Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Little, Brown and Company (2010), Edition: 1st, Hardcover, 159 pages
Description
Essays. Nonfiction. Humor (Nonfiction.) HTML: Featuring David Sedaris's unique blend of hilarity and heart, this new collection of keen-eyed animal-themed tales is an utter delight. Though the characters may not be human, the situations in these stories bear an uncanny resemblance to the insanity of everyday life. In "The Toad, the Turtle, and the Duck," three strangers commiserate about animal bureaucracy while waiting in a complaint line. In "Hello Kitty," a cynical feline struggles to sit through his prison-mandated AA meetings. In "The Squirrel and the Chipmunk," a pair of star-crossed lovers is separated by prejudiced family members. With original illustrations by Ian Falconer, author of the bestselling Olivia series of children's books, these stories are David Sedaris at his most observant, poignant, and surprising..… (more)
Media reviews
For the strong- stomached, these tales are toxic little treats, fun-size Snickers bars with a nougaty strychnine center. But at $21.99 for a scant 159 illustrated pages, Squirrel doesn't quite make a meal.
User reviews
LibraryThing member vasquirrel
I had to go back and think hard about this, after finishing the book. Over the first half, I was thinking that I hated it, but I had to step back and think about whether I just didn't get what I wanted from Sedaris this time or if the book was actually not good.
I've decided that twisted parables
I've decided that twisted parables
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may not be my cup of tea, but he HAS done a solid job presenting clever, short, morality plays. You just have to get over various animals having their eyes jabbed out. I can't really say that I enjoyed it, but I think it does what it is intended to do and does it well, at that. Show Less
LibraryThing member Eye_Gee
I guess I'm just not used to David Sedaris with such a sharp edge. The tales in this book are clever, using animals to stand in and exhibit the pettiness we humans are capable of. Walt Kelly did something similar with his Pogo characters. The difference is that Kelly seemed to love his animals
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while Sedaris' seem unredeemable. Show Less
LibraryThing member Praj05
Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk is a fable on amphetamine and licorice. Sedaris strikes the right chord with his sardonic depiction of woodland creatures emulating human role plays whilst imparting the acumen of logic and prejudicial edification that we seem to adhere with cynical normality.
LibraryThing member shearon
As a long time Sedaris fan, I found this one a little disappointing. The animal characters while amusing in the first stories get a little tiresome by the end. The language is clever, of course, but the "moral" of the story was often very obvious from the beginning. Also, several of the stories are
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quite brutal about survival in the animal kingdom. Most of these animals are not vegetarians and are not eating from a bowl in your kitchen. The illustrations by Ian Falconer are terrific. Done in black, white and - orange - they are funny, clever and a bit gruesome, as appropraite. Show Less
LibraryThing member khager
David Sedaris is best known for his essays but this is a fiction book. It’s sort of a book of fables only without any sort of moral.
There are also illustrations for each story, done by Ian Falconer (who does the pictures in the Olivia books) and they are…well, adorable isn’t the word. But
I think my favorite stories are probably The Mouse and the Snake, The Faithful Setter, The Crow and the Lamb, The Vigilant Rabbit and Hello Kitty.
Like fables, they take expectations and turn them on their ear. In The Mouse and the Snake, for example, the mouse keeps a snake as a pet. It starts out fine and the two are close. The mouse even brings the snake food. Unfortunately, once the snake hits a growth spurt, things don’t go so well for the mouse. (It’s not a spoiler if you have common sense.)
Unfortunately, most of the animals in this collection don’t. In The Crow and the Lamb, the crow persuades a sheep to meditate, leaving its young unguarded. The Vigilant Rabbit takes it upon himself to guard the forest, attacking all who would approach. He also has a sign. It started as a No Trespassing sign but soon grew to encompass “No Laughing,” “No Stupid Questions,” “No Cursing,” “No Questioning My Integrity,” and ”No Insulting Remarks About My Ears Or My Teeth.”
But possibly the best one is Hello Kitty, about an AA program in prison. I don’t think I even need to add anything, because either you already see the comic gold or you don’t.
Absolutely recommended.
There are also illustrations for each story, done by Ian Falconer (who does the pictures in the Olivia books) and they are…well, adorable isn’t the word. But
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they’re striking and some are cuter than others.I think my favorite stories are probably The Mouse and the Snake, The Faithful Setter, The Crow and the Lamb, The Vigilant Rabbit and Hello Kitty.
