i put this book down in sheer disgust. then after a day i picked it up again, but today was the third and last time. i had to stop. the early stories are filled with systematic abuse throughout childhood, and the later stories are the result of an abused personality - confusing sadism with love. inappropriate boundaries. abuse of trust. self-destructive coping habbits. etc.

his book is supposed to be humorous and it is in parts - sedaris is certainly a gifted writer, but its depressing to be exposed to such terrible circumstances.