I Was Told There'd Be Cake, by Sloane Crosley, is a collection of (15) essays
about the author, and read by the author. The reason I selected this audio book was because the style was compared to David Sedaris, who I've enjoyed in the past.
These essays center around such themes as coming of age and careers. The first few essays did have me chuckling, especially: The Pony Problem (Sloane has a plastic pony obsession, and keeps the ponies under the sink at her first apartment), Sign Language for Infidels (Sloane volunteers at a Butterfly exhibit at the New York Museum of Natural History), and Christmas in July (Sloane's family is Jewish and she attends a Christian summer camp, and is fascinated by what she has learned).
As humorous as the above essays were, I just could not connect with the author. I was expecting a female version of Sedaris' humor, and this was not the case. I admit to skipping several of the stories as after a while, I no longer found any humor. Personally, I think this audio book might appeal more to a twenty-something reader. YOU BE THE JUDGE!
I've heard similar things from most other bloggers who took this one out for a spin. Mostly it seems like it is neither as funny nor as engaging as the author hoped it would be... I think this is one I'll skip.
ReplyDeleteI love your ratings system. It lets me know right away what you think of the book.
ReplyDeleteI saw a write-up of this one in Book Page. The author works in the publishing industry if I remember correctly.
I am not a fan of essays or short stories. I need to be taken away and short stuff doesn't do it for me.
I love love loved this! I don't think she is at all like sedaris though.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a great title--too bad it didn't work for you.
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't connect with this one.
ReplyDeleteI have not listened to many audio books; only a couple in the car, during long car trips. I'm hearing about them more and more, and also noticing them at bookstores. I'll have to try one again soon.
Agree with Lisa--the title is awesome. Hmm, I've always loved personal essays; I feel like I'm reading someone's diary. I may have to give this one (an apprehensive) shot.
ReplyDeleteI got this book as a Christmas present last year - I'd added it to my wishlist for its comparisons to David Sedaris,too. I still haven't gotten around to reading it but it's too bad it doesn't sound quite as funny as it's promised.
ReplyDeleteThis is on my tbr list. I've been wanting to read it forever. Good review.
ReplyDeleteI don't often read essays, but your review piqued my interest, even though it wasn't as engaging or funny as you'd hoped.
ReplyDeleteI love the smiley ? guy!! I'm going to skip this one...I'm way past 20+
ReplyDeleteok, see, i had a great time with this book--but i am a twenty-something and work in publishing. so maybe a little more targeted?
ReplyDeleteI requested this book from Paperback Swap for the same reasons .... I heard it was like David Sedaris!!! I still have it on my TBR bookshelf so I'm sorry to hear it didn't quite live up to your expectations. I guess I won't go in expecting another Sedaris (how could there be, though?). : )
ReplyDeleteAny comparison to David Sedaris would suck me in as well - love him!
ReplyDeleteI'd heard that this was a great book, and had been interested in reading it, but after your review I think I am going to reevaluate. It sounds like a fun read, but I am not sure I am the target audience, and I may get bored as well. Thanks for your insight on this one.
ReplyDeleteSedaris doesn't really work for me so I might stay away from this one...
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