Like fables, they take expectations and turn them on their ear. In The Mouse and the Snake, for example, the mouse keeps a snake as a pet. It starts out fine and the two are close. The mouse even brings the snake food. Unfortunately, once the snake hits a growth spurt, things don’t go so well for the mouse. (It’s not a spoiler if you have common sense.)
Unfortunately, most of the animals in this collection don’t. In The Crow and the Lamb, the crow persuades a sheep to meditate, leaving its young unguarded. The Vigilant Rabbit takes it upon himself to guard the forest, attacking all who would approach. He also has a sign. It started as a No Trespassing sign but soon grew to encompass “No Laughing,” “No Stupid Questions,” “No Cursing,” “No Questioning My Integrity,” and ”No Insulting Remarks About My Ears Or My Teeth.”
But possibly the best one is Hello Kitty, about an AA program in prison. I don’t think I even need to add anything, because either you already see the comic gold or you don’t.
Absolutely recommended.
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LibraryThing member jdyork74
I hated this book. I found that all the stories ended with a negative tone. All of the characters were mean spirited. I don't know what this says about the author. Perhaps he is trying to demonstrate that we should be nicer to each other. I would hope so but it didn't come through for me. I don't
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hold the view that mankind is inherently mean and self-centered. Sorry if I missed the point but from my perspective I would rather read something that made me feel good about humanity and this certainly doesn't. Show Less
LibraryThing member jenreidreads
Perhaps this wasn't the best place to start with David Sedaris, having never read him before. I found most of these...short stories? essays? fables?...to be quite upsetting. The illustrations only added to my discomfort, particularly "The Crow and the Lamb." I get it (I think) - like Aesop's
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fables, he's teaching us about ourselves, but unlike them, he's only showing us our faults. Right? I don't like how there's scarcely a a happy ending in this bunch. "The Motherless Bear," "The Vigilant Rabbit," and "The Judicious Brown Chicken" in particular turned my stomach. I like dark humor now and then, but I guess this was too dark for me. Plus I'm a HUGE softie when it comes to animals; I don't like reading about them in pain or dying, even when it's fictional and they are really just stand-ins for humans. Show Less
LibraryThing member jodes101
I love David Sedaris! Nothing feels quite as good as snuggling down with his one of his books and a glass of wine. I read half of this book before going to sleep last night and finished it this morning (without the wine). The way that he explores human foibles and f&(^ ups by using animals is
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really interesting and fun. The pictures by Ian Falconer are great too, its slightly disturbing that he can draw such cute Olivia illustrations and then something disgusting like the lamb - but I love slightly disturbing stuff. Show Less
LibraryThing member janegca
I picked this up after listening to Sedaris' read an excerpt from his "Santaland Diaries" on NPR; it was not what I expected. The "Santaland Diaries" had me in stitches, "squirrel seeks chipmunk" had me cringing.
Given the animal theme I expected satire; what I didn't expect was unrelenting
Given the animal theme I expected satire; what I didn't expect was unrelenting
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caustic, biting, humorless satire. Sedaris' insightful depictions of the rationales we employ to justify our worst behaviours were accurate to a fault, and totally lacking in empathy. Show Less
LibraryThing member agarrisongirl
Often hilarious, but too disgusting and gross for my taste. The four readers are good, especially David Sedaris and Elaine Stritch.
LibraryThing member sweans
David Sedaris can do no wrong in my eyes. Still, I prefer the stories based on his own life. The illustrations were pretty amazing, too!
LibraryThing member knitwit2
This is the first time I've been disappointed in David Sedaris - what was his publisher thinking?
LibraryThing member womansheart
More subtle wryness than laugh out loud humor found herein
David Sedaris is a delight to listen to when the occasion arises. His voice and inflection add to the reading aloud of his written works.
His books are clever, too. This modest bestiary1, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk is a series of short stories
My most memorable read of the selection in the book, was a parody of a twelve-step program meeting made up of a group of animals who were incarcerated together. It was pretty funny. The remainder of the stories were okay but not as comedic as the parody.
I rate this book three stars out of five. ***
1. "bestiary." Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. HarperCollins Publishers. 24 Oct. 2010. .
David Sedaris is a delight to listen to when the occasion arises. His voice and inflection add to the reading aloud of his written works.
His books are clever, too. This modest bestiary1, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk is a series of short stories
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using animals as the primary characters who move the stories along. They, seem similar in their thoughts, speech and behavior to human beings. There are lessons to be put forth and morals be considered whilst reading them. Some are rather amusing. Some, not so much.My most memorable read of the selection in the book, was a parody of a twelve-step program meeting made up of a group of animals who were incarcerated together. It was pretty funny. The remainder of the stories were okay but not as comedic as the parody.
