Title: Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls Author: David Sedaris Publisher: Little, Brown and Company Released: April 23, 2013 Source: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library. Find it on:

It’s been too long since I’ve read a book by David Sedaris. I’d forgotten what a fabulous storyteller he is. The versatile, autobiographical essays in Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls tell of the things that lie beneath seemingly ordinary (and some not-so-ordinary) moments in our lives.

“Think Differenter” was one of my favorites; a brilliant social commentary on our tendency to become obsessed with technology. And “I Break For Traditional Marriage” was a delightfully twisted, demented piece of satire reminiscent of Mark Twain’s “The War Prayer” and Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal.” Even the essays which seemed to be simple, carefree memories eventually revealed themselves to be much more.

Sedaris has a knack for honing in on the easy-to-miss contradictions and peculiarities of human nature, and his expat point of view gives his commentary an added perspective. Although Sedaris is known for his witty sarcasm, I felt that his manner of portraying the uglier side of society is handled without spite or too much cynicism. He helps us reflect inward, always while laughing.