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Calypso

Author:
David Sedaris
Read by:
David Sedaris
Read Read Own Own

Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
269
Narrator
42
Release Date
May 29, 2018
Duration
6 hours 30 minutes
Summary
David Sedaris returns with his most deeply personal and darkly hilarious book.

If you've ever laughed your way through David Sedaris's cheerfully misanthropic stories, you might think you know what you're getting with Calypso. You'd be wrong.

When he buys a beach house on the Carolina coast, Sedaris envisions long, relaxing vacations spent playing board games and lounging in the sun with those he loves most. And life at the Sea Section, as he names the vacation home, is exactly as idyllic as he imagined, except for one tiny, vexing realization: it's impossible to take a vacation from yourself.

With Calypso, Sedaris sets his formidable powers of observation toward middle age and mortality. Make no mistake: these stories are very, very funny--it's a book that can make you laugh 'til you snort, the way only family can. Sedaris's powers of observation have never been sharper, and his ability to shock readers into laughter unparalleled. But much of the comedy here is born out of that vertiginous moment when your own body betrays you and you realize that the story of your life is made up of more past than future.

This is beach reading for people who detest beaches, required reading for those who loathe small talk and love a good tumor joke. Calypso is simultaneously Sedaris's darkest and warmest book yet--and it just might be his very best.
Reviews
Profile Avatar Haley M. May 2018

I've listened to about 5 or 6 books by David Sedaris, and each one I go through the same internal struggle while reading/listening.  1. Oh boy, a new David Sedaris book. Can't wait. 2. Man I missed his humor. Hilarious. so funny. a bit raunchy. 3. Okay this is more than a bit raunchy.  4. Wow. I'm going to hell.  5. Okay that was funny. 6. So much truth!!!  7. Aw man, it's over. Sigh.  This one was no different, and that's a good thing. Each of the stories were funny, or interesting, or contained something that made me facepalm and laugh and want to clean my brain out with bleach. Already looking forward to the next collection.  Content/Recommendation - adults only, contains language, a reference to suicide, and sexual content, and homosexual content.

Profile Avatar Halie N. Jun 2022

I love reading his books, but there is just something about hearing him…even better;)

Profile Avatar Karen P. Oct 2019

I love David Sedaris so much. His essays are brilliant, fumny and full of pathos. His genius is in the subtle way he comments on the Essence of the Human Condition. The profundity sneaks up on the listener. His stories draw his audience into a sense of intimacy with his whole family. He inspires me and fills my heart with joy!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2019

Not my style, sorry, don’t consider this a novel.

Profile Avatar Briahna T. Jul 2018

One of Sedaris’ better combination of essays. There is a focus on “later in life” problems - managing a vacation home, losing a sibling, relationship with parents, etc. But as always, hilarious.

Profile Avatar Margaret L. May 2020

I enjoyed Calypso as a light read with deeper undertones. The series of stories centers on the beach house Sedaris and his partner bought and share with his family. This allows the author to riff on many things that pass through his brain and tangentially or directly relate to family and house. As always, there are many laughs but there are also deeply serious topics as well; old age, sickness and death. It is often sweet, sometimes raunchy, insightful or silly. I think David Sedaris reading his work is the very best way to experience it, but in this book, studio reading was interspersed with live performances and I found that a little jarring. Not to worry though. It is an enjoyable journey through the mind of a one-of-a-kind author.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2019

Great!!

Profile Avatar Jeff S. Apr 2019

An entertaining R-rated, yet hilarious Dave Berry style. A lot of rectal humor themes.

Profile Avatar Riona F. Jan 2019

I love listening to David Sedaris reading his essays. It reminds me to laugh at the absurdities of life and to spend time with my family even if they sometimes make me crazy. This book is especially poignant at times (compared to his earlier ones) and anyone who struggles in their relationship with their parents or siblings will appreciate his honesty and perspectives. Definitely not for the faint of heart tho- some subject matter may be offensive to some but I loved every last bit of this book.

Profile Avatar Kyle J. Jan 2019

Am a long time David Sedaris fan. From This American Life to “Naked” (still my favorite) to “Me Talk Pretty” to several live shows and all his books, I very much enjoy and appreciate him. But not “Calypso”. I think it’s because Mr Sedaris seems to go out of his way here to show his meaner side — the one with little or no empathy for his sister lost to suicide or his father in his old age. The final story about his sister Tiffany and the closing on his father sadly reveal his coldness. Didn’t think that was David Sedaris. But he says so.

Profile Avatar Maggi B. Sep 2018

This is a perfect book for audio listening, especially read by David Sadaris himself. I found this book sad in parts, but mostly funny and honest.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Aug 2018

most likely for an older demographic

Profile Avatar Tim T. Jul 2018

I love this guys... and I’m looking forward to his next book...

Profile Avatar Lauren B. Jun 2018

Witty, cynical with ample amounts of compassion and real love... I love David’s worldview. Great read.

Calypso

Calypso

Author: David Sedaris
Read by: David Sedaris
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