Autobiographical essays, anecdotes, and the doings of devious demi-deities

I Was Told There’d Be Cake

by Sloane Crosley

Available at Chapters/Indigo | A collection of hilarious biographical essays. I am staring at the back cover as it sits on my desk next to my morning tea and this is what it says: “From accidentally despoiling an exhibit at the Museum of Natural History, siccing the cops on the wrong neighbor, Sloane Crosley can do no right, despite the best of intentions – or perhaps because of them. In a sharp, original storytelling style that confounds expectations at every turn, Crosley recounts her victories and catastrophes with an irresistible voice that is all her own, finding genuine insights in the most unpredictable places.” Think Gossip Girl – only intelligent, witty, and down to earth. No – Think David Sedaris, only younger, poorer, femaler, and straight.

When You Are Engulfed in Flames

by David Sedaris

Available at Duthie Books on Fourth Ave | This, the latest work by the author of the hilarious Me Talk Pretty One Day and the just as funny Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, is another page to page winner. Everyone has someone on their Christmas list who will appreciate a little bit of David Sedaris. Some, of course, would enjoy a lot of Sedaris. I’ve heard it said that the tone of this book is more mature and slightly darker than his previous stuff. I would have to agree, but I do think darker and wiser wear very well on the author, making for a better read. Engulfed in Flames may well be the most enjoyable book that I have tucked into all year.

Gods Behaving Badly

by Marie Phillips

Available at Duthie Books on Fourth Ave | Not quite Homer – but thoroughly entertaining nonetheless. The adventures and misadventures of Greek gods slumming it in modern day London. Life in contemporary UK is rough for a slough of aging Greek gods who share a run down flat and struggle to hold on to their fading powers. Did you ever think you would see Artemis (the huntress) stooping to become a dog walker and Aphrodite (goddess of love) earning a living as an operator for a telephone sex line? Me neither. It’s a clever concept and a very funny read.

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