Rainer Maria Rilke

"Live a while in these books, learn from them what seems to you worth learning, but above all love them. This love will be repaid you a thousand and a thousand times, and however your life may turn,-it will, I am certain of it, run through the fabric of your growth as one of the most important threads among all the threads of your experiences, disappointments, and joys."--Rainer Maia Rilke


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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

An Animal's Look at Humanity

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris
(Adult Fables)

This book is a hilarious look at the inhumanity of humans as portrayed by various beasts and these creatures really make us, the people, look like the biggest animals of all.

It is a series of short stories, or fables, told from the various view points of squirrels, chipmunks, mice, owls and other assorted wild and domesticated animals.  The stories range from love lost, slippery infatuations, toxic relationships, taking a chance and trying to see things from a different perspective.  The lesson here?  Sometimes taking that chance can just, in the end, have you looking up a hippo's butt hole. 

At least, that's the lesson I learned.  And there are many lessons to be learned. (Yes, political correctness can go too far.  Is it really racist to call a snake, well, a black snake, even though it really is one?)

If you like books that are dry, dark and extremely naughty, then David Sedaris is just the author for you and I can't think of a better book to start with than this one. (Caution:  keep away from the kids.  It looks suspiciously like a book younger kids will like but does not make a good read-aloud...as I learned to my chagrin!)

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