Title When you are Engulfed in Flames
Author David Sedaris
Year Published 2008
Kind of Book Humor/Essays
How strongly I recommend it 6/10
My Impressions This was the first collection by Sedaris I read. I must admit, I was a little underwhelmed. He is a great writing, but I find his life a little boring.
Date Read circa 2020
Practical Takeaways
Spread getting to know your partner out over several years, don't try to learn everything about them in one month A: you'll be bored the rest of your life
Big Ideas
Sometimes when people feel worthless they remind themselves and others of the sins they haven't committed to make themselves feel better
In some cultures NOT wanting to have multiple partners is a sign that something is wrong with you
We sometimes run out of things to talk about with our long-term partners because we know everything about their past
Surprising Facts
In Japan it is seen as too direct to ask someone to borrow money or for the time. You must say instead "do you have any money?" or "do you have a watch?"
Unknown Terms
Hunky-dory: a phrase meaning "about as well as one could wish or expect"
Negligee: n item of women's nightwear, in the form of a lacy nightgown
Comeuppance: deserved reward or just deserts, usually unpleasant: (eg. He finally got his _____for his misbehavior.)
Aviary: A large enclosure for holding birds in confinement
Hot-boxing: the act of smoking or vaporizing cannabis in an enclosed area such as a car, a cubicle, or a small room in order to maximize the psychactive effects of the marijuana