Simple Times

Amy Sedaris's new book will have you in stitches--and not just of the cross-stitch variety. In her genuinely hilarious look at crafts and crafty folk, Sedaris presents a rib-tickling assortment of nutty, sometimes- naughty suggestions to brighten our lives in tough economic times. In a hyper-enthusiastic performance, Sedaris tackles the materials you'll need for crafting, offering some truly unique ideas for crafts--such as "bottle-cap castanets" and "decorative fly strips"--and some hazards faced by novice crafters--such as feather asphyxia and sawdust fires. The audiobook offers a bonus PDF file featuring recipes, how-to's, and photos of some finished products, including "shut-in shuffle slippers" and a "milk carton skid row." Sedaris's wildly wacky crafts and gift of side-splitting laughter are a perfect combination for lifting those economic doldrums. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

September 15, 2010

Comedian, actress, and author of I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, Sedaris here addresses topics like "Crafting for Jesus," gifts for shut-ins, pre- and postcrafting stretches, and even the "Craft of Lovemaking." Through the "Healing Power of Crafting," readers learn that a Rusty Nail Wind Chime is the perfect gift for those suffering from bipolar disorder. Some projects include instructions; some don't. Making a Tea Cozy Kitten, for example, is "self-explanatory." Included with the handicrafts are recipes for treats like sausages, Damn Its (macaroons), and other baked goods. This book is a visual delight--kitschy projects are displayed with wonderfully garish sets, costuming, and illustrations. Sedaris isn't afraid to go from lovely to whimsical to wildly unflattering in her wardrobe, hair, and makeup. VERDICT Sedaris is actually quite crafty and known for her baking. In her latest irreverent take on home economics, she provides a fun, complementary balance to recent "serious" books in this genre. Recommended. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/10; eight-city tour.]--Meagan Storey, Virginia Beach

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2010
In her follow-up to the best-selling I Like You (2006), Sedaris once again invites us all to remember the good old days with her off-the-wall crafting and entertaining suggestions. Did you know that inside your featureless well-worn husk is a creative you? she asks. No doubt drawing on and making light of the current economic atmosphere, she notes, Being poor is a wonderful motivation to be creative; and most crafts are made with found or salvaged materials. More a vehicle for Sedaris knack for farce and costume than a real how-to guide (unless the formula for a wizard duck costume marks the realization of your wildest dreams), it nevertheless contains a few useful facts, ideas, and recipes. The true joy of this book lies in its hilarious and amazingly well-styled photo spreads, many featuring Sedaris in one of her uncanny disguises, including a teenager, an elderly shut-in, and Jesus. She devotes equal time to instruction on making homemade sausage, gift-giving, crafting safety, and lovemaking (aka fornicrafting). Those looking to make conventional crafts, obviously, should look elsewhere. Everyone else should sit down, have a laugh, and make your very own bean-and-leaf James Brown mosaic. The author and her brother have a considerable following among hip readers of humor, and the appeal of this book will certainly transcend the world of crafters.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)