“Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls” by David Sedaris – Day to Day Hysteria

David Sedaris is known in the world of literature as being one of the most unique and talented writers out there, always offering a unique perspective on things, whether they are extraordinary or banal. Though he hasn't released an essay collection in a few years, Sedaris has recently revisited the genre with Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, and as I believe it, he has outdone himself this time around.

While some of the essays are hysterical anecdotes from Sedaris’ own life, others are more of a fictional nature, but really, it doesn’t deter from it. Each of the stories has quite an intriguing plot to it, somewhat akin to reading a novella.

For example, in one of the stories Sedaris visits a taxidermy shop to buy a stuffed owl as a Valentine’s Day gift, which in itself is already weird. As he socializes with the owner, he decides to show him some of the stuff he has in the back, and lo and behold, one of his items is a human skeleton. Where did it come from and who does it belong to?

Naturally, not all of the stories have such a grim aspect to them, with some being more of a humorous nature, such as the one describing in detail the nirvana of being sedated for a colonoscopy session or the various anecdotes about eating roosters in China. Other stories even have a bit more of a sentimental side, such as the one where he details how his father preferring another boy over him damaged him.

Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris (Book cover)
What really makes these essays memorable is how Sedaris’ magnificent writing skills bring them to life. Regardless of the setting he describes or the emotions he feels, you can always practically feel yourself going through the same experience. 

In other words, he pulls you into the stories and gets you emotionally-invested into them, regardless of their topic. The humor is mostly situational and relies on Sedaris’ own thoughts and input to be understood, but it very rarely failed to send tears of laughter running down my cheeks. 

All in all, it’s a very fun and touching collection of stories I recommend to fans of Sedaris or anyone looking for a relaxing read that gives some insight into the mind of one of the greatest authors of this generation, and life in general.

David Sedaris (Author)

David Sedaris


Personal site

David Sedaris is an American comedian, humorist and author who received national recognition back in 1992 when his essay, "SantaLand Diaries" was broadcast on National Public Radio.

Since then he has been publishing essay collections, articles and audio recordings on a very regular basis, and they include Me Talk Pretty One Day and When You Are Engulfed in Flames.



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