The Book of Liz - Acting Edition by David Sedaris and Amy Sedaris Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Book of Liz - Acting Edition
Book Review: Reads for the stage--still hysterical
Summary: 4 Stars
Being a huge "Talent Family" fan, I was excited to see that they had joined forces and written a play. I can understand that if you are used to reading David's books, this might be a different read for some individuals. I was asked by a local theatre producer to search for some new material for possible productions for a season, so that's why I checked it out. I found it hysterical--of course, I was looking at it from a staging point of view. The fact that it is only 50 (+/-) pages makes it "perfect" for a short play--meaning it would run right around an hour to an hour and a half. I guess if you read plays on a regular basis, you will find it enjoyable like I did. If you're used to reading novels or short stories (especially the ones that David is famous for), and play reading isn't your cup or tea, it might not be as entertaining to you. But, you could do much, much worse for your money. I rate it highly.Book Review: Wacky fun!!
Summary: 4 Stars
As with some of the other reviewers here, I pre-ordered "The Book of Liz" long before its publication, and I was somewhat surprised to see how short it is (although at that price, I shouldn't have been surprised). However, after reading the play I was ultimately satisfied with my purchase. "The Book of Liz" chronicles a very sweaty and naive Squeamish Sister (an obvious play on the Amish) who decides to leave her job making cheeseballs and venture out into the real world. No, I'm not kidding! The plot is as bizarre as you'd expect from the Sedaris siblings.
It should be noted that the play lists Amy Sedaris as the first author, and it definitely reflects her humor more than David's humor. It's kind of a tame variation of her show, "Strangers With Candy." "The Book of Liz" is different and fun, and it gave me a few chuckles. Not bad for such a short and inexpensive tome.
Book Review: Why bother anymore with that cloying elf?
Summary: 5 Stars
...and his fatuous harpy of a sister...This guy has pulled eight sheeps of wool over way too many eyes. Let's take him, Eggers, Squeaky Vowell, Frangenides, and all the other ersatz nutz (a phrase which might inspire peals of squeals and subsequent chapters for any of these Supersponges) and write them out of their own self-suckling fables. This is Seinfeld without the neuroses, Pynchon without the mystery, Modernism without the resonance or wit...just a mess of weak minds and quirks masquerading as Personality.Book Review: nice and cheesy
Summary: 4 Stars
Sister Elizabeth Donderdock is unappreciated in her Squeamish township. (So as not to offend the Amish, the Sedarises replaced the "A" with "Squea". I'm sure no one suspects.) She is the only person who has the secret touch it takes to make the famous Squeamish cheese balls, but the town doesn't realize how important she is until she disappears. Although not David's best work, this play is a lot of fun to read and features a lot of good-natured silliness. On the otherhand, it appears difficult to stage. Make sure you have four good actors who can play male and female roles, Amish as well as alcoholic and can speak Ukranian.Book Review: not up to the typical sedaris level
Summary: 2 Stars
I totally love both Amy and David Sedaris, but I have to say this was very disappointing, I'm not even sure why they published this. It seems like it would be the kind of thing you would put together just for family members who were there, get it and love whatever you do because you are family. I would caution anyone else from purchasing this.