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From AudioFile Wendy Spero is a stand-up comedian whose meticulous, meandering reflections on her quirky, neurotic life may remind listeners of David Sedaris. Like Sedaris, Spero has an amazing memory for the minutiae of her childhood, and she interweaves story after loving story about her family. Though Spero is great at voices, especially her mother's nasal drone and her own younger voices, listeners are more likely to smile than laugh out loud at these tales. Spero's dry wit emphasizes the interesting observation over the outright funny story. At over six hours, this audio performance also suffers from a lack of focus; the time constraints of a live performance would suit her style much better. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine Read more
S**N
You'll laugh until you hurt, flip the page, and repeat
Wow. What a total and utter surprise.After reading the rave reviews on Amazon I figured I would get the book and it would be a letdown. Good, but not 5-star good. Well, I was wrong -- and the reviews were right. Do yourself a favor and get this book.You probably won't learn any life lessons that you can teach your children, but you'll close the book with an understanding of life in another person's shoes. There were lots of things I was shocked about (people live like that?!) and just as many things I identified with (oh my gosh, me too!!). As soon as I finished this book I forced my roomate to read it -- every 5 minutes there was a roar of laughter from the next room for the next few nights.Its honest. Its funny. You'll want to read it all, and you'll be sad when it is over. I recommend it.
P**I
Great Reading with lots of laughs
Although not for anyone easily offended by frank (but not in an obscene way)--remember, the author's mother is a sex therapist--it keep me laughing from start to finish. It also gives a realistic look at growing up in NYC with its cramped apartments and roommate headaches. And, despite her quirks, insecurities and obsessions (get real, we all have them), she manages (along with us) to laugh along. There's a little Wendy Spero in all of us.
S**A
I can totally relate.
Hilarious. I identified strongly with several aspects of the author's personality & memories, especially the OCD-ness and the worry that adults would not believe her (me!) if she saw an alien (or ghost, in my case) that they themselves couldn't see. She blames ET, I blame Wait til Helen Comes.
R**S
Five Stars
This was hilarious!
J**A
Fun book to listen to.
I really enjoyed listening to Microthrills. Wendy Spero has an amusing perspective on life and she's really good at conveying it in her stories. Her impressions of her mom are priceless.
D**H
This is a MUST!
I do not read much non-fiction. I live real life. I read to escape it. But the bright neon yellow cover of this book was eye-catching. So, against my will, my feet walked up to it, my hand picked it up, and my eyes began reading. Before I knew it, hours had gone by and I had read the whole thing.In this book, Wendy "Wendaay" Spero tells readers true stories about her life in a way that only she can do. From her childhood, to her awkward years, and on up to the present day. Being raised by a mother like Wendy's makes for some interesting memories. (I will think of Wendy and her mother every time I go to a fair from now on.)***** Engrossing, packed with humor, and just all around fun, this is one book you will never forget. Very highly recommended! *****Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
A**R
Not only can she sell knives...she's hilarious too!!
After seeing Wendy Spero perform her hugely popular one-woman show in Scotland and loving every minute of it I knew that this book would be a blast to read and it didn't disappoint at all! I only wish that I didn't get through it so quickly. Wendy Spero's writing brings humor and insight into everyday, and some not-so-everyday, situations. Her sharp observations and unique perspectives on her surrounding world leave you thinking after you're done laughing out loud. Thanks to the story about her Einstein look-a-like grandfather I will never overlook the shape of a fine or even semi-fine gem again. I'm definitely recommending this book to all my friends!
A**I
A window into a different life
There are thousands of 'slice of life' books which range from traumatic to absurd. The life of Wendy as portrayed in Microthrills seems far more relatable than many of these. Amos claims she actually toned down her OCD for the book. Still, with as crazy as she seems, there are aspects of her neurosis that anyone can relate to. We're all a little neurotic after all. On top of being extremely interesting, this book is also extremely funny. Many times during my read I laughed as if I had been there at that moment and experienced what she had experienced, feeling the joy she felt at experiencing something unique and strange.After finishing her book I had a general feeling that I needed to be more observant in life. Wendy shows us that no life is ordinary if you look at it through the right kind of eyes. Situations which we might perceive as painful or awkward can be seen as novel and humorous. We're surrounded by absurdity. Recognizing the absurd makes life that much more interesting.I enjoyed the whole book, cover to cover. Unlike albums where there are only a few songs you REALLY like, I felt every chapter of this book was worth reading.
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