I do not like re-reading books or re-watching movies. Usually, once is good enough for me, and I don’t like familiarity or predictability in books that I read. However, overriding my inner curmudgeon, is my desire — every once in a while — to laugh.  So, for the past several years I have re-read my favorite holiday book, Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris.  Some people like Christmas carols, but I prefer to listen to the stories of Sedaris’s experiences working as an a department store elf during the holiday.  Many readers may recognize Sedaris as a regular contributor to the NPR radio show,This American Life. Sedaris’s sardonic wit has me regularly laughing so loud at night that I wake sleeping children that were nestled all snug in their beds, disturbing the visions of sugar-plums dancing in their heads.

Sedaris has more NPR contributions you can listen to on the NPR website, read by the author himself. I have neglected to mention the pleasure of listening to Sedaris read his own material. NLS narrators are great, but  I can think of no better time I have had listening to an author, than when when I listen to Sedaris read his essays and short stories. We have one commercial version of the author reading his own book, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim (DB   58825, available for download) in the TBP collection. Please visit the link to NPR web site below to listen to him tell his stories himself, including recent contributions: http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/lists/sedaris/ , or call us to order

HOLIDAYS ON ICE by Sedaris, David (1997)

Six short Christmas tales by humorist, playwright, and National Public Radio commentator. Sedaris relives his stint as a department store elf in “SantaLand Diaries.” In “Seasons Greetings to Our Friends and Family!!!,” a housewife facing homicide charges updates loved ones in her annual holiday newsletter. Bestseller. 1997.

BR   15182,  DB   68134,  RC   68134,

If you enjoy Holidays on Ice, he has several other books in our collection that will make make you laugh just as much. Two other books I have recently enjoyed are by women in comedy TV, Tina Fey and Mindy Kaling.  These women prove exactly why they are queens of comedy TV in these light, smart, and funny books.

IS EVERYONE HANGING OUT WITHOUT ME? AND OTHER CONCERNS by Kaling, Mindy (2011)

Known for her role as Kelly Kapoor on television’s The Office–and her Emmy-nominated writing for the show–Kaling expands on her blog and tweets with tidbits about sitcom life, her “normal American woman” body type, fashion faux pas, and her eleven favorite moments in comedy. Some strong language. Bestseller.  2011.

DB   74046      

BOSSYPANTS  by Fey, Tina (2011)

Creator and star of the sitcom 30 Rock uses humor to describe her home life and career. Discusses her training in improv; celebrating her chubby phase; working on Saturday Night Live as a writer, actor, and Sarah Palin impersonator;  and dealing with breast-feeding fanatics. Strong language. Bestseller.  2011.

DB   72819   17