brave, vulnerable, well written, hilarious ( )

I think this book works best read in spurts rather than cover to cover, since the voice (while very funny) can get a little tiresome in long doses. But it's not like he didn't warn me in the title. His writing about his father really cracked me up - especially in the chapter about giving the school janitor a ride. Six stars for that chapter! ( )

L.O.V.E.D. it. Tons of swearing and inappropriateness: still, I loved it. "...how absurd to think I'd agree to put myself on display, to allow people to see my face and read my name" (in the newspaper, pg 229).... "There's nothing more delicious than luxuriating in the minutiae of a diabolical plot" (pg 247). ...
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Work article:
Adam Resnick has pulled together hilarious tales from his life that illustrate his reluctance to interact with people and the belligerence that raises its head when he is forced into social situations. He “refuses to be burdened by chores like basic social obligation and personal growth, living instead by his own steadfast rule: I refuse to do anything I don’t want to do.” Resnick is an Academy Award-winning author for NBC’s “Late Night with David Letterman,” so his self-deprecation is no surprise. Though many will view his behavior and thinking process as outrageous, his is a very likeable and enjoyable voice. Will Not Attend is full of laugh-out-loud funny stories told by an eccentric friend.

A note for readers: profanity is widespread throughout the book, and some may find his stories rude and offensive. ( )

Being a David Sedaris reader, I developed skepticism years ago about personal accounts that scream 'funny!' on the book's covers and reviews (I'm still not quite over a comparison to David by a reviewer on one of Laurie Natoro's books years ago. I was essentially offended). So, I wasn't expecting hysterical. There were some (5 or so?) laugh-out-loud bits, however I was generally disappointed. There was a lot of dullness in his story telling--skipped a couple of stories. Title was misleading as there was really only one story about his aversion to attending social events and very little of him actually avoiding interaction with people. Also--a personal preference, so not necessarily a criticism but I do not like childhood accounts, of which this had several. ( )

First thing: Adam Resnick is not for everyone. Resnick is not warm and cuddly, and he uses curse words freely (and with great dexterity). He is neither Cliff Huxtable nor Ward Cleaver, and if you go into this book looking for them, you'll be disappointed. But if you've ever fumed at the oblivious people around you, chafed at family entanglements, been drowned in self-doubt, or anything like these experiences, you'll like his take on the world. Best book I've read in a while. ( )