Calypso

Sedaris is celebrated as a keen observer of the world's oddities. In this New York Times Notable Book of 2018, he presents an entrancing narrative that reveals not just the witty storyteller familiar to readers, but a man in his seventh decade confronting mortality and his darker secrets. His writing exudes an intoxicating essence that captivates, making his logic resonate deeply with readers. When Sedaris acquires a beach house on the Carolina coast, he dreams of idyllic vacations filled with board games and sunbathing alongside loved ones. Life at the Sea Section unfolds as he envisioned, yet he faces the vexing truth that one cannot escape oneself. Through his formidable observational skills, Sedaris explores themes of middle age and mortality. The stories are hilariously funny, capable of inducing laughter that resonates like family humor. His writing is sharper than ever, with an unmatched ability to provoke laughter even in the face of life's betrayals. The comedy arises from the unsettling realization of aging, where the past outweighs the future. This book serves as beach reading for those who dislike beaches and is essential for anyone who prefers meaningful conversations over small talk. It stands as Sedaris's darkest yet warmest work, potentially his finest to date.