You'll Laugh Again, and Maybe Cry

David never disappoints. This book is a collection of some previously published vignettes and some newer material too. And although his signature zany style is still very much intact, there's an undercurrent of something more. While we've all enjoyed being voyeurs into the world of the Sedaris family for many years, this book is like being in the house when the cameras stop rolling, or when he puts the pen down. You may feel a tad guilty for peeking all those other times, but then at the end, you hope that maybe, because you love them all, it was okay that you were there. There's more philosophy woven into the humor which makes you think about your own place in relationships of your own, but he still delivers this message with a twinkle and a wink. It's the mark of genius, and maybe he's right. This may be his best yet.

It's Science, All Right

If you're a psychology student doing a paper on narcissism, this is the book for you. However, if you are J. Q. Public trying to figure out why your neighbor constantly puts their dog poop in your trash can (and validation of your frustration) this may not be what you're looking for. There was a good degree of focus on the breakdown of the types of narcissism which was interesting at first, but lost its shine for me the 11,000th time it was dissected. The authors are quite knowledgeable and the information is obviously well-researched. But dang, man, it was a tad dry. And I can handle me some tedium. (Other than Moby Dick, but that's another story.) There were some attempts to liven things up, but unfortunately, the examples were consistently from shows I don't watch. Not so helpful. Would it have been so hard to create an imaginary scenario? Is the assumption that EVERYONE is an aficionado of Game of Thrones? Toward the end of the book, the author says that in relationship to narcissism, "Parenting matters but doesn't make much of a difference" and then goes on to say that of course, blatant and severe abuse or neglect would create problems, but that's about it. Then, 23 pages later, there's a teaser under the Psychodynamic therapeutic approach section mentioning " . . . the childhood roots of the disorder . . ." SO WHAT ARE THEY? No mention of what these things might be. I realize I'm not a psych-anything, but it seemed to me that ultimately the message from the author(s) was that narcissism was really just kind of interesting, but not really a big deal. Just play along! He/she/they will be duped by your facade of adoration and simmer down. Sometimes you might want a narcissist on your team--they can be great leaders if you don't take things too seriously! Really? What about people who are really struggling with these me-mongers? It seemed as though the author was somewhat amused by the characteristics of narcissism, and trying to look on the bright side of this personality rather than living alongside someone with it. If you want some practical understanding about that poop-sharing neighbor, another book might be a better choice. If you decide on this one, be sure you watch Game of Thrones first.

Fun, Lighthearted Story

If you're trying to complete that classic reading list from high school, this isn't going to help. If, however, you're heading off on a plane, train or any other means of locomotion, this will help you pass the time happily. Step back in time to a department store in Australia, and the disparate yet intertwined crew of women who sell dresses there. In their signature black frocks they navigate the world of the haves and wanna-haves, making everyone feel special. The challenge is to do the same for themselves. Read it and see if they succeed . . .