This is a general warning before reading the review: This book is VERY odd, so if you don't like oddball humor, go find another book.

The book's flap shows you how funny it is, as she gets angry with you for not purchasing the book. And there it begins.
The layout is very old-fashioned. The chapters are spread out with many photos and crudely drawn images. Usually these images make you chuckle. The whole book is in full-color, so no guessing as to what color such-and-such is.

The content is hit-and-miss, but generally a hit. It'll make you chuckle, and you'll definately think "what was she on?" during some chapters, and that's the point. But that's not all; you also get a giant reference manual to easy-to-make recipes! Rachael Ray, move out of the way! This book also shows you how to entertain and be a guest, as these are also part of the hospitality boat. You'll eithe laugh or end up scratching your heads at the comedy.

------------over-all grade-------

Writing: B+ - It's funny, but it drags on for much longer than necessary.
Layout: C+ - It's very old fashioned, which is a big turn-off. Full of yellow and greens.
Overall: B - It's a generally fun guide to entertaining, but beware if you don't find it funny or you'll be returning to Borders right quick.

I love this book. She is a genius. Writing & photos are funy, and I want to try the recipes! BUT, it isn't for everyone. I was reading the 1 star reviews, and was sorry to see how people weren't getting it. It is a Kitschy, Rated R, humorous book on hospitality. If you don't like swear words, "ladies parts", and 70's photos, don't buy it. If you love all those things, get it! You won't be dissappointed. PS: I now own a planter in the shape of a log with a squirrel sitting on it. It reminded me of this book so forcefully, I HAD to buy it! We should all be more like amy ;-)

enjoyable but would have liked it to be a little more off than if was.

Can you believe this book???? Practical, funny, creative, liberated, boy it just racks up positive adjectives, doesn't it? But be forewarned, it's also revoltingly gross here and there and above all this is comedy, not a foray too far into Martha Stewart territory. But then again, if you needed me to tell you that you probably don't know who Amy Sedaris is. I had fun reading Amy Sedaris' assault on vulnerable Eisenhower-era values, actually learned a thing or two, and, who knows, might try a few of her recipes next time I'm feeling antidisestablishmentalitarian. And, oh yeah, her, ahem, charming wit is amusing too. (Marbles in the medicine cabinet?! What to do with organic lemons? Where the heck does she get that stuff?) I'm a fan of books that walk the thin line between parody and information, offensive and endearing, and gods help us, the irreverent I Like You does that extremely well.

Dear Amy -

I like your book. No, I love it. No, wait, I totally *heart* it, in fact. It is way awesome. Much like you. I bet you throw the craziest parties. Will you kindly invite me sometime? I know I'm one of those annoying vegans who will totally muck up your dinner menu, but I promise to make it up to you by bringing plenty of booze.

Anyway, back to your book. Why do I *heart* it so? Well, the pictures totally kick it; it takes a special lady to pull off the bottomless-but-for-pantyhose look. Your gourmet masterpieces look yummy despite the animal ingredients. And your diy décor is do-able even for the not-so-crafty among us. Googley eyes on peanuts! Who woulda thunkit? And you're so retro, too, Amy! Like a Fiona Apple video, or those `70s douche ads that all us hairy-legged feminist bloggers like to pass around on the internets. I LIKE YOU is, like, the perfect coffee table book for people who think people who have coffee table books are kinda sorta pretentious jerks. For reals.

But wait! There's more! Your book also has words! And they make me laugh, and laugh, and laugh. And then chortle and guffaw. And then some more lolz. Your sections on entertaining the elderly, babycakes (sorry, "children"), ladies' nights and "when you get to play nurse" (not as fun and/or dirt-ay as it sounds) are especially amusing. Even the book flap provides several minutes of enjoyment.

In sum, Amy, you give this misanthrope hope! Plus, you taught me how to locate my vagina with a hand mirror. I will always remember you for that. With much fondness and warmth. Make of that what you will.

hugs & kisses

- k

PS - Did you by chance ever go by the name of Charlene, maybe in the early `80s? Because you totally remind me of Dr. Stephen Colbert, DFA's ex-lover of the same name. No? Whatevs, nm.

PPS - I know it's you.

PPPS - I am eagerly awaiting my dinner party invite.

The best! You'll enjoy everything about this book if you have a sense of humor.

I love this book. It is really fun and Amy Sedaris is very funny! It is a great book for your coffee table. She has some good advice and some great recipes!

I really like how acerbic this book is- nothing could compare to the wit in a cartoon roofie. I am working through my aprehension about trying any of the recipes, but I am sure this book will serve its purpose one way or the other.

