Book Review- David Sedaris' Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls

My love of David Sedaris has caused me to break one of my 2013 resolutions. I had challenged myself to stop buying new books (the exception being few digital downloads for my Kindle while on vacation) and to plow through the books already on my shelves. I just couldn't hold out for my upcoming summer trip to Europe and had to purchase the latest Sedaris book NOW!!!!

As with all of his previous essay collections, humorist Sedaris reaches into the seemingly bottomless well of quirky personal stories for his latest book, Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls.

I've had the pleasure of seeing Sedaris read at UCLA for the last three years. I'm not a big fan of audio books, but Sedaris reading his own essays would be a big exception. I probably heard him read about 1/3 of this book over the years at UCLA and as I was reading them now, I could recall his cadence and tone. Sedaris is as much of a verbal storyteller as he is an author and nothing in my imagination can match his unique form of sarcasm and wit. These stories beg to be heard, not just read!

It's hard to pick a favorite from the collection, but if pressed, Understanding Understanding Owls, is a stand-out. I heard Sedaris read this one at UCLA and even though I knew where the story was going, it still put me in a giggle fit. It's about the perils of being known for collecting a particular object and the joy of finding the perfect Valentine's Day present, even when that present comes from a taxidermy shop. Actually, Especially when that present comes from the taxidermy shop.

The collection isn't strictly non-fiction. Sedaris also write pieces that at the start of the book he states are intended to be read as monologues. One of my favorites is the character of Cassie Hasselback, a fervent Christian, ranting about her views on modern society in the piece, If I Ruled the World. It's dripping with sarcasm and utterly hilarious.

I love the way Sedaris' brain works and how he can just riff on everyone and everything. He has such a great perspective. Although his writing is often comedic, it is just as likely to have a serious undertone. It's this ability to balance between the two that really draws me to his work.

Another great collection from a fantastic author.

Book Review- Mary Roach's Bonk

I love scientist turned writer, Mary Roach. When I read her books, I feel like I'm in that college class with the professor that is such a charismatic lecturer, that any subject automatically becomes fascinating. She has a great way of making scientific subject accessible and entertaining for any reader.

I've read several of Roach's books, including my favorite, Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers and she is a author that I can always count on to churn our a great read. Although published in 2008, Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex, just made it way to my TBR list. I actually purchased it on my Kindle following a death in the family, because I knew that Roach's unique mix of humor and education would provide a good distraction during a tough time. It worked.

In Bonk, Roach explores various facets of sex research. Although Kinsey, Masters and Johnson are all key players, Roach goes beyond the usual suspects to bring a broader range to the topic, including current research being conducted around the world. Sex research can be a difficult arena in which to find willing participants and Roach often finds herself (and her husband) getting directly involved. It's proper research and her husband got a free trip to Europe!

As with her other books, there are many shocking tid-bits and facts. It's one of those reads where you find yourself constantly wanting to read aloud sections of the book to whomever is in close proximity, because it's too good not to share.

In particular, I found the sections on the penis transplants to be particularly fascinating and often grotesque. Some of the sex toys and aids on the market that Roach details are quite bizarre and funny. She, without a hint of embarrassment, gets to the bottom of certain obscure patents and their creators. I'm quite certain that she had trouble keeping a straight face during some of the conversations, especially with the devices that don't have sound scientific backing.

This is book has great sections for those interested in animal behaviorism, specifically primatology.

Honestly, this probably would not be a good pick for someone who is sensitive or shy about discussing sex. It's graphic. Roach isn't trying to go for shock value, but she does explain things in a frank manner. I appreciate her approach and found much of this book to be very interesting. I highly recommend Bonk and Roach's other books.

Book Review- Daniel Alarcon's Lost City Radio

Daniel Alarcon's novel Lost City Radio is set during a violent civil war in an unnamed country (Peru according to the author) and follows several characters from a myriad of backgrounds and locations as their lives intersect in surprising ways.

I wanted to enjoy this book, but felt a big disconnect. I'm not completely sure what created the disconnect, but at times, I was finding it a chore to read the book. It seemed just as I was ready to give up, a beautiful passage would draw me in and compel me to keep reading.

Alarcon writes lyrically and it's easy to get swept away by his beautiful prose.

I found the narraration occasionally be confusion, as he would switch voices. It was an artistic choice, that didn't always work for me. This could have been the biggest factor towards creating the disconnect.

At times, the story felt repetitive in its sentiment or just simply not moving forward with regard to either plot or character development. It's not a particularly tricky story with twists and surprises, but the way story jumped between characters and time frames it felt like an episode of Lost!

As far as the plot, I found the plight of the Indians to be the most engaging. Alarcon has many big themes in his story and the one of globalization and expanding territories was the biggest take-away for me. It was the most affecting portion of the story. This is a story of people that do not have power and who are without a voice. None are more powerless than the natives caught in the middle of a war that is not even theirs.

I enjoyed the interview with the author following the story, more than I enjoyed the story itself. It seems like Alarcon has a rich family History and even though he is adept at writing fiction, I wish that he had written a non-fiction account on the subject.