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“Calypso” is a collection of essays by David Sedaris, published in 2018. The book is named after Sedaris’s beach house on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, which he calls “The Sea Section.” The essays in Calypso are a mix of personal stories, observations, and humor. Sedaris writes about his family, friends, travels, and life. He keenly observes human nature and has a knack for finding the funny side of even the most mundane things.
- Genre: Humor, Memoir, Essays
- Themes: Family, Aging, Mortality, Humor, Personal Reflection
What is this book about?
“Calypso” by David Sedaris is a collection of humorous and poignant essays that fall into the genre of memoir and humor. The book explores various themes, including family dynamics, aging, mortality, humor as a coping mechanism, and personal reflection.
Sedaris’s unique storytelling style is on full display in “Calypso.” He invites readers into his world with wit and candor, sharing anecdotes from his life that are laugh-out-loud funny and deeply moving. The book’s title, “Calypso,” is a nod to his vacation home on the Carolina coast, where many of these stories unfold.
One of the central themes of the book is family. Sedaris introduces readers to his eccentric and endearing family members, including his siblings, parents, and partner, Hugh. She explores how complex sibling relationships can be, the challenges of caring for aging parents, and how bittersweet nostalgia arises when revisiting her childhood home.
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Sedaris also delves into the process of aging and the stark realities of mortality. He shares his observations about the physical and emotional changes that come with aging, often infusing these reflections with his trademark humor. His essays offer a blend of self-deprecating humor and a deeper exploration of what it means to confront one’s mortality.
Humor is a recurring theme throughout the book. Sedaris uses humor as a coping mechanism and a way to navigate life’s ups and downs. He finds comedy in everyday situations, whether it’s the quirks of fellow travelers on an international flight or the absurdity of shopping for groceries.
While humor is a prominent feature of “Calypso,” there are moments of profound personal reflection. Sedaris touches on topics such as the loss of loved ones, the impact of social and political events on his worldview, and his own struggles with addiction and mental health. These moments add depth and vulnerability to his storytelling.
The book is structured as a series of essays, each offering a self-contained narrative that provides a glimpse into a different aspect of Sedaris’s life and observations. Some essays are lighthearted and whimsical, while others explore more introspective and emotional terrain.
Takeaways and tips
- Be honest with yourself and others. Sedaris’s writing is known for its honesty and vulnerability. He is not afraid to write about his flaws and shortcomings, and he writes about his family and friends funnily and lovingly. This honesty can be refreshing and inspiring, and it can help us to see ourselves and others more clearly.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously. Sedaris is known for finding humor in even the most mundane and difficult situations. He reminds us that it’s okay to laugh at ourselves and that it’s important to not take life too seriously. This reminder can be helpful, especially when facing challenges or setbacks.
- Appreciate the little things. Sedaris writes about the simple joys of life, such as spending time with loved ones, enjoying a good meal, or simply taking a walk in nature. He reminds us to appreciate the little things in life because they are often the ones that matter most. This reminder can help us focus on our life’s positive aspects, even when things are tough.
- Be grateful for what you have. Sedaris is grateful for his family, friends, health, and many blessings. He reminds us to be thankful for what we have, even if we don’t have everything we want. This reminder can help us to develop a more positive attitude towards life and to appreciate the good things that we have.
- Live in the present moment. Sedaris writes about the importance of living in the present moment and enjoying the present moment. He reminds us that the past is gone and the future is unknown, so all we have is the present moment. This reminder can help us to focus on the present and to make the most of each moment.
Best for
“Calypso” by David Sedaris is best for readers who appreciate a mix of humor and introspection in their reading. It’s ideal for those who enjoy personal essays that offer a window into the author’s life and reflections on the human condition. If you’re a fan of Sedaris’s previous works or enjoy humor that is both witty and emotionally resonant, this book is a delightful choice. It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate storytelling that explores the complexities of family relationships, aging, and the role of humor in navigating life’s challenges. Sedaris’s ability to find humor in the everyday and infuse it with moments of profound insight makes “Calypso” a compelling and relatable read for a wide range of readers.
Best-recommended books besides “Calypso”
“Calypso” by David Sedaris is a collection of humorous essays that explore various aspects of the author’s life, family, and personal experiences. If you enjoyed this book, here are alternative books in the humor and memoir genres:
“Me Talk Pretty One Day” by David Sedaris
David Sedaris shares more of his comedic and self-deprecating essays in this book. The book includes stories about his experiences living in France, his attempts to learn French, and his quirky family dynamics. Sedaris’ wit and humor shine as he navigates the challenges of language and culture.
Why we love it:
- Enjoy more of David Sedaris’ hilarious and relatable anecdotes.
- Explore his misadventures in language learning and cultural adaptation.
- Delight in Sedaris’ unique storytelling style and observations of everyday life.
“Bossypants” by Tina Fey
“Bossypants” is Tina Fey’s humorous and insightful memoir. She shares her journey from a young comedy enthusiast to becoming a successful comedian, writer, and actress. The book is filled with funny anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories from “Saturday Night Live,” and reflections on gender dynamics in the entertainment industry.
Why we love it:
- Laugh along with Tina Fey’s witty and irreverent humor.
- Gain insights into the world of comedy and television.
- Appreciate Fey’s candid discussions on gender and career challenges.
“Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” by Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling’s memoir is a delightful collection of essays. It offers a glimpse into her life, career, and unique perspective on various topics. She shares her Hollywood experiences, thoughts on friendships, and humorous take on societal expectations.
Why we love it:
- Enjoy Mindy Kaling’s charming and relatable storytelling.
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry.
- Reflect on topics like friendship and self-acceptance through Kaling’s humor.
“Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls” by David Sedaris
“Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls” is another collection of essays by David Sedaris. In this book, Sedaris continues to share his quirky and entertaining observations of life. The essays cover various topics, from travel adventures to family dynamics, delivered with his signature humor.
Why we love it:
- Experience more of David Sedaris’ hilarious and thought-provoking essays.
- Dive into his distinctive take on everyday situations and human behavior.
- Enjoy the wit and wisdom that Sedaris brings to his storytelling.
“Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah’s memoir, “Born a Crime,” offers a unique and humorous perspective on his childhood in apartheid-era South Africa. He recounts his experiences growing up in a mixed-race family and his challenges as a “colored” child. Despite the serious subject matter, Noah infuses humor into his storytelling.
Why we love it:
- Laugh at Trevor Noah’s comedic approach to a challenging upbringing.
- Gain insight into the history and culture of South Africa.
- Appreciate Noah’s resilience and storytelling skills.
“Let’s Pretend This Never Happened” by Jenny Lawson
Jenny Lawson’s memoir, “Let’s Pretend This Never Happened,” is a hilarious and candid exploration of her eccentric upbringing and experiences. She shares her quirky family stories, her struggles with mental health, and her knack for finding humor in life’s absurd moments.
Why we love it:
- Laugh out loud at Jenny Lawson’s outrageous and relatable tales.
- Connect with her openness about mental health challenges.
- Enjoy the author’s unique and refreshing storytelling style.
“Why Not Me?” by Mindy Kaling
In “Why Not Me?,” Mindy Kaling continues to share her witty insights into life and fame. The book includes essays on various topics, from dating and relationships to the entertainment industry. Kaling’s candid and relatable writing style shines as she reflects on her experiences.
Why we love it:
- Laugh at Mindy Kaling’s humorous and relatable take on life’s ups and downs.
- Gain a glimpse into the world of Hollywood and celebrity.
- Reflect on topics like self-confidence and ambition through Kaling’s witty anecdotes.