I rate this book three stars out of five. ***
1. "bestiary." Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. HarperCollins Publishers. 24 Oct. 2010. .
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LibraryThing member jreinhart
I normally like what David Sedaris writes. He definitely has a way with words. He tends to shine when on audiobook. His comedic genius truly blossoms them but it is always apparent. That is until I read this book. It is unfunny.
It is supposed to be comedic but fails. Reading the vignettes it is
The only saving factor for this book are the wonderful illustrations by Olivia author/illustrator Ian Falconer. Whether you love Sedaris or hate him you should not buy this book. If you are purchasing for a library, then put your funds elsewhere. And, if you're looking for a great gift for someone then get one of Sedaris' earlier works (Holidays on Ice, Naked, etc).
It is supposed to be comedic but fails. Reading the vignettes it is
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apparent what the funny part(s) is supposed to be. Yet, they're not actually funny. The morality tales are merely retellings of stories told millions of times before but without new angles or creative juices.The only saving factor for this book are the wonderful illustrations by Olivia author/illustrator Ian Falconer. Whether you love Sedaris or hate him you should not buy this book. If you are purchasing for a library, then put your funds elsewhere. And, if you're looking for a great gift for someone then get one of Sedaris' earlier works (Holidays on Ice, Naked, etc).
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LibraryThing member alana_leigh
Normally, I'm a big fan of David Sedaris's work, but I'm growing more and more worried that he's tapped out his abundance of ridiculous family-related stories and, thus, has lost some of his ability to make me laugh out loud while simply retaining small chuckle inducing capabilities. Squirrel Seeks
I had heard of David Sedaris for a little while before I actually read any of his writing. He came to read at my college (which was an incredibly well-attended event) and when he signed my book, he wrote, "To Alana -- so nice to finally meet you!" It's pretty easy to gobble up his stories, but I tried to go slowly. I think my favorite piece (which still has me gasping for breath each time I read it, I'm laughing so hard) is "Six to Eight Black Men" about various Christmas traditions across the world, though a close runner-up is "Repeat After Me," which is incredibly touching as well as funny. There are so many stories, though, that stick in my mind, and so I'm usually one to chat up just how wonderful a writer Sedaris can be. I was a little disappointed by When You Are Engulfed In Flames, but chalked it up to the fact that Sedaris has practically settled down into a quieter life -- which makes for less funny antics even if his keen insight is as sharp as ever. So now we have Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk and I'm fairly certain that this is his attempt at producing something that has nothing to do with any vaguely personal story... and I find myself wishing I had just spent the time re-reading one of his earlier works.
The general idea is that Sedaris took animals and put them in very human situations that seem to highlight just how dreadful human actions can be by assigning them to animals. The first story was my favorite, I think -- a cat and a baboon at a hair salon, the baboon grooming the vain cat and them gossiping about others. Irritatingly, though, I read this story in the bookstore and so started to look forward to everything, and then wound up a bit disappointed. Other stories tackle single observations or issues. There's a couple of birds recounting a not-very-funny experience from their travels which paints them in a rather racist light. A squirrel and a chipmunk date until they run out of things to say, but when the unsuitable relationship is forcibly ended by the chipmunk's family, she always thinks rather fondly of that romance. An Irish Setter discusses his marital problems and infidelities, wishing that he might seek out another mate but ultimately returning to his mixed-breed wife. A healthy rat blames a sick rat for his own illness by suggesting he's not being positive enough, then gets injected with AIDS. A self-righteous stork rants to her baby (because your kids are always an appropriate audience for your adult issues) about another stork's parenting skills, which only emphasizes how the self-righteous stork is neglecting her own baby.
The observations on the terrible things that humans do in every-day interactions are clever, but I just suppose I didn't need this to be an entire book. It felt like it dragged on and yes, Sedaris is smart in linking things together, but it means things are somewhat one-note. The concept is a bit strange to start with and things continue to be strange. In a usual Sedaris story, there's some progression and often some kind of conclusion... but here, I feel as though a single, somewhat sad observation was made on humanity each time and simply left there. It's not that I need my humor to be light and fluffy, but I would prefer some variation in tone. This is probably my least favorite Sedaris book. Had it been written by someone else, I might not be so harsh on it, but I expect great things from David Sedaris and this just feels like a let-down.