Laugh out loud funny! Made some of the recipes for a party and they were great.

My God its hard to imagine that this is Jerri Blank. Anyone who doesn't know who that is in for a shock. Strangers with Candy was and still is one of my all time favorite shows. I just can't get over how good Amy looks. As for content. It is a very non-PC, and for many; offencive. Some people just need to grow some thicker skin and get a life. Sedaris has a wonderful sense of humor that is in your face and subtle all at the same time. I wish one day I could meet a girl like Amy Sedaris
Over all this book provided me with a few hours of out loud laughter and some intriguing ideas. Highly recommended

Thank you for this fun and trashy book. I refer to it all the time when guests are emminent.

I love Amy Sedaris, and this is a very funny book. I gave it as a gift to a friend who is the perfect hostess, and she thought it was hysterical.

Great bathroom reading, then take it into the kitchen and use a recipe. A very funny woman with many gifts.

Very funny book. I bought two of them as gifts and my friends loved it too.

Amy Sedaris' book is chock-ful of actual recipes and hostessing tips, the recipes are all real; some of the hostessing tips are tongue-in-cheek, and there are several adults-only tips (those were the funniest, to me, along with her pretend adverts for things such as "pineapple-scented tampons"). The book has a retro look and feel that reminds me of some of the actual books my mother had when I was growing up (I'm a child of the 60's and 70's, as is Sedaris), with an appealing layout and engaging illustrations. The zinger for me though had to be her reference to the 70's made-for-tv movie "Trilogy Of Terror", when she lambasts Karen Black's character for her obvious "lack of cooking skills". That alone made me almost choke with laughter.

In all seriousness though, this book is a great, entertaining read, full of yummy recipes along with some raunchy humor. You'll learn, and you'll laugh. I'm going to use some of those recipes too...and I might just put marbles in the medicine cabinet, the next time we have houseguests....

Very funny and covers a wide range of entertaining and home-keeping topics. Recipes look good too!

Replete with actual recipes and full-on menus for theme entertaining, Amy Sedaris' book is an entertaining read. There are plenty of photos and illustrations for all of her home advice shenanignans. This book proved to be a great gift for the domestic challenged and those confined to bedrest.

This book is really funny if you love Amy Sedaris and her irreverent sense of humor, and it's awesome if you also love to entertain because it actually has some useful tips and real recipes in it which taste great. I made the "Southern Green Beans" for a party this week and everyone loved them. The chocolate chip cookie recipe and the mushroom casserole are also really good.

One thing I noticed is that a lot of the recipes in this book do not have exact measurements, and the instructions are often not very specific. I didn't mind that at all because I'm not the type of person to get out the measuring spoons for everything I add in a recipe anyway. However, I could see that being a problem for people who like to know exactly how much of each thing they should add.

This book is a hoot!
Not for the nervous type though. Don't be fooled by the cover...Amy is not a Martha Stewart wannabe. If you don't like mild drug references, a bit of bad language, or some sexual innuendo it could offend...ie: maybe you should re-consider putting this in Gramma's Christmas stocking.
If you like Amy's brother (David Sedaris) then you will like this. They share the same wacky sense of humor. I have bought this book for a bunch of friends as hostess gifts and it is always a hit.
FYI: Amy is an actress who stars with Steven Colbert (be still my heart!) in "Strangers with Candy" - also very funny.
Highly recommend it!

Just put it on a table and watch who picks it ups and starts reading. If you have a quirky sense of humor then this book is for you. Definitely not a page turner, more like, just open it up and enjoy! A friend gave it to me and I have enjoyed watching everyone from my mom to my nieces get a giggle out of any one of the pages. It is the definition of a coffee table book. Buy it and enjoy!

Oh that Sedaris family is so talented. Amy has outdone herself with this modern day Helpful Hints, Miss Manners, Betty Crocker and all the other books that tell young ones how to be the perfect hostess. Every new bride should have a copy

I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I got this book. From the title, it could have been a compendium of funny anecdotes about throwing house parties with lessons to be learned from each. That would have probably better satisfied the apparent intention behind I Like You, as well as have been much more accessible. But instead, I Like You is exactly the opposite: a book of party advice with tongue-in-cheek humor thrown directly and often imperceptibly into each paragraph or list. The result leaves one wondering if this is a humor book or a book about party planning. Knowing Amy Sedaris as a comedienne, and not being of a party planning slant, this book certainly felt to me a lot more like the latter than the former. To a novice party planner looking for some hip modern advice, it will probably feel the opposite. Which leaves me wondering: who is supposed to like this book?

