Wednesday, March 23, 2011 | By: Jason

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk (Book Review)

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest BestiarySquirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary by David Sedaris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars




Review of Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary by David Sedaris


An old metaphorical phase goes “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”


OliviaThis is definitely one of those times when that phrase is correct. For you reader with kids, you might be familiar with the artwork right away (OLIVIA).


The artwork is from “Children’s” Book Illustrator Ian Falconer. However, do not let that fool you, THIS IS NOT A KIDS BOOK… It is barely a book for rational adults, but who is really sane nowadays.


Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary is not a set of stories, set up like a children’s book. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk is full of colorful characters and disturbing scenes.


David Sedaris uses animals to depict human/animal lives and behavior by using animals to tell the tales. The stories deal with subjects like prejudice, stereotyping others, what love is, trust, religion, and even death. Dark but lightened up with humor. Some parts of the book will make you want stop reading and throw it in the trash, but other stories will pull you right in and kept you going.


The book will make you laugh a little and gross you out a lot. Expect it, just glance at the artwork, and read the cover, that should say it all. This is a first read of David Sedaris. Either you will love his art of storytelling or you will not. Either way, take some time, expand your reading genre, and try it out. What do you have to lose "except an eye" (Insider, read the book).


Character Development:


The funny creatures in this book are decently developed. The short stories do not allow much room to develop the characters well. However, after each story, you will know who the character really is.


Book Flow:


A very quick read. Read the book in a day. Great for a weekend read, or when on a trip home from the forest.


Stars/Shots:

3 out of 5 Shots







Liked it. Nevertheless, you will not be seeing this book on the living room table.




Jason "Book_Sniper" Martinez




View all my reviews

3 comments:

Adrienne said...

Having read most of his other stuff, I sort of knew what was coming. And you're right, some of it was disgusting. But the very last story about the owl and the hippo? That was hysterical. Absolutely wrong, but hysterical.

Jason said...

Hello Adrienne, Thanks for leaving a comment. Your right that last story had me cracking up! How could he come up with such a story lol.

TheBookGirl said...

Don't think this one is for me...I have never read Sedaris, but if I do, I would probably start with a different one. Thanks for your honest and informative review.

I see that you are reading Those Who Save Us...am interested to read your thoughts on that one.

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