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Chipmunk is his latest endeavor, which veers completely away from his habit of producing semi-personal anecdotes and instead focuses on his keen observational skills. This interesting little collection of short stories feature talking animals, interacting just like humans who seem beastly in light of such a comparison, but I wasn't really all that delighted with the whole.I had heard of David Sedaris for a little while before I actually read any of his writing. He came to read at my college (which was an incredibly well-attended event) and when he signed my book, he wrote, "To Alana -- so nice to finally meet you!" It's pretty easy to gobble up his stories, but I tried to go slowly. I think my favorite piece (which still has me gasping for breath each time I read it, I'm laughing so hard) is "Six to Eight Black Men" about various Christmas traditions across the world, though a close runner-up is "Repeat After Me," which is incredibly touching as well as funny. There are so many stories, though, that stick in my mind, and so I'm usually one to chat up just how wonderful a writer Sedaris can be. I was a little disappointed by When You Are Engulfed In Flames, but chalked it up to the fact that Sedaris has practically settled down into a quieter life -- which makes for less funny antics even if his keen insight is as sharp as ever. So now we have Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk and I'm fairly certain that this is his attempt at producing something that has nothing to do with any vaguely personal story... and I find myself wishing I had just spent the time re-reading one of his earlier works.
The general idea is that Sedaris took animals and put them in very human situations that seem to highlight just how dreadful human actions can be by assigning them to animals. The first story was my favorite, I think -- a cat and a baboon at a hair salon, the baboon grooming the vain cat and them gossiping about others. Irritatingly, though, I read this story in the bookstore and so started to look forward to everything, and then wound up a bit disappointed. Other stories tackle single observations or issues. There's a couple of birds recounting a not-very-funny experience from their travels which paints them in a rather racist light. A squirrel and a chipmunk date until they run out of things to say, but when the unsuitable relationship is forcibly ended by the chipmunk's family, she always thinks rather fondly of that romance. An Irish Setter discusses his marital problems and infidelities, wishing that he might seek out another mate but ultimately returning to his mixed-breed wife. A healthy rat blames a sick rat for his own illness by suggesting he's not being positive enough, then gets injected with AIDS. A self-righteous stork rants to her baby (because your kids are always an appropriate audience for your adult issues) about another stork's parenting skills, which only emphasizes how the self-righteous stork is neglecting her own baby.
The observations on the terrible things that humans do in every-day interactions are clever, but I just suppose I didn't need this to be an entire book. It felt like it dragged on and yes, Sedaris is smart in linking things together, but it means things are somewhat one-note. The concept is a bit strange to start with and things continue to be strange. In a usual Sedaris story, there's some progression and often some kind of conclusion... but here, I feel as though a single, somewhat sad observation was made on humanity each time and simply left there. It's not that I need my humor to be light and fluffy, but I would prefer some variation in tone. This is probably my least favorite Sedaris book. Had it been written by someone else, I might not be so harsh on it, but I expect great things from David Sedaris and this just feels like a let-down.
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LibraryThing member Quiltinfun06
This is a very interesting collection of short stories that powerfully address the life of humans. Almost childlike with a moral to a every story, I found the stories humorous and thought provoking. I enjoyed the illustrations very much as well. This book is best read with friends because I felt
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the need to discuss each story with someone. I am sure I missed the all important point on a few and need to re-read them and think about them some more. Show Less
LibraryThing member TiffanyHickox
While this book was not what I expected (I thought it was going to be a novel when I ordered it) it was entertaining and left me thinking.
Each section of the book tells a short tale, each with animal characters put in place of humans. For example a baboon hairdresser grooming a cat or a duck,
Interesting stories, quick and enjoyable read. Wonderful illustrations by Ian Falconer, though definitely more grown up than his Olivia books ;-)
Each section of the book tells a short tale, each with animal characters put in place of humans. For example a baboon hairdresser grooming a cat or a duck,
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turtle and frog waiting in line at the DMV. The stories are not really about anything spectacular, but are mostly about our day to day interactions as humans in America. The author has a keen ability to pick up on the true essence of human interaction, especially the ugly side, and throughout the book I get a feeling that, while he does see humor in our misgivings, he is also saddened by them to the point of disgust.Interesting stories, quick and enjoyable read. Wonderful illustrations by Ian Falconer, though definitely more grown up than his Olivia books ;-)
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LibraryThing member Tiree
Telling short stories through animals, Sedaris is ultimately telling us more about ourselves and human behavior than about anything else. While I chuckled at times, I found overall these modern fables a little disturbing and not terribly amusing. They certainly didn't make me laugh out loud the way
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Sedaris stories usually do. I was a little disappointed. The illustrations are fabulous, though. Show Less
LibraryThing member Shelen
This started a litle slowly as comments on the human condition as modeled by animal protagonists; okay, but nothing notable and not what I expect from Sedaris. Stay with it though, and meet the truly scary and irrational vigilant bunny. The story with the great horned owl, the hippo and the gerbil
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made me laugh aloud. The one with the bereaved bear I found haunting. Adding to the experience were the wonderful drawings. If you appreciate Sedaris this is a gem! Show Less
LibraryThing member jjrogers
Nothing like his other books. Quite graphically cruel.