OMG!!! This book is a must have for anyone that likes to laugh.
Great recipe ideas and I absolutely love Amy Sedaris.
In my opinion, this book was too inexpensive for all of the great
information Amy has shared. Highly recommend!!!
I even took it on vacation to read. :)

I checked this book out at the library since I am a huge fan of Amy's offbeat Strangers with Candy movie/show on Comedy Central and for her brother David's books--I just had to buy it. If you are a fan as well--then this will not disappoint-- This is a great read if you're looking for wacky/cheeky humor--the pics in the book are funny and have that "Betty Crocker cookbook" 70's cheesy vibe.

This is a cookbook/Miss Manners type book with pizzazz. It has good recipes interspersed with funny advice and how-to tips; the recipes usually take normal ingredients and the advice is relevent, too. It would be a good pick for a girlfriend's birthday present or for a girlfriend's bridal shower.

I love the Sedaris sense of humor and the premise behind this book. When you entertain, you say, "I like you." But I found it difficult to use as an actual cookbook with all the other random content. Still, a funny book!

I bought 4 copies of this - one to keep and 3 for gifts. This woman is a super genius from the Jello Super Genius Institute!

i love amy. she is hilarious. this is a guide to entertaining people thru her eyes. want to throw a party? consult this book. surprisingly, it's painless, info-filled and with lots of practical tips and recipes. and it will also make you laugh! amy is kind of cute if you ask me, even at her age. as funny as her brother though not as famous.

I am angry with Amy Sedaris. I was liking this book so far, then opened to page 251 where I saw a nuclear missle running with a rickshaw on japanese wooden shoes, little asian eyes and the words "Korean Korner" in a karate font. This caricature is insulting to Asians, and Koreans. I am up for any joke or wit or sarcasm, but this seems ignorant to me. I ignored it by flipping the pages and saw a little worm in a beret and thought she is spoofing other cultures too so I was just going to let it go. But on page 267 Amy SEdaris gives direction on how to make a "CHING CHONG BURRITO"--- by using "mung beans". I stop there. That's not humor, that's ignorance. Amy Sedaris knows nothing about hospitality or Asian culture. You're a great ambassador, Amy. Good on you.

I am angry with Amy Sedaris. I was liking this book so far, then opened to page 251 where I saw a nuclear missle running with a rickshaw on japanese wood shoes, little asian eyes and the words "Korean Korner". This caricature is insulting to Asians, and Koreans. I am up for any joke or wit or sarcasm, but this seems ignorant to me. I ignored it by flipping the pages and saw a little worm in a beret and thought she is spoofing other cultures too so I was just going to let it go. But on page 267 Amy SEdaris gives direction on how to make a "CHING CHONG BURRITO"-- by using "mung beans". I stop there. I don't need to pay for this book and watch my culture to be insulted. Amy Sedaris knows nothing about hospitality or Asian culture. You're a great ambassador, Amy. Good on you.

Amy Sedaris cracks me up. I bought this book for myself a few months ago, and I absolutely love it. It's both serious and completely not serious at the same time. Every time I open it, I find new things to laugh about, but then it's also full of good advice and great recipes. The photos & drawings are a scream! This book is my new favorite gift for all my lady friends & family: my mom, my sister, my boyfriend's mom, my friends.... I now know how to put on pantyhose properly, and I'm really looking forward to making a fake cake sometime soon!!

I'm surprised at how much I didn't like this book. It's nicely put together and the layout is well thought out, but it's just a little off putting. Maybe it's the 1950's vibe or just the fact that she can be a little too silly. The information is really good, and I'll probably use it. I just wouldn't go so far as to say she's the next Ms. Manners.

One of the best birthday gifts I ever received. Amy Sedaris is a comic genius.

Okay, so I will admit that if I wasn't aware that Sedaris ran an acclaimed cupcake company in NYC, I'd probably think the recipes in here would be jokes. Except the fact that when you look at them...they look right. And I promise you...that cupcake recipe....is AWESOME. Delicious.

The entertaining information and tips are presented in the best manner ever. Sedaris enwtines horribly innappropriate jokes about alcoholics, old people, and personal hygiene with delicious and accurate recipes and decorating tips.

The drawing that accompanies the blurb about cleaning your vagina is one of the funniest I have ever seen in my life.

