. He will simply ask you to accompany him on a meandering journey down his memory lane- which you'll start to notice bears a striking resemblance to your own. At it's worst, this book had me chuckling. At it's best, I cackling like a fool at the ceiling and trying not to wake up the people upstairs. Snag this one for your Kindle or iPhone- the price is a steal!"
- Amazon.com user: hornpreux

5/5 Stars - "Just finished Musing on Minutiae Humorous Essays, Anecdotes, & Childhood Memories. I won this book from First Reads on Goodreads! What can I say.......... but I loved it! I was bothering my family with "read this part" or "listen to this one"! Lots of real Laugh Out Loud moments too."
Short little musings about all sorts of different things. Like unusual things that happened while growing up (we all can relate to those) being out on your own, having CATS! we all have been there too! Enjoyed them all, my favorites, really liked the dentist one, angry feline and loved grandmas comment! So many funny things I can't write them all down and make this a short review. Loved reading about his family.
For a debut book I was really impressed and look forward to read more from Weston Locher in the future!
- Amazon.com user: Claudia


5/5 Stars - "What a great way to spend a snowy, desperately long winter's day--enjoying the humor & mental images of funny Wes Locher. This book cures what ails you with laughter by the pagefull. A must-read no matter where you live!"
- Amazon.com user: Mutijude

5/5 Stars - "These hilarious short stories are perfect for potty time. Set the book next to the toilet and you will find yourself spending way more time there then you planned!!! So funny, it is addictive. I have already read the book twice!!!"
- Amazon.com user: Tami Gingrich

5/5 Stars - "This is the most entertaining collection of writings that I've come across in a long time. Weston's witty way with words, his wry humor, and his wide-ranging choice of topics all make for a memorable and hilarious read. While I love each writing, my personal favorites are "Easter Egg Dyeing," "Saving the Day with Vague Answers," and "Mayonnaise!" I highly recommend this book!"
- Amazon.com user: 4katz

5/5 Stars - "Musing on Minutiae made me chuckle, laugh out loud, and question the meaning of life through a cat's eyes. This is definitely a book that I can refer back to for a good laugh. I especially liked the variety in topics from roller skating to buying toothpaste to kids/ewoks! The author really has a way of making just about anything hilarious."
- Amazon.com user: Cutiepie Ink

5/5 Stars - "Musings on Minutiae is hilarious! Do yourself a favor and pick up this book, you won't regret it! This is observational humor at it's finest!"
- Amazon.com user: Aragog

5/5 Stars - "This book is hilarious! The author has a real gift for storytelling and I found myself laughing so hard, my face hurt. It still hurts. Buy this book!"
- Amazon.com user: Whitney Locher


Oh, and by the way... this book is life changing.

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