LibraryThing member mahallett
cute and funny. each character has a distinctive voice.
LibraryThing member tututhefirst
What a delightful, ironic, satirical collection of short stories. Each features a different animal,or pair of animals, anthropomorphised to react to specific human conditions - nothing spectacular, just every day life, every day prejudices, everyday fears and expectations. Each story is only 4-5
I couldn't help but see the squirrel and chipmunk as Romeo and Juliet, and the story of the cat in a prison AA meeting had me rolling on the floor. The cow who was involved in a Secret Santa group in the barnyard was particularly appropriate for this time of year.
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pages and can be read in under 10 minutes. It is the perfect book to give to someone who claims to be anon-reader. It is a perfect book to put on the bedside table in the guest bedroom. It is a perfect book to tuck into a purse to have something to read in a waiting room. It is very adult, not really a kiddie book in spite of the animal themes and fun illustrations by Ian Falconer.I couldn't help but see the squirrel and chipmunk as Romeo and Juliet, and the story of the cat in a prison AA meeting had me rolling on the floor. The cow who was involved in a Secret Santa group in the barnyard was particularly appropriate for this time of year.
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LibraryThing member fist
A delightful collection of modern fables. Fun to read, yet providing a lot of food for thought when one tries to discover the chickens, the owls and (especially!) the gerbils in one's own life. I look forward to re-reading this.
LibraryThing member amkerlin
This book brought a mixture of amusement, sadness and slight disturbance to the short stories within the book. Things you read in the newspaper and on the Internet, seem to pale in comparison.
The use of animals to show humanity has been done by George Orwell with Animal Farm, showing the different
The most memorable story was The Sick Rat and The Healthy Rat. No matter what is going on, show compassion for the other because you may not know the whole story. The Sick Rat knew his place and knew what was happening to him yet The Healthy Rat made assumptions made based on her beliefs that he was sick because he was negative.
I liked how each story gave you a message or lesson to learn. Reminded me of Aesop's Fables, in a way. It gave me a moment where I had to recall past situations that may have been similar and how I acted or reacted to them.
The use of animals to show humanity has been done by George Orwell with Animal Farm, showing the different
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personalities and situations that humans go through. Perhaps showing humanity at its worse?The most memorable story was The Sick Rat and The Healthy Rat. No matter what is going on, show compassion for the other because you may not know the whole story. The Sick Rat knew his place and knew what was happening to him yet The Healthy Rat made assumptions made based on her beliefs that he was sick because he was negative.
I liked how each story gave you a message or lesson to learn. Reminded me of Aesop's Fables, in a way. It gave me a moment where I had to recall past situations that may have been similar and how I acted or reacted to them.
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LibraryThing member auntmarge64
This is the first Sedaris I've read, and it was quite amusing. A bit of brain candy, and as I finished each little tale I thought, "OK, just one more". Before I knew it, I was done.
In each story a couple of animal characters act out a clever scenario combining human and animal attributes. Some end
In each story a couple of animal characters act out a clever scenario combining human and animal attributes. Some end
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with a little surprise, some with a pun, some just give a chuckle. Each is illustrated with drawings. My favorites: (1) a sick lab mouse is joined by a healthy one who opines that illness is a result of negative feelings. She suggests the sick mouse take up writing limericks. As the sick mouse gives it a try, two gloved hands enter the picture and inject the healthy mouse with a virus. OK, sounds macabre, but the limerick is a stitch. (2) A great horned owl gives second chances to his prey if they can tell him something interesting. The latest: there is a parasite that lives only in a hippo rectum. Off goes the owl to the zoo, and hilarity results. Show Less
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — Humor — 2011)
Ursa Major Awards (Runner-Up — 2010)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2010-09-28
Physical description
176 p.; 7.15 inches
ISBN
0316038393 / 9780316038393