Me Talk Pretty One Day is a compilation of hilarious
personal essays by humorist David Sedaris. The book is divided
into two parts, and with few exceptions, focuses on the early part of Sedaris’s life in Part 1, and his time in France in Part 2.
In Part 1, Sedaris’s uncorrectable lisp and desire to sing commercial jingles label him a childhood outcast. At a young age, Sedaris is aware and unashamed that his interests are more akin to his mother and sisters than his father.
Inspired by his sister’s skill with a paint brush, Sedaris begins an interesting journey as an artist. After running the gamut of artistic specialties, from sculpture to performance art, Sedaris finishes his art degree, but ends up teaching a writing workshop, degrading himself as a
personal assistant, and breaking his back moving other people’s furniture. Of course, Sedaris’s recollections of bizarre
experiences with misidentified pigeons named Cheeky and the un-flushed remains of house guests make his winding path a riot to read.
In Part 2, Sedaris meets his partner Hugh. They eventually move to Paris after several summers in Normandy. Sedaris’s life in Paris is just another backdrop for his hilarious everyday experiences. As an American in Paris, Sedaris also begins to view the world differently, changing his tone from that of self-absorption to one of social conscientiousness.
Despite what may appear to be a miscalculated grouping of essays that bounce about chronologically, Sedaris pulls off a witty personal story held together by insightful themes.