"Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk" by David Sedaris

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk is an interesting and decidedly remarkable book of social commentary given from the perspective of animals. Stories ranging from over-zealous love to hidden agendas and betrayal pepper the pages with the faces we see on an everyday basis. Sedaris does an exceptional job of bringing to light all those nasty bits of humanity we try so hard to keep hidden in a safe and neatly tied package of fuzz-covered fables.

A collection of short stories, Squirrel Meets Chipmunk gives the reader bite sized insights on character. I liken them to having a friend you tell everything – someone who is willing to agree to your darkest parts and make it feel like you’re not so alone to think what’s-her-face is a hopeless mess or for taking off an extra sick day. The short stories within these pages are not, by any means, light-hearted. I would go so far as to say that almost every single story has some act of near gruesome violence, and, if things of a graphic nature are apt to turn your stomach, I would caution you to possibly read through a bit before committing yourself to a purchase. But, in my opinion, he pulls it off by having the center of these stories revolving around animals. It’s the circle of life, right? There’s nothing wrong with that. I believe that’s almost the biggest lesson he pushes to teach or, possible, the biggest tenant he leans to support his tales of woe.

With biting wit and humor, this is something that can be read more than once, gladly, and shared with others. I had the benefit of listening to the audio-book to and from work (which was voiced, in part, by the absolutely brilliant and beautiful Elaine Stritch), and, if you have the opportunity, I would recommend doing the same. The short stories lend themselves to the one-or-two-at-a-time sittings that a short commute provides.

I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s really wonderful, and, if you don’t mind or can look past some harsh language and graphic content, it’s something that I think most people interested in social commentary would tend to really enjoy.