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Holidays On Ice

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About this listen

 HOLIDAYS ON ICE collects six of David Sedaris's most profound Christmas stories into one slender volume, perfect for use as a last-minute coaster or ice scraper. This drinking man's companion can be enjoyed by the warmth of a raging fire, the glow of a brilliantly decorated tree, or even in the backseat of a van or police car.©1997 David Sedaris Entertainment & Celebrities United States World Literature Winter Christmas Funny Witty Comedy
All stars
Most relevant
Although funny in parts, the sour taste left in the mouth due to casual racism shows how this work has dated.

Casual American Racism

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David Sedaris is subversive, funny, absurd and dry, and this book mostly about Christmas has some priceless gems, but I wish I'd started with one of his others first.

Having heard his live readings on BBC radio, I have come to love his wonderful and often poignant observations on the absurdities of life. His humour never fails to make me laugh, and reminds me of Tom Lehrer, with an absurdist twist. From the politics of being one of Santas Elves at Macy's to the difficulties of explaining the Easter bunny to a Muslim in French, or his fascination with autopsy reports, this book has some priceless and delicious stories.

So, why only 4 stars?

Some of the stories, (such as the Dunbar family Christmas circular), are certainly more poignant than funny - almost tragic, and his brilliant but biting cynicism sometimes left me feeling deflated. (He is at his best when being autobiographical, and with a live audience).

However, I think for me it is because this is a "collection" of assorted stories on a theme, rather than a whole book, which left me wishing I'd started with one of his more complete audiobooks.

That aside, I am off to buy another, and probably many more after that, for he is a rare talent, with an astute eye for Homo absurdus, and a genius for expressing that in humour. Don't be put off by his voice. Once you get used to his style, his delivery is impeccable, and his timing and inflection certainly add to the humour of the writing.

The subversive, funny, absurd side of Xmas

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I've had these waiting on my phone for months, deciding to listen to this in December in the run-up to Christmas. While it doesn't give much festive feeling, admittedly, I was amused from beginning to end with the subversion and black humour.

Of course, the centrepiece, a narration of a Macy's elf and his work life is very funny. The longest of the stories, it's the reason I bought this collection in the first place and is totally worth it. My other favourites were the 'Round Robin Christmas letter 'that escalates quickly from the usual boasts to a hideously dark story, and the one-man-upmanship that likewise takes on a very, very black turn. The animal story of a Secret Santa with a sting in the tail is also wonderfully morbid. For those alone, this is recommended, but the other stories also have their merits.

I loved listening to this, I got to smirk along with the author as he told me his own stories. They translate very well to audio, some are told to the listener/reader straight anyway. Sedaris is a talented reader, definitely one I'd listen to again.

I just love subversion, especially of traditional themes, so this collection was right up my street. I'll probably listen to it again next December as well.

Deliciously dark collection of festive stories

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I love listening to David Sedaris read his work, but would rather not have to listen to the cheap-sounding ‘lift’ music in the background.

Sedaris 10, background music 0

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Would you try another book written by David Sedaris or narrated by the narrators?

Yes - provided it was more up to date b

Who was your favorite character and why?

Not really relevant - but I enjoyed the Santas Elf stories best in the collection.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I didn't get that wonderful wry cynicism that I've heard in David Sedaris' radio broadcasts, so I was really disappointed at this. I wonder if it the audience that I miss - as when there was a live performance I enjoyed that much more.

Did Holidays on Ice inspire you to do anything?

Possibly to avoid a job as Santas little helper?

Any additional comments?

I do have difficulty with short stories as a form. I nearly always find them less satisfying than a novel. But as collections go, this is ok.

Disappointed

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