I don't recommend trying to sell your junk to your houseguests, but I DO recommend these recipes. Thumbs WAY up!

this book is a great book to sit and read--funny, funny, funny!
but also the recipes are the real deal. tasty and very cookable.

this is already one of the most worn cookbooks on our cookbook bookcase (yeah, we have a whole bookcase full of cookbooks!)

a classic.

This book does a great job of entertaining the reader with the realities of entertaining. You are always giving yourself a second look when reading it saying to yourself; have I ever done that? has one of my guest done that? The answer might just be YES! A great book for a fun read. Will buy more for friends.

I received this book as a gift from a friend and will now go buy more for other friends. I didn't even get beyond the front flap before I was laughing. People take entertaining WAY too seriously (me included) and this definitely put it all into perspective. If you're a perfectionist with no sense of humor, this book is not for you. For the rest of the world, you will love it! The pictures alone will make you laugh - I wish I knew Amy Sedaris so I could invite her to my party!

I am a huge fan of Amy Sedaris. From her performances in SWC to her tumbling appearance on the Colbert Report, I really have a spot for the woman. However, through parts of the book, it felt like that was the only thing keeping me going. ALL of the pictures and illustrations are absolutely hilarious; she is indeed a master of illusion and disguise. Some of the recipes are great, and the general party ideas are very funny and generally helpful.

It just felt like some of the pages were TOO enrobed in kitsch to truly enjoy (she goes on for a while about recreational drug use and hangovers, and the orange-tinged pictures overcrowd the edge of the page.)

Nonetheless, I quickly got over these sections and enjoyed the rest of the crafty cupcakes, bedazzled gift wrapping, dance party suggestions, upside-down pineapple cake, old-people-friendly/large-text chapter, and several uses of feminine products... ha.

I liked about 87% of it. Sedaris shows a lot of diversity in her humor, but sometimes the zaniness is just a bit forced. Worth it overall!

I bought 5 copies for all the "Ladies" in my family. WE especially appreciated the parts on entertaining gypsy's, ex-convicts, and drug addicts. Thank you Amy!!!!!

This book is stunningly perfect. From the thoughtful introduction to the closing recipe, Amy Sedaris hs created ther perfect guide to hosting and cooking. Crammed with lots of pictures and plenty of real-life experiences, each chapter is as well crafted as the most delicious cheese ball. A must have for those looing to elevate their skills to a higher levels. The recipes are well planned and taste delicious. Perfect, perfect, perfect.

This book is great. I ordered 1 for myself and 1 as a wedding gift. It's a quirky book that's a great laugh but I can't say I really want to jump into making anything in there. But it is a great read!

I am pretty sure their whole family is crazy (if you've read any of her brother David's work you'll know what I mean). But good, funny crazy. Cute recipes and a workable take on Hospitality! Fun read.

Amy Sedaris is a funny lady and the book has some good recipes in it but the combination of funny lady and good food recipes doesn't work for me. I guess I prefer my comedy one one pile of books and my food recipes on another. Didn't care for this book so much.

Her book is quite amusing- a tome for the person who likes entertaining but doesn't take him or herself too seriously.
The tips and recipes offered here are very useful supported by an amusing backround .

I really enjoyed the book. I have bought the book for several people as gifts. I also enjoyed reading her brother's (David Searis) books. I would recommend this book along with her brother's books.

Even without considering the great content, and Amy's sense of humor, the book is worth every penny to give as a gift to a friend. It was worth the price to see their reaction when they turned it over and saw the back cover.

I found myself writing down some of the great tips Amy gives in the book and laughed myself silly at her suggestion on how to make money off of house guests. I loved the advertisements, pinapple tampons, anyone? So funny. The recipes looked pretty good too, especially if you like greek food.

The best of the best! The Sedaris Family has got be something special (CALL ME - DAVID OR AMY) I just love 'em!

I purchased this book as a gift for a crazy friend of mine and, after reading it, decided to get a copy for my brother-in-law, and my partner, too. Amy Sedaris' comments are witty, insightful, and most importantly, very funny; it's almost like she has wiretapped your inner thoughts and picked out all of your twisted neuroses to share with the public at large. A friend commented that every time she reads the book, she feels that Amy's looking over her shoulder and taking notes on all the crazy little thoughts that are going through her head. So if you are looking for the perfect gift to get for a friend who loves to laugh and enjoyed watching "Strangers with Candy", your search is over. Pick up a copy of this book, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I have never enjoyed a cook/entertaining book more. The over-all content of the book was hilarious; and I even learned a thing or two. I would highly recommend it. It would make a perfect bridal shower or birthday gift.